How to Transfer Files to Your iPad (for Beginners)

[richsadams]

The same question is asked post after post here..."How do I transfer files to/from my iPad to my computer?". This Lifehacker article has a nice tutorial including a video...

How to Transfer Files to Your iPhone or iPad (for Beginners)

It isn't the be-all, end-all as there are other methods, apps, etc., but it should answer this age old question for folks getting started. If you have a great way to transfer files or can recommend a good app or two, feel free to chime in!

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM4qrY-r9iI[/ame]

How to Transfer Files to Your iPhone or iPad (for Beginners)

Adam Dachis — A friend of mine recently called me, frustrated, because he couldn't figure out how to get PDFs on his iPad. While it's actually a very simple operation once you know how to do it, it's not something that's very obvious to people who are new to iOS (as many iPad users are). Here's a look at the simplest method of transferring files to an iDevice for those who don't yet know how to do it.

The video above will walk you through the process visually, but here are the basic steps you need to follow:

Connect your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad to iTunes. (You can let it sync if you want, but this isn't necessary.)

Click on your device in the list on the left side of iTunes. (It'll be under the "DEVICES" header.)

Click the "Apps" tab up on top in the main panel of iTunes.

Scroll down to the bottom where you'll find a "File Transfer" section with a list of apps. From that list, choose an app you want to transfer a file to.

Onto the (probably empty) space to the right of the apps list, drag in the file you want to transfer. You can also click "Add..." to browse for the file and choose it. As soon as you've chosen the file, it will transfer to your device. You'll see the progress at the top of the iTunes window. When it's done you can disconnect and your file will be on your device.

Some apps provide additional ways to transfer files that you may prefer, but this is the most straightforward method and it works for every app that supports files. If you'd prefer to transfer over Wi-Fi (or another method), check the app to see if it has other methods. These methods vary from app to app, but most provide instructions so you can learn how to use the various transfer methods. They're worth exploring if you prefer to avoid connecting your device to your computer every time you want to transfer a file.

For me two apps really stand out in this respect, particularly for those wanting to be able to sync and/or share files between their iPad, iPhone, etc. and their computer and the best part is that both are free for a basic account:

DropBox

Evernote

Of course the Apple standby MobileMe (free 60 day trial) is another option (and when it morphs into "iCloud" should be even better).

Hope that helps and I'll look forward to hearing from others!

 

[Montereybob]

I also find that Dropbox (for larger files)and Evernote (for short notes) make transfers easy without having to physically wire up to the computer.

 

[wheems]

Along the lines of this discussion - how has Dropbox worked for everyone? I've read quite a few recent reviews that were less than favorable about the latest update. Any problems? I'm not looking for huge storage, just a place to back-up some writing...

 

[Montereybob]

Along the lines of this discussion - how has Dropbox worked for everyone? I've read quite a few recent reviews that were less than favorable about the latest update. Any problems? I'm not looking for huge storage, just a place to back-up some writing...

I have had no problems with Dropbox.

 

[Wokiebear]

Use Dropbox all the time for huge files in work To upload for others to access and download and save to before leaving a job site. It's a Godsend in my work and have had no problems at all.

 

[wheems]

Use Dropbox all the time for huge files in work To upload for others to access and download and save to before leaving a job site. It's a Godsend in my work and have had no problems at all.

Excellent. Off to set up Dropbox account. Thanks for the feedback! (and honestly, by the reviews in the apps store you'd think there was an evil little Dropbox conspiracy...)

 

[richsadams]

I use Dropbox all of the time and it has been flawless.

 

[Montereybob]

I use Dropbox all of the time and it has been flawless.

Ditto. But will iCloud do the same thing as Dropbox?

 

[thewitt]

It appears that iCloud will offer all the same capabilities as Dropbox plus a simple API for integration into your favorite App. I expect to see apps like Goodreader support it before it's live...

 

[info]

It appears that iCloud will offer all the same capabilities as Dropbox plus a simple API for integration into your favorite App. I expect to see apps like Goodreader support it before it's live...

It's not good news for Dropbox.

 

[richsadams]

It appears that iCloud will offer all the same capabilities as Dropbox plus a simple API for integration into your favorite App. I expect to see apps like Goodreader support it before it's live...

It's not good news for Dropbox.

Agreed. I really like DropBox, but 5GB of storage for a fully integrated program...for free (not including music and photos) will be very hard to pass up.

OTOH I have never upgraded to the pay version of DropBox, so they may not miss a freeloader like me.

 

[Montereybob]

Dropbox will still be needed for those who have a non-Apple smartphone or pc.

 

[info]

Agreed. I really like DropBox, but 5GB of storage for a fully integrated program...for free (not including music and photos) will be very hard to pass up.

OTOH I have never upgraded to the pay version of DropBox, so they may not miss a freeloader like me.

I confess to not having paid up as well but I was just about to.

 

[info]

Dropbox will still be needed for those who have a non-Apple smartphone or pc.

Yes, good point. I had forgotten all about those (lol).