How to organize files and folders in Files on iPad

In the Files app, you can organize documents, images, and other files in folders.

You can create a folder, copy or compress a file, and make other changes to a file or a folder, or rename it. You can also modify multiple files or folders at the same time. Depending on the item, some options may not be available, and New Folder only appears where you’re allowed to create one.

Create a folder

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Open a location or an existing folder.
3. Tap the New Folder button.

   Note: If you don’t see New Folder, you can’t create a folder in that location.

Copy, compress, and make other changes to a file or a folder

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Open a location or an existing folder.
3. Touch and hold the file or folder. Choose an option: Copy, Move, Share, Compress, Duplicate, or Delete.

The item you select determines which options are available. An app library, which is a folder labeled with the app name, can’t be deleted or moved, for example.

To modify multiple files or folders at the same time, tap Select, tap to select the files or folders you want to modify, then tap an option at the top of the screen (Share, Duplicate, Move, Delete, and so on).

Rename a file or folder

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Open a location or an existing folder.
3. Touch and hold the file or folder and choose Rename.

With Apple Intelligence, Files recommends a name above the keyboard when you rename a file.

Note: Apple Intelligence on iPadOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*

Zip or unzip a file or folder

To save storage space on your iPad, you can zip a file or folder to compress it, and you can unzip a compressed file or folder as well.

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Touch and hold the file or folder you want to zip. Then tap Compress.

To unzip a compressed file or folder, touch and hold it, then tap Uncompress.

Tag a file or folder

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Open a location or an existing folder.
3. Touch and hold the file or folder, tap Tags, and then tap one or more tags.
4. Tap Done.

In the sidebar, tagged items appear below Tags.

To remove a tag, tap it again.

Mark a folder as a favorite

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Open a location or an existing folder, touch and hold the folder, and tap Favorite.

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

See also

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