Best Free File Management Apps for iPad

If you are used to the way in which Windows or OS X handles file management then you might have struggled with iOS’s methods. Apple’s mobile operating system aims to simplify file storage by keeping all your music, photos and videos separate and not really allowing you to move them around at will. For the most part this works very well. The only problems start occurring when you want to view or manage file types that iOS doesn’t natively recognise.

Thankfully there are many apps which aim to overcome these issues. Dropbox, for example, enables you to store all your files on its own servers, and then sync up your computer and mobile device to it. This means all your devices will have the latest versions of files without you having to copy them around manually. FileApp, on the other hand, is a file manager and reader. It lets users store files such as PDFs and Office docs and view them from within the app, and is perfect for when you’re on the go and have connectivity issues. Phone Drive Free gives your device the functionality of a portable flash drive and comes with a PDF reader, music player and image viewer.

Manage files and documents
These tutorials will show you how to use apps to store, view and send files using your iPad

Store your files in the cloud with Dropbox

App used: Dropbox
Developer: Dropbox
Price: Free

1: Access anywhere
Dropbox acts as an online storage location, which can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. It can be set to sync files so you always have the most up-to-date version.

2: Open different formats
Dropbox can also open and view lots of different file formats that iOS cannot natively deal with. It’s also possible to send and share files with friends or colleagues directly using the app.

3: Free up some space
You can delete files from your Dropbox simply by swiping right on the file name. This then displays the Delete button. Clicking Edit in the menu bar allows you to move them around.

Store your files locally with FileApp

App used: FileApp
Developer: DigiDNA SARL
Price: Free

1: Copy files locally
FileApp works differently to Dropbox in that it’s designed to allow the storing of files locally on the iPad rather than in the cloud. This is a great feature for those without internet access.

2: Copy via USB or FTP
Copying to FileApp can be done via USB or FTP. To do this download an FTP app such as Cyberduck or WinSCP to your computer and connect using the details shown in Wi-Fi Sharing.

3: View your files
Once you’ve added files to the iPad, they can be viewed by clicking on the Imported Files button on the main page. This is great for viewing PDFs and Office documents.

Turn your iPad into a USB drive with Phone Drive Free

App used: Phone Drive Free
Developer: Eightythree Technology
Price: Free

1: Turn on file sharing
Phone Drive allows you to drag and drop files to the device from Windows or OS X. Simply turn File Sharing on in the settings by tapping the bottom-left icon, and then ‘Settings’.

2: Copy your files
Copy files by tapping the arrows in the bottom toolbar and following the instructions. Phone Drive supports PDFs and Office documents as well as music and video files.

3: Create documents
The pro version of the app also enables you to create your own documents as well as just viewing them. If your device has a camera, you can also take photos using the app.

From : iPad Tips, Tricks, Apps & Hacks Volume 4 - Imagine Publishing Ltd