Update from an earlier version
Install the update, review imported data, and restore any folder access that needs attention.
Last updated: 2026-09-10
Quick answer
In the Mac App Store, open Updates and update Little Tagger. On the first upgrade from version 1 to version 2, the app attempts to import compatible tags, presets, and saved locations from the previous installation. Review the result during setup and re-grant any locations whose access could not be restored.
Before you update
Check that your Mac meets the current requirements. Keep the existing app data in place. You do not need to delete your previous installation's data to prepare for the update.
These instructions cover an in-place update on the same Mac. They are not a procedure for transferring a Little Tagger library to a different Mac.
Install the update
- Finish any tagging operation that is running, then quit Little Tagger.
- Open the App Store on your Mac.
- Click Updates in the sidebar.
- Click Update next to Little Tagger.
- When the update finishes, open Little Tagger.
If the App Store product page shows Open and no update is offered, launch the installed app. Check its version in Little Tagger > Settings... > About when you have access to the main app.
Apple also provides instructions for updating App Store apps.
Review the import from version 1
When an older installation's data is found, Little Tagger attempts a one-time import into the newer app. During setup, a successful import is shown as Your Previous Data Is Ready.
Review the counts for Tags, Presets, and Locations. If some locations could not be restored, the screen explains that they can be added again during setup.
| Data | What to check after the update |
|---|---|
| Tags | Open Actions > Manage Tags... and check the imported tag names. |
| Presets | Check the sidebar, then select a preset to review its tags, action, filters, and timing before using it. |
| Locations | Check the setup result and the Locations area in Manage Tags. Re-grant unavailable locations. |
| Other settings | Review the current app's settings. Do not assume every preference or older organizational setting has an equivalent that carries over. |
A later update within version 2 does not automatically repeat the import from version 1. Once the import attempt has been recorded, reopening the app is not a way to run that migration again.
Check a migrated preset before using it
Keep the workspace empty while reviewing an older preset.
- Select the preset in the sidebar.
- Review Selected Tags and the removal or replacement controls in the Tags inspector.
- Review the Filters inspector and the execution timing beside Apply.
- Choose Manually before adding a small set of files for a test.
Choosing Manually changes the saved timing for that preset. This gives you a chance to review the test files before applying anything.
Restore locations that need access
On the Add Locations setup screen, use Add Location or Add Another Location, select the intended folder or volume, and click Grant Access.
After setup, open Actions > Manage Tags... > Locations. Use Re-Grant... for a listed location that needs access again, or Add Location for one that was not restored.
Follow Set up folder and volume access for the complete procedure.
If Previous Data Could Not Be Imported appears
The setup screen explains that the migration failed and will not be attempted again automatically. You can continue setup, import Finder tags, and add locations again.
To rebuild the Finder tag library during setup, use Import Tags... on the Import Tags screen and confirm the preselected Finder tag database location with Import. This imports Finder tags; it does not recover old presets or every previous setting.
Keep the old app data in place and contact support if you need help recovering missing presets or other app data. Do not delete application data or repeatedly reinstall the app as a way to force another migration attempt.
Keep purchase access separate from data migration
Importing old tags and presets is separate from recognizing a previous purchase. A successful data import is not proof that purchase access has been restored, and a failed data import does not itself invalidate a purchase.
If Little Tagger asks you to choose a plan despite a previous purchase, use Restore Purchases where it is offered and make sure the App Store is using the Apple Account associated with that purchase. Contact support if access is still not recognized. Do not subscribe again merely to try to recover missing app data.
When something is missing after the update
Some tags are missing from the library
Use Import Tags to refresh the Finder tag library, or review the saved Locations and use Rescan to inspect accessible files. Importing tags and migrating old presets are separate operations.
The migration screen did not appear
The app may not have found an older installation's data, or the migration may already have been handled on an earlier launch. Check the current tag library and preset list. Contact support before removing data or trying to reset the app.
A previous preset looks different
Check its current tags, action, filters, and timing before using it. The import covers compatible data, not a promise that every setting from the previous interface is reproduced unchanged.
You need to report a migration problem
Include your previous Little Tagger version if known, your current version, your macOS version, and the message or counts shown during setup. A redacted screenshot is useful. You do not need to send private files or your full tag library to describe the problem.