How to find and view files and folders in Files on iPad

In the Files app, you can search for and view your documents, images, and other files.

You can focus your search on Recents or a location or tag, and start a new search at any time, too. You can also select an app to open a file, and choose a default app for a type of file.

Here’s how to find and view files and folders in Files on iPad.

Find a specific file or folder

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Tap the Search button and enter a filename, folder name, or document type in the search field.

   When you search, you have these options:

   • Focus the scope of your search: Below the search field, tap Recents or the name of the location or tag.
   • Hide the keyboard and see more results on the screen: Tap the search key on the keyboard.
   • Start a new search: Tap the Clear Text button in the search field.
   • Open a result: Tap it.

Select an app to open a file

When opening a file, you can specify the app you want to open it with.

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Touch and hold the file you want to open.
3. Choose Open With from the menu. Choose an option.

Choose a default app to always open a file

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Touch and hold the file, then choose Get Info.
3. Below the Preview, tap the pop-up menu next to Always Open With. Then select an app.

   When you select a new default app to open the file, a prompt appears to verify if you want to change the default app for that file or file type.

Open a file in Quick Look

You can preview an image file or a PDF in Quick Look.

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Touch and hold the file, then tap Quick Look.

   Tip: To open a specific type of file in Quick Look, touch and hold the file, tap Open With, then tap Preview with Quick Look.

Browse files and folders

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Tap Browse at the top of the screen. Then tap a document on the Browse screen.

   If you don’t see the Browse screen, tap Browse again.

3. To view recently opened files, tap Recents at the top of the screen.
4. To open a file, location, or folder, tap it.

   Note: If you haven’t installed the app that created a file, a preview of the file opens in Quick Look.

To mark folders as favorites or add tags, read our article, Tag a file or folder.

Change how files and folders are sorted

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. From an open location or folder, tap the More button in portrait orientation or the Icons button in landscape orientation.
3. Choose an option: Name, Kind, Date, Size, or Tags.

See also

• Organize files and folders in Files on iPad