fabrizio_m

Q: handling PDF files on iPad

Hi. I own an iPad Air.

Due to work requirements, my use of PDF files on iPad is massive. These files are "stored" locally within iBooks (transferred from pc via iTunes), but no backup on the cloud, as I need to access these files also when I am disconnected from the net.

The problem I have is that I'd like to take notes on these PDFs and there are many apps out there that do the job, but I cannot access the files as they are "hidden" within iBooks and I can't find a find to make them accessible to the apps.

any suggestion or trick for me?

thanks

iPad Air, iOS 9.3.2

Posted on Jul 1, 2016 6:05 AM

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Q: handling PDF files on iPad

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Rick Nagtegaal,

    Rick Nagtegaal Rick Nagtegaal Jul 2, 2016 10:04 AM in response to fabrizio_m
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 2, 2016 10:04 AM in response to fabrizio_m

    Hi there Fabrizio,

     

    You can Adobe Acrobat, with that app you can save and edit PDF files.

    Opening from iBooks I will suggest that you try "share" button ( the square with the arrow upwards ) and see if there isn't a option with " open in other app" and than choose Adobe Acrobat of other apps your using.

     

    You can also try to mail them to your iPad and save them to you favorite app to open PDF documents.

     

    I hope that this can help you!

     

    greetings, Rick

  • by Demo,

    Demo Demo Jul 2, 2016 10:36 AM in response to fabrizio_m
    Level 10 (94,866 points)
    iPad
    Jul 2, 2016 10:36 AM in response to fabrizio_m

    The share icon in iBooks only allows you to email or print the PDF. If using iBooks, you have to email each PDF to yourself and then use the open in function within the email in order to save the files into something like Acrobat Reader which allows you to take notes on the PDF.

     

    However, since you are transferring these files from your PC to the iPad, use File Sharing and you can save them directly into Adobe Reader or any other app that supports file sharing. You don't need to use Apple's iBooks.

    About File Sharing on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

     

    Pay no attention to the first part of the support article where Apple tries to sell you on iCloud Drive, Handoff, or Airdrop. They don't apply to you, so just ignore it.

  • by fabrizio_m,

    fabrizio_m fabrizio_m Jul 4, 2016 2:54 AM in response to Rick Nagtegaal
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Jul 4, 2016 2:54 AM in response to Rick Nagtegaal

    @ Rick: thanks for replying, but unfortunately iBooks does not offer a "open in other apps" option. Furthermore, e-mailing all those PDF files would take a lot of time! ....

  • by fabrizio_m,Solvedanswer

    fabrizio_m fabrizio_m Jul 4, 2016 2:56 AM in response to Demo
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Jul 4, 2016 2:56 AM in response to Demo

    @Demo: thanks, I'll try and give a feedback.

  • by fabrizio_m,

    fabrizio_m fabrizio_m Jul 19, 2016 2:35 AM in response to fabrizio_m
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Jul 19, 2016 2:35 AM in response to fabrizio_m

    Hi, with a bit of delay I am giving my feedback: the "file sharing" procedure works! The only problem with it is that the apps supporting the "file sharing" mode are less than I could expect and some good design apps (like Paper or Skitch or even Evernote) do not appear in the list of compatible apps!.

    Thanks for the support!

  • by Demo,

    Demo Demo Jul 19, 2016 3:18 AM in response to fabrizio_m
    Level 10 (94,866 points)
    iPad
    Jul 19, 2016 3:18 AM in response to fabrizio_m

    I'm glad that worked for you. File Sharing is a great way to move files back and forth without needing an Internet connection. Unfortunately, Apple and many developers think that everybody has access to great broadband internet connections everywhere they go and cloud based solutions are the best way to work. I hope that File Sharing does not become a thing of the past.

  • by fabrizio_m,

    fabrizio_m fabrizio_m Jul 19, 2016 3:45 AM in response to Demo
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Jul 19, 2016 3:45 AM in response to Demo

    I'm not in favor of the cloud at all. I prefer to keep my files with me and share only those that I want to share, no matter if they say the cloud is the future...