How to Import Documents into Pages on an iPad or iPhone

This brief tutorial will show you how to import documents from your Mac or PC to Pages for the iPad.

Creating a new document in Pages for the iPad is easy enough – but what if you want to work on an existing document that you created on your Mac or PC?

Please note: this guide was initially published back in 2010 and as you’d expect, a lot has changed since then. It’s much easier now (2021) to get documents from a Mac or PC onto your iPad (or other iOS device) and into the Pages app. Here’s how –

  1. If you’re transferring a document file (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .epub or .pages) from a Mac to an iPad, the easiest way is AirDrop. After you’ve sent the file from your Mac, tap the Accept button on your iPad.
  2. the AirDrop confirmation box with an arrow pointing at the Accept button

  3. If Pages doesn’t open up automatically, you’ll be asked which App you want to open the document with. Select Pages
  4. an AirDrop confirmation box with an arrow pointing at the Pages button

  5. Give it a moment or two to import.
  6. an import logo for documents in Pages

  7. Just tap the EDIT button to get started editing the file on your iPad or iPhone.
  8. an arrow pointing to an EDIT button to edit documents in Pages

  9. If you were expecting more I’m sorry to disappoint – that’s it. You’re done. If you’re using a PC or you don’t have access to AirDrop for some reason, the second easiest way to import documents to Pages on your iPad/iPhone is via email. Email the file to an address you can access on the iPad (Gmail perhaps?), and then tap the attachment in that email.
  10. an arrow pointing at a docx file

  11. The document will open up in a preview window – tap the Send to button located in the upper-right corner of the preview window (see screenshot below).
  12. an arrow pointing at the Send To button in a preview window in iOS

  13. Select Pages from the list of places to ‘send’ the file.
  14. an arrow pointing to a Pages button

  15. That’s it! Tap the EDIT button to start editing the document in Pages.
  16. an arrow pointing to an EDIT button to edit documents in Pages

If you ever need to transfer Keynote files to your iPad, it’s the exact same procedure.


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