[Easy Guide] How to Transfer Files from Mac/Macbook/iMac to iPad?

Today, many people use the iPad instead of the Mac for work and entertainment because of its portability. In this case, we have to transfer files from Mac to iPad. ITunes installed on your Mac can complete this transfer process. However, using iTunes will inevitably lead to data synchronization on the iPad. I think this is probably why more and more users are looking for how to transfer files from Mac to iPad without iTunes.

If you are one of them, please rest assured that we will show you all possible methods for transferring files from Mac to iPad. You can easily transfer all file types including contacts, SMS, notes, calendars, bookmarks, music, videos, photos, books and apps. You just need to choose the method you are most satisfied with.

Way 1: How to Transfer Files from Mac to iPad with iTunes

It is a classic way to transfer files to iPad from Mac by using iTunes. Before you start the process, you need to make sure the iTunes you installed on your Mac is the latest version in order to avoid the problem of iPad not being able to connect to iTunes. You can go to App Store > Update and your Mac will automatically check for updates. If there is a new version of iTunes or MacOS available, you should click Install button to download the latest version.

There are two methods to transfer data from Mac to iPad with iTunes:

Method 1: Copy files from Mac to iPad via iTunes Sync

Step 1: Launch iTunes and use a USB cable to connect your iPad to the Mac.

Step 2: Once iTunes detects the connected iPad, you can go to the left side panel to tap on the Device button.

Step 3: Here we set photos as example. Click the checkbox next to "Sync Photos" and select an option from the drop-down list of where you want to copy the photos from.

Step 4: Finally, click "Apply" button from the right bottom to start to sync photos from Mac to your iPad.

Method 2: Transfer files between Mac and iPad via Apps

Step 1: Connect your iPad to your Mac and wait until it is detected by iTunes.

Step 2: Click the Device icon on iTunes screen and choose "File Sharing".

Step 3: Choose the app that you want to transfer files to.

Step 4: Click on the "Add" button, select the file you want to transfer and then click the button of "Add" again.

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Way 2: How to Transfer Files from Mac to iPad without iTunes (5 Minutes Way)

If you prefer to transfer files to iPad from Mac without iTunes to avoid data syncing, you can switch to MobiKin Assistant for iOS (Mac Version), which is a professional iOS management tool to help you transfer files between Mac and iPad without any hassle. It supports all models of Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Follow the steps below to get the details.

What can Assistant for iOS do for you?

• Transfer everything between the computer and your iOS devices..
• Manage files on your iPhone and iPad from computer. You can delete and edit iPhone/iPad/iPod data on PC/Mac freely.
• Uninstall apps with 1 simple click.
• Backup data from iOS device to iTunes default backup location and restore iTunes backup to your target device with ease.
• Support all available models of iPad, including the latest iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad 4. iPad mini, iPad with retina play, etc.

What are the file types Assistant for iOS supports?

• Music: Songs, Voice Memos, Tones.
• Videos: Movies, TV Shows, Music Videos
• Photos: Camera Roll, Photo Library, Photo Stream and Photo Videos.
• Others: Contacts, SMS, Notes, Calendars, Bookmarks, Books and Apps.

Get the free trial version of the Assistant for iOS program by clicking on the buttons below. Then, follow the step-by-step instructions to see how to transfer data from Mac to iPad by using this tool. Don't hesitate to give it a try now!

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the Mac computer

Connect your iPad to your Mac via a USB cable. You will be popped up with a prompt on your iPad, asking you whether to trust this computer. Just click "Trust" to continue. Launch Assistant for iOS Mac on the computer and it will detect your iPad soon.

Step 2: How to transfer files from Mac to iPad

Select the items you want to transfer from the left side panel. For example, if you wish to import contacts from Mac to iPad, you can choose the "Contacts" tab from the left and then click the button of "Import" from the top menu to upload the contacts from Mac to your iPad.

Check If You Need:

• How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Laptop? 4 Solutions for You!
• Top 4 Ways on How to Transfer Photos from Laptop to iPhone

Way 3: How to Transfer Files from Mac to iPad Wirelessly with AirDrop

Whether you use iTunes or Assistant for iOS, you need a USB data cable. If you don't have a USB cable at hand, don't worry, you can use AirDrop to wirelessly transfer files from your Mac to your iPad. However, the common problem with the wireless method is that the transferring speed is very slow. If you need to move a large number of files between the iPad and Mac, we recommend that you still use a USB cable.

Step 1: Switch on AirDrop on your iPad:

• Swipe up from the bottom of the iPad screen to call out the "Control Center".
• Press deeply on the box featuring the airplane button, tap on the "AirDrop" button and set your iPad to be discovered by "Contacts Only" or "Everyone".

Step 2: Switch on AirDrop on your Mac:

• Go to "Finder" > "Go" > "AirDrop", and turn on Bluetooth and WiFi. This will launch AirDrop automatically.
• In the AirDrop window, set the option "Allow to be discovered" by "Everyone" or "Contacts Only".

Step 3: Transfer files from Mac to iPad via AirDrop

On your Mac, select the files you want to share and drag them to the image of the recipient (your iPad) and click the Send button. Or, you can also directly click on the Share button, choose AirDrop, select the recipient (your iPad) and then click Done.

The Bottom Line

All three methods above can be used to transfer files from Mac to iPad. Each method has a different emphasis, so it is difficult to say arbitrarily which method is best for you. Our advice is that if you want to transfer a lot of photos, videos and audio from Mac to iPad, then MobiKin Assistant for iOS (Mac) is the best choice because it provides the fastest transfer. If you have only a small number of files, such as several documents, to copy from Mac to iPad, then we recommend you use AirDrop. We don't recommend using iTunes to switch data between Mac and iPad because it will cause data sync on your iPad, which may cause unnecessary data loss.

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