Windows 8 : Managing Content - Libraries - To add a folder to a library

Libraries were introduced in Windows 7 and have carried over to Windows 8. Libraries are special folders that you can use to present a unified view of content, even when the files are stored in different locations. The default library folders are found at C:\Users\<User Name>, and a public folder is found at C:\Users\Public.

Libraries are containers for managed shortcuts to folders that are stored locally, on attached disks, in shared network storage, or even using SkyDrive. If you can use Windows Explorer to add a folder to the library, you can include and manage that content centrally. Libraries take some getting used to, but they can make everyday tasks easier.

There are four standard libraries built into Windows 8: Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos. You see these libraries not only in Explorer, but also in the standard file system Save (PUT) and Open (GET) dialog boxes. You can also create custom libraries of your own.

The Libraries tile on the Start screen takes you to Explorer .

 Windows Explorer with the default library folders showing. You can also create custom libraries using the New command as shown here.

To modify the contents and view of a library, you work with the Library Tools ribbon in Windows Explorer, which becomes available to you when you select a library.

To open and view your libraries

• Tap or click the Windows Explorer icon  on the Desktop taskbar.

 The Windows Explorer taskbar icon

• Press +E to open Windows Explorer, then click the Libraries icon in the Navigation pane .

To create a custom library

• Right-click the Libraries icon in the Navigation pane, select New, and then select Library.

• The first folder you add to a custom library is the default folder where content is saved.

To create a Libraries tile on the tile-based Start screen

Select the Pin To Start command from the Libraries context menu .

To add a folder to a library

1. Open Windows Explorer, and click a library icon.

2. The ribbon changes to display a Library Tools section .

 Manage your library using the Library Tools ribbon.

3. Click the Library Tools label in the window title bar, then click the Manage tab.

4. Click the Manage Library icon at the left of the ribbon underneath the File tab .

A Library Locations folder appears .

 The Music Library Locations folder

5. Click the Add button, and select a folder that you would like to add to the library. Close all open dialog boxes.

6. Click the Set Save Location button, and specify the folder you want to use.

7. If a library is mostly of a certain file type, then click the Optimize Library For icon, and select the file type from the drop-down menu.

This allows the library to offer you the correct playback options and is helpful in indexing operations.

Tip

Since libraries are meant to allow you to organize content, you’ll want to be able to search and find items stored in them. Always index any locations that are part of a library for much faster search operations.