Mastering File Management on iPadOS

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Navigate the Sidebar

   Open the Files app to reveal the sidebar. The Locations section displays all connected services, including iCloud Drive, On My iPad, and third-party cloud providers like Dropbox or Google Drive.

   Note: If the sidebar is hidden, tap the sidebar icon in the top-left corner.
2. 1 min

   Create New Folders

   Select a location or an existing folder to enter the directory. Long-press on any empty space within the file browser and select New Folder from the context menu, or tap the three-dot icon at the top of the screen and select New Folder.

   Note: Naming folders immediately keeps your directory searchable.
3. 1 min

   Move and Organize Items

   Tap and hold a file until it lifts, then drag it to a new folder in the sidebar. To move multiple items, tap the three-dot icon, select Select, tap your files, then drag the group into your desired destination.

   Note: You can use the back gesture to navigate through deep folder structures.
4. 30 sec

   Locate Files Quickly

   Use the search bar at the top of the app to find files by name or content. Filters appear below the search bar to narrow results by kind, date, or tag.

   Note: Recent files are displayed in the Recents tab for immediate access.
5. 30 sec

   Share and Collaborate

   Long-press any file or folder and select Share to send it via Mail, Messages, or AirDrop. If the item is in iCloud Drive, you can select Collaborate to invite others to edit the file in real-time.

   Note: Use Copy Link to generate a direct URL for external collaborators.
6. 30 sec

   Manage Deleted Items

   Files deleted from the app move to the Recently Deleted folder in the sidebar. Select the folder, tap the three-dot icon, and choose Empty to permanently remove files and reclaim storage space.

   Note: Items in the Recently Deleted folder are automatically removed after 30 days.