How to Import Presentations to Keynote on an iPad

This tutorial will guide you through the steps required to import presentations into Keynote on your iPad.

Back in 2010 when this guide was initially published, this process was a bit more complicated and involved. Fast forward to 2021 its much easier to import a Keynote file to your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Here’s how –

  1. If you’re transferring a Keynote file from a Mac to an iPad, the easiest way has to be AirDrop. After you’ve sent the file from your Mac, tap the Accept button on your iPad.
  2. an AirDrop confirmation box on an iPad

  3. It will automatically open Keynote and import your project into a section titled My Themes.
  4. Keynote on an iPad after file import

  5. That’s it. It’s that easy now. If you’re using a PC or you don’t have access to AirDrop for some reason, the second easiest way to transfer the Keynote file is via email. Email the file to an address you can access on the iPad, and then tap the attachment in that email. It will open up in a “preview” window where you can tap the Open in Keynote link to have the presentation added to the My Themes section.
  6. a Keynote file being previewed on an iPad

  7. If you ever need to access the Keynote file itself on your iPad, use the Files app. Note: if the Files app (by Apple) isn’t on your iPad just download it from the App Store.
  8. the Files app icon

  9. Once you’ve opened Files, select On My iPad from the navigation panel on the left side of the app window.
  10. the Files app navigation panel

  11. Select the Keynote folder.
  12. an arrow pointing at a folder named Keynote

  13. This is where you’ll find all of your Keynote files. That’s it!
  14. a Keynote file on an iPad

ps. we’ve got you covered if you need to export a Keynote presentation back to a Mac or PC.


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6 thoughts on “How to Import Presentations to Keynote on an iPad”

  1. Thanks so much! I spent two days trying to upload a ppt to Keynote on my ipad with no success. Concise, easy to understand directions.

  2. Thanks for the great tutorial. Is it possible to have a keynote file show up on my ipad menu so that it looks like an app, then you press it and it goes to presentation mode? Is this wishful thinking? Thanks!

  3. THANKS! Works great…one thing … took me a second to find the Apps screen on the iTunes b/c I had to scroll down. You can see in your illustration that it’s below the All Apps list. I thought something was wrong.

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