Tags are one of the primary forms of modern graffiti, along with throw ups and pieces.

They are two-dimensional, often smaller in size, and with thinner lines reflecting the need for quick execution due to the often illegal nature of tagging.

[2] This necessity for speed has led to tags which are written in a single stroke called one-liners.

[7] Tags may be existing words or made-up by the writer, but are usually only 3–5 letters or digits long, again due to the necessity of speed.

[2] The most prevalent taggers in an area are known as "all city", a term that originated in traditional New York graffiti.