Buzz
While the default Files app on Apple devices has been criticized for its lackluster experience in the past, I believe that's no longer the case. In my personal experience, the Files app on iPhone and iPad has performed exceptionally well. If you're someone who heavily relies on the Files app for work, I have some tricks to share with you. Feel free to check them out!
Tagging Folders and Files
Organize Your Files Effectively with Tags
In the default File app on iPhone and iPad, you can utilize tags to categorize important and less important files. Simply long-press on the file you want to tag, select the desired tag, and when you need to find it, just go to the sidebar and choose the tag. These tags are usually color-coded by default, but you can rename them for easier search and tagging. There's even an 'important' tag for truly crucial files, which can be a lifesaver in critical situations.
Favorite Essential Folders
Share Files via iCloud
When you need to collaborate or share a file with others, this feature comes in handy. Simply select the file, long-press, choose Share → by default, it will be set to 'send a copy,' but change it to 'Collaborate' → select your sharing options, and you're all set. The file will then be stored in the recipient's iCloud, allowing them to edit or view the latest version based on your settings.
Document Scanning
Document Scanning Feature
This is an essential feature for a storage application because sometimes you need to quickly digitize a physical document when you don't have a scanner readily available. This file app serves as a scanner, allowing you to save physical documents instantly. Simply open the file app → select the three-dot icon in the top right corner → choose 'scan document.' It will automatically scan for you, and all you need to do is press save. If you need to scan multiple pages at once, you can scan them individually and save afterward. The app will then merge these scanned files into a single PDF without manual merging.
Storage Drive Management
Effortless Compression and Decompression
In the earlier stages, when the File app was still rudimentary, working with complex files like zip files was quite challenging. However, Apple has since updated the app, making it incredibly easy to handle compression and decompression. To decompress, simply tap on the zip file, and the app will automatically unzip it for you. To compress, long-press on the file and select 'compress,' and it will be compressed into a zip file, a widely used format that's easy to work with.
Utilizing Markup Tool
Image Conversion
This feature, previously available on Mac, is now integrated into the File app on mobile devices by Apple, allowing users to quickly change the format of their images. For example, you can convert from PNG to JPEG or vice versa. Simply long-press on the image, select Quick Actions → Choose Convert Image → Select the format → choose size, and you're done. I find this method much quicker than other format conversion methods.
Remove Image Background
This feature allows you to swiftly separate subjects from backgrounds with ease. Simply long-press on the image → select Remove Background, and it's done. It will generate a new file after separation. The resulting file will be in PNG format, but if you need to convert it back to JPG, you can do so quickly using the same method as mentioned above.
Create and Merge PDF Files
Perhaps the most useful feature for me personally, this allows you to merge multiple images or PDF files into one PDF. Select the images/files you want to merge → long-press → choose Create PDF, and that's it. Everything you selected will be merged into a single PDF file. I often use this feature when I need to consolidate lecture materials divided into different chapters or when I need to search for keywords across multiple chapters. It makes management and consistency much easier without having to open multiple files. Simply merge them into one file and search for the keyword.
Recently, I've discovered some handy tricks while using my iPad for work. It fulfills all my needs, from image conversion to background removal and PDF merging, and more. If you have any neat tricks for the File app on iOS and iPadOS, feel free to share them in the comments below!
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