View files on iPhone. The best free file exchanger is now on iOS

As you know, iOS is a closed file system, and this circumstance has its reasons. Apple engineers strive to make their products as easy to manage and protected as possible, but not only from viruses and hacker attacks, but also from the “crooked” hands of an ignorant user. That is why, in the list of programs installed on the i-device by default, you will not find file manager.

However, any user can easily download a third-party file manager, and not necessarily from App Store— in this article we will tell you where and how best to install a file manager for iPad.

As we mentioned above, iOS is a system with a closed file system, and therefore at first it seems that a file manager - a program created to view and manage files stored in the device’s memory - will not be of much use to the i-gadget user.

As a matter of fact, until recently this was the case - various kinds of file managers existed in the App Store, but they did not offer very rich functionality. But if the user jailbroken the device - that is, hacked iOS - he could use Cydia (an alternative App Store store software for hacked i-devices) download an excellent file manager with a wide range of options. At the same time, unconditionally the best program a utility called iFile has always been recognized in this matter. Perhaps, anyone who jailbroken downloaded the iFile application from Cydia first.

However, to jailbreak for the sake of it good manager files will not be solved for everyone. Firstly, jailbroken iOS devices are void of warranty, because Apple’s jailbreaking procedure is, of course, not officially supported—the Apple giant does not guarantee the correct operation of jailbroken devices. Secondly, in order to jailbreak you need to be an advanced user, not a beginner.

iFile without jailbreak - the impossible is possible

Fortunately, not long ago a way appeared that allows you to install iFile on your device without jailbreaking. To perform this cunning scheme, follow the instructions:

That's it - you can show off your installed iFile! And, you see, the instructions don’t look complicated, but now let’s look in a little more detail at how to transfer the downloaded archive with the program to an iOS device. In general, there are quite a few ways to do this, but in our opinion the fastest and most proven is this:

As you can see, everything has become a little more complicated, but access to iFile without jailbreak is, in the opinion of many, worth the hassle. However! Let us emphasize right away that by installing the manager in the specified way, you, of course, will not get from it all the options that you could have by jailbreaking it. And therefore, perhaps, if your device is not hacked, there is still no point in “chasing” a fashionable iFile, because its functionality in these circumstances will be, if wider, then not much in comparison with the best official managers from the App Store.

Documents 5 - the best official manager

Well, to the question of which (out of a very meager assortment) is, in our opinion, the best manager in the App Store, we will now answer. However, you already read the name of our chosen favorite in the subtitle - this is the Documents 5 application.

Today, it is perhaps the most popular file manager in the App Store. And all because this utility successfully combines a lot of advantages - wide functionality, a pleasant and understandable interface and a price of 0 rubles!

What can Documents 5 do? Search by file categories, move them, copy them, add to favorites, archive them, work with iCloud Drive. Directly in the application, you can open almost any type of file, play audio and video, download various types of content from the network and save it in a convenient format, etc. Another cool feature that should be noted separately is the ability to exchange files from a PC over the air using Wi-Fi network. Having delved into Documents 5, you will probably find a bunch of other useful and pleasant little things that are not immediately apparent - for example, password protection of the application. We believe that the Documents 5 option will be enough for any average user.

However, Documents 5 is not the only utility that deserves our attention. There are other file managers in the App Store that are worth mentioning separately.

For example, FileBrowser, using which, you will be able to manage files not only of the i-device, but also remote computer. In this case, it will be available as a regular viewing of files on remote device, as well as their editing. One problem with FileBrowser is that the application is paid and will cost 349 rubles. Very similar in functionality FileExplorer, while it is slightly cheaper - the price is 279 rubles.

USB Disk Pro- a file manager for advanced users, it has an excellent built-in player for viewing files, but this utility is also paid - 279 rubles.

File Manager - a free competitor to Documents 5 - we recommend it for those who use several i-devices and often work with information stored in cloud services. The application is organized in such a way that it allows you to manage clouds and exchange between iOS devices as conveniently as possible.

Let's summarize

So, despite the fact that iOS is a closed system, file managers, and very functional ones, exist for it. We, of course, have not considered all the solutions, but, in our opinion, we have presented the most worthy ones. However, the final choice is yours, and these are our recommendations. If you are an average user who does not require too much from your device, install free Documents 5 from the App Store and enjoy life, as they say.

If your needs often go beyond the statistical average, then you need to build on specific case. Is it important for you to create a unified ecosystem between a bunch of iOS devices and the clouds? Install File Manager for yourself! In that situation, if you need remote control one or another device, then you will have to consider paid applications from the App Store like FileBrowser. Well, when you want everything at once, install iFile, and if the functionality of this utility on a non-jailbroken device does not suit you, you will have to jailbreak it. By the way, here you can read the main features of iFile and make sure that there are actually a lot of them.

