Work the Files app

Manage, move, and get at important files

The Files app is like iOS’s version of the Mac’s Finder. It is split between Recents and Browse tabs. The former lists recently opened and shared docs. The latter provides a traditional file browsing experience.

In the Browse tab, tap Edit above the Locations list, then tap switches to integrate relevant installed third–party apps with Files. Examples include cloud storage providers Dropbox and Google Drive, productivity apps like PDF Expert and Yoink, and FileBrowser, which can access computers on your local network (to access shared folders on your Mac) and remote servers.

MANAGE FAVORITES

In the file browser on the right, tap a download icon to store a file locally, or tap the file itself to preview it (if possible on iOS). Hold a finger on a file or folder for a menu of common management actions, to add tags, or to display the file’s information.

Tap Select, tap items to add them to your selection, then choose an action to apply to those items. Remember you can use the Share command to open a file in a specific app.

Folders can be added to the Favorites area. On iPad, drag and drop one into that section of the sidebar. On iPhone, hold a finger on one to pick it up, tap Locations with another finger and then drop the folder under Favorites.

Finally, when browsing, scroll up for more options. You can make a new folder, adjust the sort order of items, and switch between icon and list views.