Merging two identically named folders in iPadOS Files app

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Merging two identically named folders in iPadOS Files app

Hi, I was wondering why there's no ability to merge two folders of the same name into one folder, but rather we can only either replace or keep both.

For example, Folders A and B have the same name. Folder A contains files 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and Folder B contains files 6, 7, 8 and 2.

If I try to merge Folder B into A, either I must keep both A and B (which is pointless), or I must click "Replace", which completely replaces Folder A by erasing files 1-5 and by only pasting the files 6, 7, 8 and 2 from Folder B. All instead of just creating a new folder and merging files 1-8 all into it.

Why is this the case? Is there any workaround for this? Will Apple ever address this? Please help.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 16

Posted on Jul 24, 2023 7:58 AM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

Level 10

302,582 points

Jul 25, 2023 4:33 AM in response to najmussaquibkh

Annoying or not, we can only work within the bounds of available functionality.

Instead of using the native Files App, consider use of a third-party File Manager App - as these may offer more flexibility. There are many available within the Apple App Store; you will need to conduct your own research as to suitability of candidate File Manager Apps.

Perhaps consider consider Stratopherix FileBrowser - Document Manager, or its “pro version” FileBrowser Professional:

https://apps.apple.com/app/filebrowser-professional/id854618029

https://apps.apple.com/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545

You might review the extensive online Manual and help files to determine suitability for your needs.

https://www.stratospherix.com/products/filebrowserprofessional/filebrowser-professional-user-guide.php

As for the native Files App, Apple does invite submission of comments and feature requests via its Product Feedback portal. For iPad and iPadOS:

Feedback - iPad - Apple

If you would like to see additional functionality in future versions of iPadOS, this would be the most appropriate channel through which to communicate any requests to Apple.

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Answer 2

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,582 points

Jul 24, 2023 9:31 AM in response to najmussaquibkh

Have you considered simply moving the contents one one folder to the other? Any filename duplicates will generate a prompt with additional actions.

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Answer 3

Jul 24, 2023 5:55 PM in response to najmussaquibkh

If I have more folders within the folders I want to merge, even doing this becomes a truly cumbersome process unfortunately, as now I have to “keep both” of even the folders within.

For example, Folder A has folders i, ii, iii and Folder B also folders i, ii, iii. The contents of folders i, ii, iii in A are different to the contents of folders i, ii, iii in B. If I now do what you suggested (simply copying the folders from Folder B to A), then this same issue will occur if I click Replace; the folders i-iii in A will get completely overwritten by the contents of folders i-iii from B. So I have to instead click Keep both even if I follow your suggestion, but then I have to do this for every folder.

Quite annoying, considering on Windows and Android it’s easily possible to just simply merge all the contents of two identically named folders into one new folder, and this is possible even for identically named folders within the primary folders.

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Answer 4

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,582 points

Jul 26, 2023 5:49 AM in response to najmussaquibkh

To reiterate, you will need to conduct your own research as to suitability. Don’t forget, the better Apps have online help resources - and many offer methods by which to seek assistance, or ask questions, of the respective App Developer.

By example:

https://www.stratospherix.com/

https://www.stratospherix.com/support/

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Answer 5

Jul 24, 2023 5:45 PM in response to LotusPilot

If I have more folders within the folders I want to merge, even doing this becomes a truly cumbersome process unfortunately, as now I have to “keep both” of even the folders within.

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Answer 6

Jul 26, 2023 4:53 AM in response to LotusPilot

Do these software options allow 'merging' folders by retaining files from both original folders?

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Merging two identically named folders in iPadOS Files app

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