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    Contents
    • Getting Started
      • Add files to Documents
      • Create a folder or a subfolder in Documents
      • How to rename, move, and delete your files
      • Sync and back-up your files using cloud storages
    • Using Documents
      • Supported file formats
      • Create a new file in Documents
      • Create a folder or a subfolder in Documents
      • Copy, move, rename, delete, restore, or compress files and folders
      • Customize the view of your files
      • Use search in Documents
      • Access recently opened and favorite files
      • Organize your files with Inbox
      • Enhance your files with Tools
      • Set up reminders for your files
      • Access your device files via the Files app folder
      • Documents internal web browser
      • Download files from the Internet
      • Save links in Documents
      • Why VPN?
      • Use VPN in Documents
      • Documents VPN provider & Privacy
      • Share files via the Share button
      • Save files from other apps to Documents via Extension
      • Transfer files from Safari to Documents
      • Transfer files between iOS device and desktop using Wi-Fi
      • Transfer files to another iOS device with Nearby
      • Transfer files to desktop or another iPhone/iPad with WebDAV
      • Share files with Android devices
      • iTunes file sharing
      • Share files from cloud via a link
      • Transfer files between Documents and your Mac using a USB cable
      • Sync and back-up your files using cloud storages
      • Sync a folder with the 2-way sync
      • Set up sync with Mac via SFTP
      • Connect to your Mac or PC via SMB
      • Time Capsule set up
      • Siri shortcuts in Documents
      • Documents widgets
      • Quick Actions
      • Quickly scroll to the top
      • Smart Actions in Documents
      • Use iOS Live Text in Documents
      • How to set password to the app
      • Documents Widgets in Control Center
      • iPhone Mirroring in Documents
    • Troubleshooting
      • Files look broken
      • Music stops when the screen is locked
      • Documents app quits unexpectedly
      • Documents app freezes
      • Sync issues
      • There is no Documents app in the 'Open In' menu
      • Annotations are not visible in Documents while working with a third-party app
      • Restore accidentally deleted files
      • VPN-related issues
      • Wi-Fi Transfer issues
      • Can't access a password protected app
      • Email can’t be sent
      • The app occupies too much space
      • Subscription issues
      • Battery usage and background activity of the app
      • Music skips while playing
    • Billing & Subscription
      • Upgrade to Documents Plus
      • How to cancel the free trial for Documents Plus
      • How to check and manage your subscription status
      • Refund processes in Documents
    • Privacy & Data
      • Documents privacy FAQ
    • Contact us
    Home Using Documents Synchronization Sync and back-up your files using cloud storages

    Sync and back-up your files using cloud storages

    Documents allows for keeping your files up-to-date between your iOS devices. All you need is Documents installed on both devices, access to the Internet, and any cloud storage (e.g. iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive etc.).

    Jump to:
    • How to connect your device to the cloud storage
    • How to sync files through your cloud storage
    • How to access, annotate, edit, and download synced files

    Connect your device to the cloud storage

    Documents works with iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, OneDrive, Office 365, Windows SMB, and any other storage which supports the WebDAV/FTP/SFTP protocol connection. If you can't find the storage of your choice among available options, please check its support website. If the storage supports WebDAV/FTP/ SFTP/SMB protocols, you can configure the connection and access it in Documents using the supported protocol.

        iPhone     iPad
        

    To connect to iCloud:

    1. Go to the system settings of your device.
    2. Tap your name and select iCloud.
    3. Enable the Documents toggle.

    To connect to another cloud storage:

    1. Launch Documents and tap the Plus button  .
    2. Tap Add Connectionand select one from the list.
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions to log in.

    To connect to iCloud:

    1. Go to the system settings of your device.
    2. Tap your name and select iCloud.
    3. Enable the Documents toggle.

    To connect to another cloud storage:

    1. Make sure your iPad is connected to the network.
    2. Launch Documents and tap the Plus button  .
    3. Tap, select the cloud storage to sync, and provide your credentials.
    4. Tap Sign in.
    Note: You should connect to the same cloud storage on each of your devices.

    Sync files through your cloud storage

    To sync files between devices, you need to upload them to your cloud storage first.

        iPhone     iPad
        

    To upload files from your iOS device with iCloud storage:

    1. Open Documents, tap ... at the top right > Select.
    2. Select the files you want to synchronize.
    3. On the toolbar at the bottom, tap Copy to both keep the file original locally on your device and edit its copy on the cloud. Tap Move if you want your file to be stored and edited on the cloud only.
    4. Tick the folder of your cloud storage and tap the button at the top right.

    You can also drag & drop the desired files into your cloud folder.

    To upload files from your iOS device using another cloud:

    1. Open Documents, tap ... at the top right > Select.
    2. Select the files you want to synchronize.
    3. Tap More on the toolbar at the bottom.
    4. Select Upload > your cloud storage for sync.
    5. Tap Upload at the top right.

    You can also drag & drop the desired files into your cloud folder.

    To upload files from your iOS device with iCloud storage:

    1. Open Documents.
    2. Tap ... at the top right > Select.
    3. Select the files or folders you wish to sync with iCloud.
    4. Tap Move or Copy and select Documents – iCloud.

    You can also drag & drop the desired files to the Documents – iCloud tab.

    To upload files from your iOS device using another cloud:

    1. Open Documents, tap ... at the top right > Select.
    2. Select the files you want to synchronize.
    3. Select Upload on the sidebar and select the cloud for sync.
    4. Tap Upload at the top right.

    You can also drag & drop the desired files into your cloud folder.

    Access, annotate, edit, and download synced files

    iPhone     iPad

    It's possible to access your synced files in your cloud storage folder in the My Files sectionin Documents. If you use iCloud, you can access the files both in Documents – iCloud and Files folders. Documents – iCloud is Documents' iCloud container that allows you to sync files from the app to iCloud and access them in the iCloud folder in Documents or the Documents app on another device. The Files folder represents iCloud Drive itself and also provides you with access to all files saved locally on your device.

    When you're connected to the network, Documents lets you work with files right in the cloud storage, without downloading them - all the changes will be automatically saved to the cloud. Meanwhile, you can also download files from different cloud storages with a couple of taps:

    1. Launch Documents and open the folder of your cloud storage.
    2. Tap ... at the top right > Selectand pick the files or folders you wish to download.
    3. Tap Download. Now, you can work with these files locally in Documents.
    Tip: If you want to annotate files offline but upload them to your cloud later, you can sync folders from web storage.

    It's possible to access your synced files by tappinng your cloud storage account on the sidebar. If you use iCloud, you can access the files either in Documents – iCloud on the sidebar or in the Files folder. Documents – iCloud is Documents' iCloud container that allows you to sync files from the app to iCloud and access them in the iCloud folder in Documents or the Documents app on another device. The Files folder represents iCloud Drive itself and also provides you with access to all files saved locally on your device.

    When you're connected to the network, Documents lets you work with files right in the cloud storage, without downloading them - all the changes will be automatically saved to the cloud. Meanwhile, you can also download files from different cloud storages with a couple of taps:

    1. Launch Documents and tap your cloud storage on the sidebar.
    2. Tap ... at the top right > Selectand pick the files or folders you wish to download.
    3. Tap Download. Now, you can work with these files locally in Documents.
    Tip: If you want to annotate files offline but upload them to your cloud later, you can sync folders from web storage.
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