Well, one more thing - do not forget that, in addition to the managers we have considered, there are file management programs of a different category. They are not installed on mobile device, and on a PC, and with the help of these programs, interaction between a mobile and desktop device is carried out. If your iPad or iPhone requires a file manager to work with a PC, you have the opportunity to use the “native” file manager - iTunes, and if this program does not suit you - you don’t like the interface or want more options - there are a bunch of third-party ones at your service. We recommend paying attention to iTools - a convenient file manager with wide functionality, proven over the years.

Greetings, dear user of devices from Apple, for example, I have a full set of gadgets from this company, they are very high quality and easy to use. But today we will not talk about the exceptional quality of Apple devices, but about how to choose a good file manager for iPhone and iPad.

Why do you actually need a file manager? And what is it? To make it easier for you to understand the principle of operation of file managers on the iPhone and iPad, let me first define a file manager, and then give a small example that clearly illustrates the operation of this type of program.

File manager is a program for managing files stored in the device’s memory. In this case we are talking about iOS devices: iPhone and iPad. By default, in the iOS operating system you cannot just view files, because the system is closed (that is, with a closed file system) and installing file managers will be of little use in order to fully open the file system of your iPhone or iPad, you you can do a JailBreak (you can find instructions on the Internet).

I selected all iOS file managers according to the following principles (of course, I did not select programs according to the “finger in the sky” principle, I tried to make the highest quality selection according to several parameters):

• Functional– if I put any other indicator in this place, it would be strange. Most important indicator the quality of a particular program - its capabilities;
• Intuitive interface– the program should be so simple that even a beginner can use it iOS user(iPhone, iPad);
• Design– although design is not important for file managers, I still included this item in the proposed list, I am very partial to good, thoughtful and high-quality design.

So, let's finish the lyrics and get started, try to find a good file manager for iPad and iPhone, in general, for iOS.

iFile

In my opinion, iFile is an excellent file manager, maybe even the best, it’s a pity it’s not free. You can download this tool from the link above. The application works on your iPhone and iPad only if you have JailBreak installed on it. The program is installed from Cydia. I would like to highlight some of the advantages of this tool.:

• Supports large number various formats including some "exotic" ones;
• Allows you to perform various operations with files: copy, paste, delete, etc.;
• It works directly on the iPhone itself, by the way: the rest of the programs from the proposed list require installation directly on a personal computer.

As I said above, you can download the application from Cydia using the link above.

iPhone Folders

Another file manager (iOS). A fairly simple and uncomplicated file manager, installed on a personal computer to which you will subsequently connect your iOS device(iPhone or iPad). You can download it from the link above. Among the features I would like to note are the following:

• The file manager is built directly into the explorer of your Windows OS, you must agree - it’s very convenient;
• Can work both with JaclBreak (all contents of the phone will be displayed) and without it (there will be some restrictions);
• The program implements pop-up tips that will simplify working with the application.

You can download this file manager by clicking on the link provided above.

iExplorer

Another iOS file manager. Like the previous tool, it is installed on your personal computer running the Windows operating system. You can download the program from the official website of the developer, the link is above. Let me highlight some of the tool's capabilities:

• Nice appearance programs;
• Support for “drag-and-drop” technology;
• Possibility to do backups your device.

Download this program you can follow the link located above the text.

That's all for today, I hope you have chosen for yourself best tool and were able to download it without difficulty. I would be grateful if you leave a short comment on this note.

When you first launch the FileMaster application, you will immediately see a pop-up window in front of you that contains information about your IP address. This means that using local network WiFi, you have the opportunity to “transfer” files from your computer to iGadget via wireless connection. Great start, isn't it?

FileMaster's main interface looks like Explorer or any other file manager: you see several files and folders in front of you that you can delete, move and edit. In other words, the application gives you full access to internal folders, with which you can do whatever you want, just like on desktop computer. At the same time, absolutely all media files, be they audio recordings or videos, can be played through the player built into the application. Besides media files, FileMaster also has built-in viewing tools office documents, text entries, images, HTML files and archives. In other words, it contains a complete package for viewing files of any format.

A separate feature of the FileMaster application is the built-in browser, with which you can visit your favorite websites, watch videos and listen to audio recordings, and also download selected files to the memory of your iPad or iPhone. At the same time, as you well understand, you will be able to access the downloaded files even if there is no permanent Internet connection. We tried to download free music on your iPad and listen to it offline using the built-in player.

Overall, the developers managed to release truly unique product and create a full-fledged file system that is separate from all the files stored in iOS. This approach will be appreciated by those users who are not used to working with closed platforms, as well as those who often have to download and work with files from outside. For these purposes, FileMaster will be the best available tools. That is why the application deservedly receives five out of five possible points. If you are looking for a convenient file manager, FileMaster is what you need.

