Skip to main content
P
Paul_Vanston6083
January 16, 2026
Question

Question on Keyword searches from a Novice

  • January 16, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 177 views

Hi,

 

I'm completely new to Bridge and I'm trying to work-out how effective it would be in solving my particular needs. I'm a Family Historian and have loads of genealogy photos, records and articles spread across many folders and subfolders on my laptop but all under a root directory GENEALOGY. If I go through everything and add the name of the person / people each item relates to as a Keyword, I see that I can then use Find to get a view of all items related to any given person (Keyword). That's great (and a big step forward from Windows File Explorer) except for the fact that I'd have to type in the name of that person in the Find > Criteria box every time. What would be better would be to be able to get up a list of all my Keywords (people's names) and just click on the person I wanted to find material for - across multiple folders.

 

It seems that the Filter function offers such a list of Keywords but only for the files loaded in the Contents window and therefore not across all my folders.

 

Is there another way to do what I want?

 

Thanks in advance,

Paul

2 replies

E
ExUSA
Legend
January 16, 2026

Review this article, it has helpful tips on keywording. Basically you can create your list and then assign keywords as you go.

https://helpx.adobe.com/bridge/using/keywords-adobe-bridge.html

I'm a product photographer and use keywords extensively. They make finding and organizing much easier.

Erik Bloodaxe
Erik Bloodaxe
Legend
January 16, 2026

Another method is, in the Keywords Panel, select the keyword you wish to search for, right click and choose Find from there. Saves a little typing.

P
Paul_Vanston6083Author
January 16, 2026

That's exactly what I was looking for: finding all files across folders based on a Keyword that you don't have to type in. It will save a lot of typing and I would never have thought to right-click in the Keyword panel.

Excellent: thanks.

Erik Bloodaxe
Erik Bloodaxe
Legend
January 16, 2026

You mentioned the Filter Panel. Another method comes to mind. When you say this only works for the files in the Content Panel, which is true, you can force all of your files to be visible there my selecting the parent folder and then going to the View menu and choosing Show files from subfolders. You may also hide folders from the view if you have lots which may cloud your view. Better still, make a custom shortcut to do exactly that. I use shift+ S which is not a predefined shortcut. If you are unfamiliar with this customising, here is Adobe's help on the subject.

https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/bridge/using/keyboard-shortcuts-panel.html

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices