McIntireB

Q: What is the easiest way to sync document folders from Mac to Ipad.

I am looking for a way to sync documents between a Mac Book Pro and and Ipad3.  These documents may be in a document or spreadsheet format.  I can find apps that allow the copy action but not syncing both ways.

iPad, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Aug 20, 2012 3:10 PM

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Q: What is the easiest way to sync document folders from Mac to Ipad.

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  • by McIntireB,

    McIntireB McIntireB Aug 20, 2012 3:16 PM in response to McIntireB
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 20, 2012 3:16 PM in response to McIntireB

    I also do not want to use iCloud or any drop box.  Only direct sync with USB or WiFi methodes.

  • by Kilgore-Trout,

    Kilgore-Trout Kilgore-Trout Aug 20, 2012 3:57 PM in response to McIntireB
    Level 7 (32,669 points)
    iPad
    Aug 20, 2012 3:57 PM in response to McIntireB

    Depends on what you mean by synching.

     

    You might look into drop copy. It allows tranfer in both directions (but it is a manual process). And there is of course iTunes, but you might find two way movement to be a bit awkward.

  • by Demo,

    Demo Demo Aug 20, 2012 3:59 PM in response to McIntireB
    Level 10 (95,884 points)
    iPad
    Aug 20, 2012 3:59 PM in response to McIntireB

    The Apple iWorks apps, Pages, Numbers and Keynote provide some MS office compatibility. Documents to Go and Office Pro HD are also compatible with the MS office apps.

     

    You can use file sharing with those apps which entails the use of iTunes - and not iCloud or DropBox. This explains how file sharing works - and it will work if you connect the iPad to your computer with the cable and it will work via WiFi as well.

     

    iOS: About File Sharing.

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4094

     

    You can move the files from computer to iPad and from iPad to computer with file sharing.

  • by McIntireB,

    McIntireB McIntireB Aug 20, 2012 4:26 PM in response to McIntireB
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 20, 2012 4:26 PM in response to McIntireB

    I am looking to sync and not just share.  I dont want to keep track of any changes just sync, preferably with Itunes.

  • by kb1951,

    kb1951 kb1951 Aug 20, 2012 4:43 PM in response to McIntireB
    Level 5 (6,112 points)
    Aug 20, 2012 4:43 PM in response to McIntireB

    I use Documents to go for my files.

    The app is in the store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/documents-to-go-office-suite/id317117961?mt=8

     

    I find it a very easy way to sync my files.

  • by McIntireB,

    McIntireB McIntireB Aug 20, 2012 4:47 PM in response to kb1951
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 20, 2012 4:47 PM in response to kb1951

    Does it actually sync or just alow copying?

  • by Demo,

    Demo Demo Aug 20, 2012 4:50 PM in response to McIntireB
    Level 10 (95,884 points)
    iPad
    Aug 20, 2012 4:50 PM in response to McIntireB

    I guess that I am just a bit lost as to why you would want to move files to the iPad and not save them in the compatible apps. You just want to be able to view them? You don't want to be able to edit them on the iPad?

     

    Maybe I am getting caught up on the word "sync" and just not understanding exactly what you want you do.

     

    Explain what you mean by "Sync". Sync indicates to me that you want the document to be the same on both devices  i.e. - keep them in sync. That Is what files sharing does.

  • by Kilgore-Trout,

    Kilgore-Trout Kilgore-Trout Aug 20, 2012 4:56 PM in response to McIntireB
    Level 7 (32,669 points)
    iPad
    Aug 20, 2012 4:56 PM in response to McIntireB

    McIntireB wrote:

     

    I am looking to sync and not just share.  I dont want to keep track of any changes just sync, preferably with Itunes.

    Then frankly you will need to get over your adversion to cloud based apps. Dropbox is the definition of what you need.

  • by kb1951,Solvedanswer

    kb1951 kb1951 Aug 20, 2012 4:56 PM in response to McIntireB
    Level 5 (6,112 points)
    Aug 20, 2012 4:56 PM in response to McIntireB

    Document to Go allows you to edit a file on the phone or pad and then update the file on the computer when you sync. The sames goes for a file on the computer, when you edit it and then sync, the file on the phone or pad is updated.

     

    As Demo has asked, I too am getting confused about what it is you want to do with your files.

     

    I hope this helps you make a decision about how to handle your files.