A good number of iPad users write on their tablet with an external keyboard and one of the main benefits of this approach is that you get access to keyboard shortcuts in most applications for the tablet.
The Files for iOS application is no different and with a smart keyboard or external Bluetooth keyboard connected to the iPad, a variety of keystrokes and keyboard shortcuts can be used to navigate and perform useful functions within the iOS file system application.
In this post we will show you a variety of excellent keyboard shortcuts for the Files application on iOS which will detect when you have an external keyboard connected to the iPad, these include clicks to copy, paste, duplicate, move, delete, create a new folder, search,
select all, show the latest, change the view from one icon to another, navigate the directory structure of the file system and more.
Contents
Requirements
This is probably obvious, but you will need an iPad or iPad Pro with a connected external keyboard in order to use these keyboard shortcuts. The Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad is an excellent choice for many users, and the Brydge keyboard for iPad is really good if you want your tablet to imitate a laptop, while the Apple Magic Keyboard is a popular choice for iPad users who use your device mainly on a desk or work station.
14 Keyboard shortcuts for the iPad Files application
Here is a list of keyboard shortcuts known for use in the Files for iPad application with an external keyboard. You must be in the same app to be able to use these shortcuts on the keyboard.
- Create new folder – Command + Shift + N
- Copy – Command + C
- Duplicate – Command + D
- Paste – Command + V
- Move here (how to paste with Cut) – Command + Shift + V
- Delete – Command + Delete
- Select all – Command + A
- Search – Command + F
- Show Recent – Command + Shift + R
- Show navigation – Command + Shift + B
- See as icons – Command + 1
- See as a list – Command + 2
- Go to the attached folder – Command + Arrow up
- Navigate – arrow keys
Keep in mind that for commands like copy, duplicate, paste, delete, you must have an actively selected file or folder for the command to work as expected.
Advice for iPad users with external keyboard
With an external keyboard connected to an iPad, press and hold the COMMAND key on the keyboard to see a list of keyboard shortcuts on the keyboard screen for that particular iOS application. Almost all native iOS applications support this feature, although not all third-party applications do.
Using an iPad with a keyboard can be a great experience for the advanced users of the tablet and those who write often, especially if you learn some of the excellent keyboard shortcuts available for applications.
If you are a Mac user, you will notice that each of these shortcuts in the Files for iPad application are the same as in the computer. Keeping keyboard shortcuts like these on Mac and iPad has many obvious benefits and allows you to easily switch between devices without needing to remember or learn new combinations to perform the same actions. Most keyboard shortcuts such as copy and paste (Command + C and Command + V) are the same on both Mac and iOS, and many others are also shared.
A world of options
Keep in mind that most iPad keyboards are specific to each model, so be sure to match the device you have with the keyboard to work as intended.
Do you know any other keyboard shortcuts for the Files application on iPad? Or for iOS in general? What is your favorite external keyboard to use with the tablet? Share your comments below!
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