Hello,
I cannot find a Finder / File Manager for iPad in the App Store. Is there such an app? I also would like to use a File Manager when downloading/uploading files through a browser such that I can choose the location on the filesystem rather than having to choose an app in/to which the file is assigned.
Essentially, I want to change the iPad's file management paradigm from an iPhone approach to a desktop/laptop paradigm.
Thanks,
kds-kds
Those features are deliberately not available in iOS due to the sandboxed nature of the iOS file system. Nobody could even build such an app for the App Store, since no app has access to any other apps file space. iOS itself enforces that sequestration of apps and their file space.
When you download anything from a web browser, or by feta or setup or any other transfer method, you must open it in a compatible app, which will then save it in that apps’s secure file space. The user has no ability to view, access or chose where files are stored in the iOS file system. You cannot change that paradigm - it is a core part of iOS itself and is not alterable. iOS simply is not like a desktop operating system, by explicit design.
Essentially, I want to change the iPad's file management paradigm from an iPhone approach to a desktop/laptop paradigm.
Yeah... that's not likely ever to happen in the iOS environment.
As mentioned, iOS11 brings, to the iPad, a finder-like app, but not as full featured as it sounds like you are looking for.
The closest thing you're going to get to this is the Files app, built into iOS 11. File managers that view system files are not allowed on the App Store, as far as I'm aware.
Hi KDS-KDS. An app like FileExplorer Pro lets you organize files in a local directory tree within the app. It can also transfer files to/from many different servers. But you still have to transfer the file to an app in order to access it.
GoodReader is another app that lets you manage documents, but emphasizes reading, not sharing.
Hi. I misspoke regarding the features of FileExplorer Pro. It does not manage local directories, so it's the same as Files on that score. It does let you access a wider variety of servers, which I like.
GoodReader most certainly does allow creating a complex local directory tree, to manage documents within the app. But it's mainly for reading.
No prob! Thanks for the additional clarification and info.
Hello Everyone,
I'm replying to everyone at once by replying to my original question, instead of half-a-dozen individual replies.
I do appreciate all the informative / helpful replies.
Just updated my iPad to iOS 11, thanks to you all, and will check out that Explorer app.
As all replies are helpful, I intend to click 'Helpful' on all of them and shall hope the site lets me (years back it limited you to two).
kds-kds
Darn thing still limits you to two 'Helpful' clicks! :-(
Finder / File Manager for iPad
