Locating desktop files on iPad

[Bri-Toon]

Hi there,

I was comparing the same file location (iCloud) on two different devices (iPad and Mac computer). There are files I made on iPad, and files I made on Mac. However, the iPad files were not showing up on my Mac device, and my Mac files were not showing up on my iPad device. I made sure that it is the same location, and it is. Does anyone know why this might be?

[v_kyr]

Hmm, maybe some previous threads with similar themes will give you some hint here ...

• desktop files on ipad site:forum.affinity.serif.com

[Bri-Toon]

41 minutes ago, v_kyr said:

Hmm, maybe some previous threads with similar themes will give you some hint here ...

• desktop files on ipad site:forum.affinity.serif.com

It doesn’t seem that any of those match what I am looking for, but thanks for trying.

[NotMyFault]

Does other non-Apple Apps see their files across devices?

• If yes, it might be an Affinity relate issue. Please provide screenshots from save / open dialogs where the actual path is visible.
• If no, check if both devices are using the same Apple-ID, and iCloud sync settings are correct.

 

[Bri-Toon]

Apparently, no. There are other apps that are not shown across other devices as well.

I see that I have the same Apple ID, but I don’t know how to find out if iCloud is syncing.

Another possibility could be different operating systems? I have the latest update for iPad, but I still have Mojave for Mac.

[Paul Mudditt]

On 8/30/2023 at 5:58 PM, Bri-Toon said:

Apparently, no. There are other apps that are not shown across other devices as well.

I see that I have the same Apple ID, but I don’t know how to find out if iCloud is syncing.

Another possibility could be different operating systems? I have the latest update for iPad, but I still have Mojave for Mac.

Look at www.icloud.com to see what has sync’d to iCloud and what has not. If you are in low power mode sync will not occur.Generally you need to be plugged into a power source for items to sync.

Also very importantly, if you have not saved AND CLOSED the Affinity document in the Affinity sandbox then the correct file will not sync, just like on the desktop always save and close any open files. 

[NotMyFault]

Another frequent cause: out of iCloud storage.

[Bri-Toon]

It appears that it is the iPad files that synced to iCloud.com, not the computer files.

The Affinity files are saved, and I have plenty of cloud storage.

[NotMyFault]

Ok, can you check the settings on your Mac?
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208682#:~:text= Set up iCloud on your Mac ,then click Apple ID. If you’re... See More.

 

[Bri-Toon]

4 hours ago, NotMyFault said:

Ok, can you check the settings on your Mac?
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208682#:~:text= Set up iCloud on your Mac ,then click Apple ID. If you’re... See More.

 

One of the requirements from that page is to have the latest Mac OS, so I am in the process of updating all the way from Mojavi! When I am done, I will come back here, and let you guys know if it worked.

[Bri-Toon]

So I wasn’t able to upgrade to Ventura, only Monterey.

However, I have an update. The computer files that are not showing up on the iPad have a cloud icon next to them, whereas the others do not. As a test, I copied them, and made a new folder to put them in. They are not being detected through the iPad. What do those cloud icons mean?

[NotMyFault]

To be honest, the best would be if you can get assistance from someone at the location of the Mac, instead of remote guesswork from forum members who can’t see the Mac display directly. Getting screenshots would help. But remove or cover any sensitive parts like mail addresses, real names etc.

1. Please logout / login to iCloud on your Mac, using the identical iCloud credentials on the iPad. You need to know your passwords, of course. 
2. Please try to login into www.iCloud.com from a different device and inspect what files are visible. Try to use the „find my“ function to check that all devices are visible with name (this needs to be enabled on the devices before, of course).

Ultimately, as you were using a very old OS on Mac before, check if you can backup all data, verify that the backup was successful, factory-reset your Mac, and restore the data. If not familiar with the process, ask someone (at your location, who can directly touch the Mac) with experience to help you.