rhodostelle
Level 1 (9 points)
iPad

Q: copy pdf from mac to ipad

i use macbooks (pro and air) and ipads (4 and mini). i need to copy large to very large pdf-files from macbook to ipad - to read in ibooks.

itunes (for sync) is absolutely useless in this case (as in many many others).

 

is there a simple and easy way (similar to copying files to a samsung tab) to solve my problem ?

 

thanks for any positive reply.

iPad 2, iOS 9.3.4

Posted on Aug 14, 2016 8:13 AM

by PaulExChandler,Solvedanswer
PaulExChandler PaulExChandler
Level 1 (19 points)
iPad
A:

I use Synology NAS boxes as well and using CloudStation was going to be my first suggestion.  Or something like DropBox (free) - there are many such services available all with some minimal amount of storage that is free to get started with.  If you are just moving one file, you don't need a lot of storage space for this.

 

I think there might be a way to do this with iTunes, but I wouldn't count on it.  iTunes handling of books is intended for purchased books from the Apple book store and that is about it.  Managing other books, like a PDF you have I don't believe falls into the iTunes realm very well.

 

The fact you are saying it didn't work copying from CloudStation is probably something important.  I have never had a problem opening a PDF into iBooks from either DropBox or CloudStation and have done this frequently.  First suggestion is (of course) a reset of the iPad.  Following that, if it still doesn't work, means figuring out what the problem is.  This method works every day for lots of people, so it is absolutely the right way to go.

Posted on Aug 19, 2016 7:15 AM

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rhodostelle

Q: copy pdf from mac to ipad

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  • Helpful answers

  • by King_Penguin,Apple recommended

    King_Penguin King_Penguin Aug 17, 2016 7:49 AM in response to rhodostelle
    Level 10 (133,646 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 17, 2016 7:49 AM in response to rhodostelle

    What happens when you try to sync them to your iPad via iTunes ? You've added them to iBooks on your Mac ?

     

    Alternatives are to email them to yourself and use 'open in' in the Mail app on your iPad to copy them to iBooks on it. Or you could potentially use iCloud Drive (I don't use it so can't give any info on it) : Use iCloud Drive or iBooks to access your PDF files, ePub files, and books - Apple Support

  • by rhodostelle,

    rhodostelle rhodostelle Aug 17, 2016 8:29 AM in response to King_Penguin
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPad
    Aug 17, 2016 8:29 AM in response to King_Penguin

    tks for fast reply. i did add the files to ibooks, i also added them to the itunes library (? - "Mediathek" in german).

    i did connect the ipad to the mac and tried to sync with itunes - both auto and manually - no success.

    sending via mail does help with small files but not the ones i would like to transfer (upto 250 mb).

    i also read thru all itunes help pages (not a single reference to the question raised - useless as the itunes program in general).

    i do not use icloud either but my own "cloud" (synology nas) but downloading from there does not work either.

     

    thanks to anyone for a solution.

  • by PaulExChandler,Solvedanswer

    PaulExChandler PaulExChandler Aug 19, 2016 7:15 AM in response to rhodostelle
    Level 1 (19 points)
    iPad
    Aug 19, 2016 7:15 AM in response to rhodostelle

    I use Synology NAS boxes as well and using CloudStation was going to be my first suggestion.  Or something like DropBox (free) - there are many such services available all with some minimal amount of storage that is free to get started with.  If you are just moving one file, you don't need a lot of storage space for this.

     

    I think there might be a way to do this with iTunes, but I wouldn't count on it.  iTunes handling of books is intended for purchased books from the Apple book store and that is about it.  Managing other books, like a PDF you have I don't believe falls into the iTunes realm very well.

     

    The fact you are saying it didn't work copying from CloudStation is probably something important.  I have never had a problem opening a PDF into iBooks from either DropBox or CloudStation and have done this frequently.  First suggestion is (of course) a reset of the iPad.  Following that, if it still doesn't work, means figuring out what the problem is.  This method works every day for lots of people, so it is absolutely the right way to go.

  • by rhodostelle,

    rhodostelle rhodostelle Aug 19, 2016 7:25 AM in response to PaulExChandler
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPad
    Aug 19, 2016 7:25 AM in response to PaulExChandler

    tks - it does work - at leat on the ipad4. i still encounter problems with the ipad mini but that is due to the device not properly showing the files which are in the dscloud-folder.

    i previously openend the pdf-files in the dsfile app and downloaded them, and then the files never appeared anywhere on the ipad.

    all problems just confirm my opinion that although the os for macs is far better than windows the ios for ipads/iphones is just lousy compared to android for tablets like samsung etc.

     

    thanks again for your help.