Locating files on ipad

Issue: I need to find my files on my iPad to consolidate them.

Question: Is there an updated way to do this?

There is no breadcrumb trail to use.

I know that earlier versions only stored files with the parent application.

That method seems to be changing as more apps & more complicated interactions become available on iPad.

[I keep getting posts that are long outdated in my searches here, so they may not apply].

Some of my infrequently used files are cloud stored on their own cognizance.

Then came the Files folder. Before Files folder I used Document.

Is one subordinate to the other?

Some documents get handed off to other apps for processing. I find that I have zipped files, expanded files, multiple Download folders all of which impede work.

While I’m on my 2nd iPad, I still have a mess & go down a rabbit hole trying to find files sometimes wasting lot of time. Any constructive advice?