The FileMaster application is temporarily distributed free of charge. Previously, the cost of FileMaster was App store Store was 66 rubles. The application is universal, which means it can be downloaded by users of all Apple mobile devices.

Remember this name - Gu Jing! It was from his pen that the application was released on April 26, 2012. I have not seen the first versions of the program, I have not followed its development. I came across FileHub quite by accident during another raid on the App Store. But after purchasing this app, I realized that... at the moment FileHub is probably the best file manager for iPad. At the same time, it has shortcomings and I will write about them in the review, but even in this form this application is a powerful bid for leadership in its application segment.

Constant improvements in functionality (the latest of which was made in September of this year) allow us to hope that the program is needed by its developer! And I sincerely believe that my 66 rubles will be an additional incentive for the developer not to abandon his creation.

Well, let's move on from the praises to the description of FileHub.

FileHub - a practical and convenient file manager

Working with files

Working with files FileHub is organized perfectly. There are all the more or less necessary operations - transferring or copying files, creating and renaming folders, etc. Everything feels intuitive with these operations anywhere in the program. For example, before saving files, you can create a folder, another one in it, etc. One can feel some kind of concern for users, which allows them to do maximum actions with a minimum of body movements...

Everything is located where it should be. The screenshot below shows the possibilities for working with folders:

Pay attention to two points: compress and protect.

Compress function will allow you to archive a folder, group of folders or files. The program will ask you to enter a password for the archive (optional). True, password-protected archives behave strangely - if you do not enter the password when unzipping: they create a garbage folder in which there is supposedly a file, but it does not open. A small and incomprehensible bug.

Function Protection allows you to set a password for a folder. Without entering this password, you will not be able to view the contents of the folder. But this is only if you do not have access to a computer. Through iTunes, I was able to view the contents of the supposedly secret folder without any problems. But I wouldn’t say that this is a bug - all similar programs work on the same stupid principle. This is either the impossibility or unwillingness of developers to encrypt the contents of folders.

FileHub, like any self-respecting file manager, supports cloud storage: iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, SugarSync, Skydrive and Box. Yandex disk is not supported, but everything is in your hands. If you request this function from the developers, they are unlikely to refuse. I sent them a corresponding letter on behalf of the site (at the same time, I do not actively use the I-disk).

Communication with the clouds is two-way - it’s convenient to both download and upload files from there.

Interesting feature: File Hub allows you to create voice recording in m4a format. And given the wide possibilities for working with files, for some this may replace separate program dictaphone.

FileHub supports many formats, from files created using the package Microsoft Office to specific TAR and BZ2 archives. Of course there is PDF support.

Although in future updates I would not refuse previews of fb2 and epub. Moreover, any file can be opened using other applications in iOS:

Transfer files via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB

Files in the application can be uploaded (and downloaded) from a computer or any device that has access to file system(for example, an Android smartphone) via Wi-Fi. To do this, just click the corresponding “Transfer via Wi-Fi” button. For greater security, you can set a login and password for this operation in the settings.

The browser frontend for transferring files to FileHub looks very neat.

Between Apple devices With installed program FileHub allows you to transfer files via Bluetooth. If FileHub becomes the standard file manager on a tablet, this will solve the problem of “how to transfer interesting music to a friend.” Of course, Bluetooth speed leaves much to be desired.

Well, there’s still some left standard method transfer files via shared files on iTunes. The folder structure will be visible there. The best way data backup - saving these folders to your computer. The easiest way to upload folders is using a Zip archive and extract files from it in the program itself.

Audio and video in FileHub

In these sections, the developers approached the matter thoroughly. Firstly, the program supports several popular formats. And secondly, managing all this is very convenient, since it is possible to create your own playlists.

Even a sleep timer is available.

Video supported in following formats: MP4, MOV, M4V, AVI, FLV, SWF, WMV, MKV, RMVB, MPG, F4V. Subtitles are not supported.

It’s quite possible to use music and video in FileHub, if you don’t bother too much with subtitles, soundtracks, sorting by genre, etc. On the other hand, it is clear without words that special players will solve the viewing problem better. But if you have a lot of music and movies stored in the cloud, then, of course, it’s easier to use FileHub - quickly download and listen/watch.

Photo in FileHub

File managers are very good for storing and displaying photos. It seems to me that this is an even more attractive solution than storing photos in the standard application. After all, in the file manager you can create any folder structure you like and upload your photos there. Move, rename them, etc. The standard system does not provide such space for work...

FileHub opens easily large files, enlarges/reduces areas in photos. At the same time, the program caches photos for faster viewing in the future. You can view information about the photo, send it to Twitter, create a slideshow, or print it.

