# FAQ ## Where are my tags stored? Tag data is stored as `.json` sidecar files in the same folder as your images. This means your tags travel with your files if you move the folder, as long as the sidecar files move with them. ## Can I use Compendia with files on an external drive or network share? Yes. Compendia works with any folder that your operating system can access, including external drives and network shares. Just use **File > Open Folder** and navigate to the location as you normally would. Keep in mind that performance may be slower when working over a network connection, particularly when generating thumbnails for large libraries. ## What image formats are supported? Compendia supports JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and HEIC/HEIF files. Video files will appear in the file list as thumbnails, with playback support depending on the codecs available on your system. ## Can I rename or reorganise my tag families after I've already tagged files? Yes. You can rename a tag family or individual tags at any time by left-clicking the name in the Tag Library. All existing tag assignments update automatically. No re-tagging is required. You can also move tags from one family to another using drag and drop. This is useful when a family grows too large and you want to split it up. For example, you might start with a single *People* family, then later create separate *Family*, *Friends*, and *Coworkers* families and drag individual person tags into each one. The tag assignments on your files are preserved throughout. ## My tags disappeared after moving my folder. What happened? Compendia stores tag data in `.json` sidecar files alongside your images. If you moved your images without also moving the sidecar files, or if the sidecar files were left behind in the original location, Compendia will not be able to find them. To recover your tags, move the sidecar files to the same folder as the images and reload the folder in Compendia. ## Does Compendia modify my original image files? No. Compendia never modifies your original image files. All tag and metadata information is stored in separate sidecar files. Your images are read-only as far as Compendia is concerned. ## How do I back up my tags? Because tags are stored as `.json` sidecar files alongside your images, they are included automatically in any backup that covers your image folders. There is no separate export step required. If you use a backup tool that syncs your photo folders, your tags will be backed up along with your images. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://compendia.gitbook.io/compendia/faq.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.