Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Tip 89
Quickly Send Files to an iPhone or iPad
Getting things like pictures and music files from your computer to an iPhone
and iPad can be a struggle. However, if all you want to do is quickly transfer
something like an image, office document, or song, then you can use the
Messages app to—essentially—send the file to yourself.
You can then open the file on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch by looking
within the Messages app.
What You Can Do with Files Once Transferred
What you can do with the file on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad varies, as
follows:
• Image or video files: Once these files are received on the iPhone or iPad,
you'll be able to add the image or video files into your camera roll. Just
open the file for viewing by tapping it, and then select the icon at the top
right or bottom left.
• Office documents: If you send a word processor document, spreadsheet,
or presentation file, you'll be able to view it by tapping it and, if you have
a compatible app installed (like Pages, Numbers or Keynote), import it
into that app's iCloud filestore for editing. Just click the icon at the top
right of the display.
• PDF files: These can be viewed by tapping them and imported into the
iBooks app for later viewing, if you have iBooks (free within the App Store)
or any other PDF reader installed.
• Alas, if you send a music file like an MP3, all you can do is listen to it in
a preview application. You won't be able to import it into your iPhone's
or iPad's music collection.
How to Transfer Files
First make sure that the iPhone or iPad you want to transfer the file to is
logged in with the same Apple ID as your Mac. Then open Messages on your
Mac and start a new conversation, but type your own iMessage contact details
into the To field, essentially starting a conversation with yourself. Following
