HOM 184: Files App Walkthrough

Your iPhone and iPad have a hidden powerhouse that rivals macOS Finder - and most users barely scratch its surface. Mikah Sargent takes you on a comprehensive tour of the Files app, revealing powerful features like document scanning, server connections, and collaborative folder sharing that transform your mobile device into a serious productivity machine. Recents Tab Features - Exploring the most recently accessed files and discovering the powerful "more" button (three dots) that unlocks advanced selection and viewing options File Selection and Management - How to select multiple files at once, switch between icon and list views, and sort by various criteria including name, date, size, and tags Built-in Document Scanner - Step-by-step demonstration of the integrated scanning feature that can capture physical documents and automatically convert them to PDFs with edge detection iCloud Drive Integration - Understanding how Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders sync between devices, plus accessing app-specific folders like Keynote presentations Browse Tab Deep Dive - Navigating the main file structure with Locations, Favorites, and Tags sections for organized file management On-Device vs Cloud Storage - Important distinction between "On My iPhone/iPad" storage (local only) and iCloud Drive (syncs across devices) Third-Party Service Integration - How cloud providers like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box appear as locations within the Files app for unified file access Server Connections - Connecting to network servers using URLs or IP addresses with username/password authentication Advanced File Actions - Comprehensive tour of tap-and-hold context menus including copy, move, share, download management, compression, and Quick Look preview File Tagging System - Creating and managing color-coded tags for organizing documents, with examples like categorizing receipts, work files, and user manuals Favorites and Quick Access - Adding frequently used folders to the Favorites section for faster navigation and workflow optimization Collaborative Folder Sharing - Setting up shared folders where multiple users can add, edit, and manage files together, complete with messaging and permission controls Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Mac at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-mac Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.