How can I move a file from Downloads to a folder on my ipad. I am a moderate Mac user, but new to my ipad. So my usual, open 2 finder windows (download and the folder) aren't an option.
Thank you
iPad, iPadOS 18
In the Files app, press and hold on the file you want to move. You should see "Move" at the top of the pop-up menu.
If you really want to, you can open 2 Files windows, and drag the file from one to the other. how you do this will depend on exactly what iPadOS version you are running.
On iPadOS 26, if you have the Multitasking & Gestures layout set to Windowed apps or Stage Manager, you can access the Mac style menu bar and in the Window menu tap on [+]New Window to open a second Files window. Then arrange them so you see both.
If you are still on iPadOS 18, I believe you can still call up a second Window by tapping and holding on the Files app icon on the dock and then tapping on [+]New Window.
click here ➜ Multitask on iPad with iPadOS 26 - Apple Support
No need for a new thread, the question still falls under the same topic.
If you want to stop files from syncing to iCloud and be able to remove them from iCloud, copy them to a folder under "On My iPad" rather than "iCloud Drive".
The difference between "keep downloaded" vs "download now":
Keep downloaded will strive to keep the file local to the iPad so you can access it while not connected to the internet in some way. This means it will not remove it when it needs space or if it has not been accessed in a while which it tends to do normally.
"download now" means to effectively download the file in that moment if its not already downloaded.
If its already downloaded it will have an "Remove Download" option instead of "Download Now"
The files will still reside in the "iCloud Drive" location, but will be made available for access without an Internet connection in either case.
As mentioned, if you want to move them off of iCloud Drive, copy them to a folder under "On My iPad" and delete the copy in "iCloud Drive" entirely by selecting the "Delete" or Trash can option. This removes it from the iPad's iCloud Drive location and from iCloud completely.
I don't know if I needed to start a new thread, but here is what I am trying to do.
I have files on my iCloud, and I am confused with the "keep downloaded" and "download."
Because if I select either on, I still have to go to iCloud to see them (but it will put a grey cloud icon for keep downloaded).
But it doesn't seem to really be downloaded to my iPad. I trying to figure out how to set a specific folder for all files I am downloading my my iCloud (to save space on iCloud, and store them locally). If that makes sense.
Thank you for your help. I am learning from everyone's knowledge.
reconscout2 wrote:
Thank you for your help. I am learning from everyone's knowledge.
Great! That's why we're all here, to learn.
Thank you for the great and thorough explanation. That's what I needed to get my head wrapped around it!
You're welcome. Glad I could help.
How to move a file from Downloads to a folder on iPad
