Transferring RAW & PSD files between desktop and ipad

[Sassie]

Just got an iPad Pro and planning to install Affinity for the purpose of working on photos.  I don’t use Cloud and I don’t want to use iTunes.  Is it possible to use a lightning to USB memory stick or card reader as a drag and drop to transfer RAW and PSD files from my desktop pc to iPad Pro to work on and then transfer back to desktop pc?  If so, can anyone recommend a suitable flash drive or card reader with drag and drop which can do this?

Many thanks!

[DM1]

Check out Documents app by Readdle (free and no iAds). It works with Files app and Affinity apps, does simple connections to a pc (wirelessly). Allows nested folders and many other benefits.

I also use a WdWirelessPro HDD which has wireless AC (5GHz) and can transfer a 40MB File in around 5 secs with a direct wireless connection to my iPad.

Sorry can't comment on lightning to USB sticks but if you go that route be sure to get a USB 3 stick or transfers will take forever!

[Sassie]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I was hoping to avoid wireless methods as I want to be able to transfer without internet connection (my internet is slow and often unreliable).  But I will check out Readdle - thanks! :)

Anyone out there used USB/lightening transfer?  To me that seems the simplest way so I'm surprised that loads of people are not using that (if it is possible).

[Sassie]

I have just tried to upload some PSD files to icloud but it comes up saying that PSD files are not supported. 

[DM1]

Not sure how or from where you are uploading the file but, iCloud will store any file type. Perhaps you are inadvertently trying to view the file in icloud with a viewer that does not support PSD file format. If you use a browser to transfer the file from your desktop to iCloud, try using Photo on your iPad to access the cloud and open the file.

[Sassie]

Thanks for your reply.

Basically, I want to transfer psd files from desktop pc to iPad to work on away from desktop, then save and transfer back to desktop pc.  My question is how to get them from pc to iPad and then back again.

My desktop pc plus internet connection are always temperamental which is why I want to do this without needing internet.  However, the cloud wireless method was suggested again so I tried it.  It just doesn't work when I try it,  and something which I think should be simple and straightforward is turning into a technical nightmare.  

So I just want to know how I can easily do this without internet connection.  Surely this should be possible using a flash memory drive?  I see they can be purchased online with a USB connection for pc and lightning connection for iPad.   I have since posting thus found one which will get files into iPad Pro but not back again.   

[DM1]

For simplicity sake, try one of these style of connections. There are many varieties including card readers. They generally have there own app and allow you to move files easily.

https://www.amazon.com/Charging-RAVPower-Extended-Lightning-External/dp/B01LLOZF6M

[Sassie]

Yes, that's the kind of thing I'm looking for.  I've just looked at the listing and it doesn't seem to support RAW files or PSDs.  

[DM1]

Sassie, RAW and PSD are file 'formats'. The sample photo attached shows the most common file types however if you look closely, under files, you will see 'others'.  3rd party apps associated with the storage device can access camera roll and Files allowing you to store files in folders of your own choice. I'm pretty sure the Apple card reader is restricted to camera roll. The iDisk app also has an 'Open in' feature allowing you to open files directly in apps.

[Simul8R]

I'm in the same boat as you. Coming from PC/UNIX/Android world I wanted to just copy my files onto the iPad filesystem and then view and edit from there. They don't make it that easy. 

I copied my files to the iPad using iTunes Photo sync and that seems to work but I'm having trouble with my RAW files, they seem to get converted in the transfer although they show as RAW in iPhotos.

I did manage to copy a folder from my Google Drive using Files and I might try that for more photos, I wanted to avoid two 50Gb wireless transfers though.

I tried a 3rd party lightning to USB/SD adapter with no luck, It wouldn't power the USB stick and didn't see the SD card. I returned it and got an Apple brand USB adapter and it handles the SD card well.