Where is the photos directory located using the file manager in iPad?

Probably the single BIGGEST ISSUE that Apple Corporation could SOLVE to IMPROVE the iPad as a functional device is to fix the TERRIBLE, FILE MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONALITY. It is so annoying. Ok - so, I saved a screen shot to PHOTOS, now, I want to search for the file from Trello app, that uses an "Attach File" option, and when I search for the file, the infamous Apple file manager pops up with NO WAY TO SEE the PHOTOS DIRECTORY anywhere... If you can solve this for me and tell me where to find this HIDDEN MAIN FILE that should be the first one everyone sees in the file prompt, I won't go throw my iPad off of a building today.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 17

Posted on May 22, 2024 7:37 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 22, 2024 8:09 AM

I guess we can all anticipate seeing an airborne iPad shortly...


The native iOS/iPadOS Files App does not (and never has) had direct access to the Photo Library. While the Photos App can access the Photo Library - and access Photo and video captured using the device camera - the Photos App cannot access other types of file. Similarly, the Files App cannot access the Photos Library.


iPad and iPhone are unlike other types of computer with which you may be familiar. Where other computers have a common file-system shared by all installed Apps, iOS/iPadOS has a sandboxed security architecture that segregates storage between Apps. In effect, each App has its own "private" area of file storage that cannot be directly accessed by other Apps.


Apps can often access other Apps file-storage in different ways. For Apps that allow attachments, you may need to select the correct file type - by tapping the appropriate icon. Depending upon the App, you may see icons/buttons for Camera, Documents or Photos - each accessing the respective device or associated file storage.


Not all third-party Apps allow access to all types of file - and for those that don't, there is little that you can do other than direct your angst to the App Developer - as only they can improve their App:

How to contact an app developer - Apple Support

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 22, 2024 8:09 AM in response to Quantumeye

I guess we can all anticipate seeing an airborne iPad shortly...


The native iOS/iPadOS Files App does not (and never has) had direct access to the Photo Library. While the Photos App can access the Photo Library - and access Photo and video captured using the device camera - the Photos App cannot access other types of file. Similarly, the Files App cannot access the Photos Library.


iPad and iPhone are unlike other types of computer with which you may be familiar. Where other computers have a common file-system shared by all installed Apps, iOS/iPadOS has a sandboxed security architecture that segregates storage between Apps. In effect, each App has its own "private" area of file storage that cannot be directly accessed by other Apps.


Apps can often access other Apps file-storage in different ways. For Apps that allow attachments, you may need to select the correct file type - by tapping the appropriate icon. Depending upon the App, you may see icons/buttons for Camera, Documents or Photos - each accessing the respective device or associated file storage.


Not all third-party Apps allow access to all types of file - and for those that don't, there is little that you can do other than direct your angst to the App Developer - as only they can improve their App:

How to contact an app developer - Apple Support

May 22, 2024 7:56 AM in response to Quantumeye

Quantumeye wrote:

Probably the single BIGGEST ISSUE that Apple Corporation could SOLVE to IMPROVE the iPad as a functional device is to fix the TERRIBLE, FILE MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONALITY. It is so annoying. Ok - so, I saved a screen shot to PHOTOS, now, I want to search for the file from Trello app, that uses an "Attach File" option, and when I search for the file, the infamous Apple file manager pops up with NO WAY TO SEE the PHOTOS DIRECTORY anywhere... If you can solve this for me and tell me where to find this HIDDEN MAIN FILE that should be the first one everyone sees in the file prompt, I won't go throw my iPad off of a building today.

YOu can start here https://trello.com/b/5tj4qAvo/trello-ios-app since the app doesn't go to the photo library, not sure how that is Apple fault as Trello isn't their app

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Where is the photos directory located using the file manager in iPad?

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