Can you recommend a good file manager app for the iPad?

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Level 1

8 points

Can you recommend a good file manager app for the iPad?

I want one that shows all files on the iPad, allows me to renew my files, and allows me to transfer files.

Right now the file app (Blue file folder symbol) that came with the ipad is nearly useless. I have over 4 gigs of photos and videos somewhere but the file app doesn’t even show them.

The ipad and the file app say my iCloud limit of 5 gigs is almost reached but doesn’t show how. No sign of the files. Very annoying. I can see the photos in the photo app but can’t do anything at all with them.

I want to download them onto a thumb drive. I have the drive and the connection.

The software version is 13.7.

Any help appreciated.

iPad Air, iPadOS 13

Posted on Sep 22, 2020 2:32 PM

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Answer 1

LotusPilot

Level 10

307,025 points

Sep 23, 2020 3:04 PM in response to MaKalima

The iOS/iPadOS filesystem does not operate in the same manner as some of the traditional systems with which you are likely accustomed - such as a PC,

What you seeing is a fundamentally different system architecture - based upon sandboxing. Each App has its own sandbox - in which its related data is maintained. Each sandbox is effectively an isolated/independent/private section of the system; in over simplistic terms, each App can only see its own file-space - and not that of other Apps.

If you consider the implications of this architecture, no single App can see data across the system as a whole.

More information about the native Files App can be found here:

View files and folders in Files on iPad - Apple Support

There are many third-party file manager Apps available within the App App Store. One App which seems to receive frequent mention is File Browser - or which there are several versions:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/filebrowser-for-business/id854618029

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Answer 2

MaKalima Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 23, 2020 2:47 PM in response to Kilgore-Trout

Maybe I don’t know how to use the files app that comes with iPad. But it isn't showing me my files on the iPad. What sort of happens is that files are only visible under the app they can be used by.

My key question is how to get my photos off of the iPad. There has to be some sort file manager app to do so.

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Answer 3

Sep 22, 2020 2:38 PM in response to MaKalima

The best one I have found is the one that comes with iOS. Files in the Photos app (and synched with iCloud) will not show up in ANY file management app. Check the app store, there are several (Readdles Documents isn’t bad).

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Answer 4

Sep 23, 2020 3:14 PM in response to MaKalima

Using the Photo app, you can copy images to a Files app location which can be pretty much any online source (iCloud Drive, DropBox, Box, etc), or with an adapter to other media such SDI cards.

You don’t need third party app for that.

https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/connect-external-devices-or-servers-ipad1c415e32/ipados

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Can you recommend a good file manager app for the iPad?

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