Files

How to use Google Drive, Dropbox, etc., in Files app on iPhone and iPad

Ankur Thakur ∙ October 6, 2021

Apple introduced the Files app in iOS 11, and it has stayed on all subsequent versions, including iOS 15. The Files app is the built-in iPhone file manager to store documents, videos, projects, and just about anything. By default, it lets you save and access files in iCloud Drive and locally On My iPhone.

But you can also easily enable third-party apps and services like Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, Box, and more inside the iPhone or iPad Files app. Once that's done, it becomes easy to move data among different locations. Let us show you how to do this.

Apple Files adds read-only NTFS support along with multi-selection and a progress indicator

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 15, 2021

Apple's Files app now lets you access NTFS-formatted media, select multiple items with a trackpad and stare at a new progress indicator when copying or moving files in iPadOS 15.

How to delete a file on your Raspberry Pi

Sandy Writtenhouse ∙ May 31, 2021

Like any other computer, your Raspberry Pi can fill up with unwanted items. You may have created a file that you no longer need or downloaded a file you no longer want.

If you’re ready to do a bit of cleaning on your Raspberry Pi, we’ll show you how to delete a file.

Upgrade the file type information in the Files app on pwned handsets with RealFileInfo

Anthony Bouchard ∙ March 30, 2021

Apple’s Files app expands upon the capabilities of any iPhone or iPad by hosting a convenient hub where users can download and store files either on the device itself or in the cloud. But despite how useful the Files app can be at times, it’s not without its apparent pitfalls.

One such example would be that the Files app displays simplified or non-descriptive file types for certain kinds of files as they’re defined by Apple and its operating systems. Unknown file types are designated vaguely, such as using the word “Document” to describe what the file actually is or what it’s used for.

7 easy ways to share files between two Macs

Sandy Writtenhouse ∙ March 15, 2021

Whether you have two Macs of your own or just in your household, file sharing is likely to come up now and then. You may want to share a financial spreadsheet, PDF of a contract, receipt from a purchase, or similar document.

Here, we’ll show you seven super easy ways to share files between two Mac computers. Each is simple in its own way. So, the one you choose can depend on the confidentiality of the document, access to the services, or pure preference.

6 ways to find the full path of a file or folder on Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse ∙ March 1, 2021

As you know, your computer stores files using a hierarchical structure. So if you need to find the full path of a file, it’s good to know the various ways you can do so on macOS. You might want the path name to create a shortcut, need it for an app, or would like it as a reference for yourself.

We’ve covered different ways for finding and displaying the full path of a file. Here, we’ll round up those methods for you and include a couple more. So the next time you need the path name of a file or folder on your Mac, you can use whichever is easiest or most comfortable for you.

How to save files, photos, and attachments in Messages to your device

Sandy Writtenhouse ∙ February 5, 2021

The nice thing about Messages is that you can send more than texts. You can share photos or images and files or documents. And while you may be receiving one just for a quick look, it might be something you want to save.

It could be a photo of a faraway family member, a contract, an estimate for work, an invoice, a receipt, or something similar. These types of attachments are worth saving and maybe even necessary.

Here, we’ll show you how to save files, photos, and other attachments in Messages to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

How to lock files, folders, and your Desktop on Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse ∙ March 2, 2021

Many times we take precautions to secure our digital items from others. We password-protect things like files and folders to prevent changes by others. But who protects us from ourselves?

If you’ve ever changed a file or moved a folder by mistake, then you know what I mean. The worst is when you do something like that and don’t even realize it until you need the item.

On your Mac, you can lock files, folders, and your Desktop (folder) to prevent unwanted changes. This doesn’t require a password. It’s just a simple “lock” to keep you, or someone else, from editing, moving, or even removing a file or folder. Here’s how it works.

How to manage permissions for files and folders on Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse ∙ March 2, 2021

If you share your Mac with others and don’t set up separate user accounts or allow others to connect via file sharing, you may have some items that you want to protect. You can password-protect and encrypt folders and you can add passwords to certain files. But maybe you just want a fast way to make sure no changes are made to your items.

Believe it or not, it’s very simple to change permissions for the files and folders on your Mac. You can decide what access to give, if any, and apply those permissions to groups along with individuals. Here’s how to manage permissions for files and folders on your Mac.

How to manage PDF document pages with Preview on Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse ∙ December 27, 2020

Preview on Mac is a great built-in tool for working with PDFs in addition to images. You can sign a PDF with it, make annotations, and merge documents too. Along with all of that, you can manage the pages in your PDF document with Preview.

If you want to add, remove, or rearrange pages in a PDF, Preview on Mac lets you do it easily, here’s how.

How to extract photos and images from PDF documents

Sandy Writtenhouse ∙ December 24, 2020

If you receive a PDF document and want to hold onto one of the photos or images from it, it’s a little more difficult than doing so with a Pages or Word document. PDF documents are intended to be more secure than others. So for editing a PDF, you normally need special software, an app, or an online tool.

If you’ve invested in something like Adobe Acrobat, then things like image extractions are easy. But if you don’t create or edit PDFs regularly, what tool can you use to save an image from a document?

Here are a few ways to extract a photo or image from a PDF file.

How to attach files, photos, and videos to Notes on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse ∙ December 17, 2020

The Notes app is a terrific tool for keeping, syncing, and referencing your notes. And one thing that makes it even better is the ability to attach files or add images to your notes. When you’re taking notes for a lecture, jotting down instructions, or making a list, adding a PDF, photo, video, or other item that pertains to the note is super convenient.

We’ve shown you how to scan documents in Notes and insert links in your notes. So it seems fitting to walk you through adding other items like files and images to Notes on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.