I honestly can’t believe that M1 iPad Pros from 2021, which as a device, feels even Pro-er that the MacBook, is incapable of changing a simple file extension. I mean do I need a computer to do that? Please, I don’t accept a “Create a Shortcut” solution, COME ON! Is a simple thing that ALL files manager should do! Is a Pro device, not an Almost-Pro one.
iPad Pro, iPadOS 14
I don’t think you took a look at my question. I don’t need to rename nor to re-arrange a file. That’s is easy. What I wan to do is only to change its extension (e.g. .jpeg to .jpg) which is a simple action any computer or decent file app can do.
I don’t think you took a look at my question. I don’t need to rename nor to re-arrange a file. That’s is easy. What I wan to do is only to change its extension (e.g. .jpeg to .jpg) which is a simple action any computer or decent file app can do.
As you have discovered, changing a file’s filename extension under iOS/iPadOS isn’t possible. Drawing direct comparison between full “desktop” Operating Systems and iOS/iPadOS is problematic as they are fundamentally different - in particular in the manner that they are designed to interact with the User.
As you are doubtless aware, the filename extension is used to identify specific the specific file-type - and the Apps that will “open” a file for viewing. Whilst a full desktop OS permits renaming of a file and its extension, this creates opportunity to inappropriately alter a filename extension.
iOS/iPadOS does not provide the facility to alter file extensions. File extensions are just one element of the underlying filesystem that is effectively hidden from the User - the OS being designed to internally manage its filesystem and file associations. When accessing a file, iOS/iPadOS will open the [internally associated] App that is capable of reading the file - either directly or via the system share-sheet.
The Files App provides limited access to internal file storage, iOS/iPadOS does not expose its actual filesystem; this is architecturally “sandboxed” such that individual Apps can only access their own area of the filesystem.
If you wish to change a file-extension, you must do using a different computer. You should be mindful that changing the extension may cause the file to become unreadable by an iOS/iPadOS device - as, the device will attempt to open the file using the App inferred by the extension if a corresponding App is installed.
Apple do invite constructive comments and feedback via their product feedback pages:
What? Do you think I didn’t do that before writing here? Come on, it DOES NOT CHANGE THE FILE EXTENSION BY PRESSING ON THE FILE AND CHANGING ITS NAME, it only add a .jpg or whatever other extension you use to the name of the file, and then it continues to have its extension. So a file a change from PHOTO.jpeg to JPG will look like this: PHOTO.jpg.jpeg WHICH IS ABSURD, you go ahead and try!
Jonathan.Lerma Said:
"Change file extension within Files native App: I honestly can’t believe that M1 iPad Pros from 2021, which as a device, feels even Pro-er that the MacBook, is incapable of changing a simple file extension. I mean do I need a computer to do that?"
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Create a Duplicate First:
Important: Create a duplicate of the file so that you can have the original file (on a Mac, you right-click on the file, and then select "Duplicate"). On an iPad, copy and then past it elsewhere.
Renaming a File:
Jonathan.Lerma Said:
"Change file extension within Files native App”
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Some Extra Links of Mine for Reference:
Nice! Thanks for taking the time to explain what lies underneath the problem. Although some how I suspect this issue could be addressed within the framework of reference in which the file system is handled within iOS/iPadOS without compromising security nor coherence. In the meantime I have already found a workaround for this kind of problem and, of course, it does includes a computer for it. I appreciate your replay. Thanks you!
Jonathan.Lerma Said:
"Change file extension within Files native App: don’t think you took a look at my question. I don’t need to rename nor to re-arrange a file. That’s is easy. What I wan to do is only to change its extension (e.g. .jpeg to .jpg) which is a simple action any computer or decent file app can do."
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What to Do:
So, press firmly on the file, and modify its extension.
Jonathan.Lerma Said:
"Change file extension within Files native App: [...]So a file a change from PHOTO.jpeg to JPG will look like this: PHOTO.jpg.jpeg WHICH IS ABSURD, you go ahead and try!"
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Well, then use a computer to perform this. And I'll leave it at that.
Change file extension within Files native App