Settings

Briefly about the most interesting settings. You can enable a password (including a complex one) for the application.

This is interesting! The program supports design themes. Not every file manager cares so much about its users. We are all human and everyone has their own favorite color! :)

Function show/hide file extensions. I prefer to see the extension, so I enabled this feature.

To fast forward in the video player, you can set your own time in seconds (from 5 to 60 in 5-second increments).

Well, plus in the FileHub settings you can quickly find out the quantity free memory on iPad.

Disadvantages of the FileHub file manager

The first disadvantage is that the file manager is not suitable for everyone. So you download it based on my tip, and then you will blame me for missing some important function for you. Or state that you can't take notes in PDF. You need to understand that this is a combine that can do a little bit of everything and is used for storing and structuring files. File managers are especially needed for those who are used to organizing everything into folders on their computer. If you need specialized program for some global purposes, then it’s better to buy it.

The second minus is more specific - on the iPad 2 (and possibly on iPad Mini) small fonts Some menus seem a little unclear. The program looks great in every way on the Retina screen. So much for the difference between a regular screen and a Retina one.

Conclusion: What do we see in the end? FileHub is a wonderful file manager not only in potential, but in functionality. And rightfully so high rating in the App Store. It’s even strange that in RuNet, apart from a couple of minor mentions, there is no information about it. Out of curiosity, I studied the ratings of the application in the largest App Stores in the world and everywhere the rating ranges from 4.5 stars to 5! Great program, which I hope, through the efforts of comrade Gu Jing, will continue to develop just as actively!

Managing hundreds of documents and folders requires a truly efficient mechanism. There are many tools that are designed to help users organize their files. From multitasking apps to boasting their unique designs, they are all designed to be ideal solution to manage data on devices, but not everyone copes with this task well. How to find a suitable file manager for iPhone among such an abundance of offers? First, you should find out about the best of them.

File Manager

File Manager will be an excellent file management tool for you. The application is very convenient for transferring files from your computer to your iPhone, so it can also be described as a virtual USB drive.

Using the built-in PDF readers And music player you can comfortably read or listen to music. In addition, the application supports some of the Microsoft tools Office. Synchronization with many possible cloud services, including Dropbox, OneDrive and others. Provided quick search files, and the data itself can be protected with a password.

For many, File Manager is the best file manager for iPhone. If only because, having a large set of functions, the application is completely free.

FileApp

FileApp is one of the most effective applications to organize data. In addition to working with documents, the application allows you to play multimedia files and edit photos using the built-in editor. Images can be shared on Twitter and Facebook, or sent as email attachments.

File encryption, which is provided by almost every file manager for iPhone, will help ensure the security of your data. iOS 8.3, by the way, offers better system data protection, so it is not necessary to put a password on every folder - except for the most secret ones.

iExplorer

iExplorer is an image viewer, a powerful reader e-books and media player, but above all, it is an excellent assistant in working with data. You can share files by connecting to suitable device via Bluetooth, but you will need a wire to exchange data between your phone and computer. The application also allows you to watch movies and listen to music without even copying them to your iPhone.

The main disadvantage of the application is, perhaps, its high price, but in return it offers a set of very interesting functions.

Files n Folders

For sharing files between your phone and computer, Files n Folders is perhaps the best file manager for iPhone. You can now easily download photos or videos stored on your phone to your computer: this is what many have been waiting for.

The app also opens almost all file types for iOS: MS Office, PDF, Text, HTML, ZIPs and many more.

Files n Folders is free to download, but you'll have to buy a subscription for future use.

Documents 5

Documents 5 is a multitasking application that is ideal for entrepreneurs. You will be able to edit texts, read comments on PDF files and, more importantly, perform quick searches within documents.
The application provides the ability to save your favorite web pages in order to read them later. The data can, of course, be protected with a password. The developers did not ignore the support of cloud services: iCloud and Dropbox will be available at your service.

In addition, the application is completely free.

Files Pro

Files Pro features full integration with Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive, and thanks to the built-in browser you can download files directly from the application.

Data folders can be moved, copied, renamed, deleted and created, which will greatly facilitate the process of editing files. The application has many nice features, the only thing that can scare users away is the high price.

Files United

Files United makes managing your files almost effortless. The application is capable of performing many tasks: creating new folders, adding to favorites, moving and copying documents, protecting files with a password, and much more.

It is also possible to synchronize with clouds. And if you use Windows, you can access files via the SMB protocol.

The price of the application is quite reasonable.

iFiles

iFiles is perhaps the most versatile file manager for iPhone. For example, you can create voice notes through the built-in audio recording tool.

To open the action menu, simply touch a file or folder and hold your finger for a couple of seconds. You can change any properties of objects.

The application supports many file types and cloud services.