Apple: How to get the most out of the Files app

The Files app is one of the tools that has become an integral part of everyday life on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

What once served merely as a simple overview of documents has now evolved into a central hub that brings together content from various sources and enables professional workflows. With iPadOS 26, Apple has revamped many details and made working with files noticeably smoother.

Make the most of Apple’s Files app.

The left sidebar is the central focus, clearly grouping all storage locations. Local folders, iCloud Drive, connected USB drives, and other cloud services all appear there. The advantage: Everything can be managed from a single interface.

Custom folders can be freely created, renamed, or color-coded, which is especially helpful when sorting large amounts of data. Files can be moved to their desired location via drag-and-drop, whether between folders, apps, or different storage locations.

Thanks to the improved search function, documents can be found much faster. The search considers not only file names but also content. PDFs, spreadsheets, presentations, and saved texts are all searched in their entirety. Filters for file type, modification date, and origin are also available. Anyone who frequently works with large amounts of documents will notice significant time savings.

The interaction with other apps is also key.

Files can be dragged directly from the app into emails, inserted into notes, or sent via a messaging app. This is particularly convenient on the iPad, as multiple windows can be used side-by-side. The version for Apple Vision Pro offers even more possibilities thanks to its freely configurable workspace, allowing folders and documents to be arranged virtually in space.

External storage media pose no problem either.

Whether it’s a USB stick, portable SSD, or SD card – everything is recognized instantly. The files appear directly in the sidebar. Even network servers can be added to access shared folders on your home or office network while on the go.

Another helpful tool is the integrated scanner. It allows you to convert paper documents into clean PDFs in seconds, which you can save to your desired location. This is ideal for invoices, contracts, or quick filing.

Robust and seamless file organization

Overall, the Files app is a powerful management system that significantly simplifies mobile work. Users who take advantage of its many features quickly realize how smoothly documents can be organized – whether on an iPhone, an iPad, or a Vision Pro.

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