How to transfer files from Mac to iPad

  • Connect Mac and iPad with USB cable;
  • Open Finder in the Mac, under locations on the left select on the iPad.
  • Click Files, pick an app installed in the iPad – I suggest Firefox.
  • From another Finder window, drag and drop the folders and files you want to move to the iPad.
  • The files will transfer quickly. In the iPad, open the Files app, they will appear under “On My iPad” organized in the folder of the program you selected.

This is necessary because Apple doesn’t make this easy. The Files app doesn’t appear as one of the selections in the Finder, and some other apps don’t do what is needed. For small transfers, iCloud also works, but otherwise it is too slow.

There are other suggestions online, some of which require installing apps. IGNORE THEM!