Files on the iPad

[Slamprent]

Hey guys, I would like to purchase an iPad. Before I do, I am curious about a few things. Mainly, how are files dealt with on the device? Am I correct in assume that there is no file manager just like on the iPhone?

Here's what I am wondering, let's say I want to use an FTP app to download a file to the iPad, can I do that? Where does the file go? Let's say I want to then use another app to modify that file in some way, is that possible? Then let's say I want to use the FTP program to upload that newly modified file to a server, is that possible?

Where do the files go? If there is no file manager, how do you find, organize, or delete files from the iPad?

I'm just curious how this all works. Thanks!

 

[Deako]

You can do all that and more, but will need to look at jailbreaking the iPad for the functionality.

 

[dchao]

Yep, iOS has no file system. Every app is responsible for its own data. Think about it, why would you need to open a Word file from a photo editing app?

For FTP, Apple is replacing it with the new iCloud API. Again, every app is responsible for syncing its data to the Cloud, based on its own set of rules.

 

[Night Spring]

You can do all that and more, but will need to look at jailbreaking the iPad for the functionality.

You don't necessarily need to jailbreak, you just need the right combination of apps to do what you want. First of all, I'd use the GoodReader app to download files from the web. Those gets stored inside the GoodReader app, which has its own file management system. Then, you get a PDF editing app -- actually, I believe GoodReader also has some PDF editing functions, so that might be enough for your needs. But say you want to use another PDF app. Or say you download a picture file that you want to edit in a photoshopping app. From GoodReader, you can send files to the other app using the "open in...." function. Then, when you are done modifying the file, you use the "open in..." again to send it back to GoodReader, or better yet, you get a Dropbox account and download the Dropbox app, and you send the file to Dropbox. From there, you can access the file from any computer or device you have.

You just need to make sure that the app you are using to edit your files support the "open in..." function. Most apps do, but there are some oddball apps that don't.

 

[Slamprent]

Yep, iOS has no file system. Every app is responsible for its own data. Think about it, why would you need to open a Word file from a photo editing app?

Maybe I want to download a document from an e-mail, and then edit it in another app? Or maybe I want to do something different to it in a 3rd app. You do realize that there is a LOT more than just word files and photo editing apps, correct?

For FTP, Apple is replacing it with the new iCloud API. Again, every app is responsible for syncing its data to the Cloud, based on its own set of rules.

There are FTP apps, but it would be useless if you could use the FTP app to download a file and not be able to modify it with another app.

 

[neutrino23]

Yep, iOS has no file system. Every app is responsible for its own data. (Snip)

I would disagree a bit. iOS has the same file structure as OSX (AFAIK), it just doesn't share that with the user.

It's awkward but one idea for nesting folders would be to use something like Dropbox which supports nested folders and use the Open In feature to open that file in a particular app.

 

[seb1230]

It sounds like you know that the iPad won't replace your computer and do everything those applications can accomplish. However, I've found several ways to edit files from various sources via my iPad. I use iCloud and Dropbox mainly. Both Dropbox and Google Drive have excellent apps and via the iCloud app you can modify the files using Microsoft Office, save in the cloud and then email or share them. I don't do photo editing or other editing tasks on my iPad. It's really best for notetaking and web applications in my line of work. Best of luck!

 

[Vizin]

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