The iPadOS offers robust multitasking capabilities, including the ability to drag and drop items between apps. This feature is particularly useful for quickly moving content such as text, images, links, and files from one app to another. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use drag and drop on your iPad.
Setting Up Apps in Split View or Slide Over
Before you start dragging and dropping, you’ll need to open your apps in either Split View or Slide Over mode:
- Open an App:
- Start by opening the first app where you want to drag content from.
- Activate Multitasking:
- Tap the Multitasking button (three dots) at the top of the app window.
- Choose Split View or Slide Over:
- Tap the Split View button to open the second app alongside the first one.
- Alternatively, tap the Slide Over button to have the second app float over the first app.
- Select the Second App:
- After tapping Split View or Slide Over, your Home Screen will appear. Tap the second app you’d like to open.
Dragging and Dropping Items Between Open Apps
Once your apps are set up side by side or in Slide Over:
- Select the Item:
- In the app from which you want to drag an item, tap and hold the item until it lifts slightly. This indicates that it’s ready to be dragged.
- Drag the Item:
- Continue holding the item, then drag it across the boundary to the other app.
- Drop the Item:
- Release your hold to drop the item into the second app. Depending on the content type and the app, it may be inserted or opened automatically.
Dragging Multiple Items
You can also drag multiple items at once:
- Start with One Item:
- Tap and hold on the first item to start dragging it.
- Add More Items:
- With another finger, tap additional items. These will cluster with the first item, and a badge will show the total count of items being dragged.
- Move and Drop:
- Drag the group of items into the second app and release to drop them there.
Dragging to an App Not Currently on Screen
If you need to drag an item to an app that isn’t currently open or visible:
- Start Dragging the Item:
- Begin by tapping and holding the item you wish to drag.
- Navigate to the App:
- While still holding the item, use another finger to swipe up to reveal the Dock, or go to the Home Screen where you can find the app.
- You can open the app normally, but continue holding the item with your other finger.
- Drop the Item:
- Once the app is open, navigate to where you want to drop the item and release it.
Tips for Effective Use of Drag and Drop on iPad
- Practice the Gestures: Getting used to multitasking gestures can take some time. Practice opening apps in Split View and Slide Over, and moving items between them.
- Utilize the Dock: Placing commonly used apps in the Dock can make it easier to drag items to them, as you can access the Dock from any app.
- Configure Multitasking Settings: Ensure that multitasking settings are configured to your preference in Settings > Home Screen & Dock > Multitasking.
Using drag and drop on your iPad can significantly enhance your productivity, making it easier to manage content across multiple apps without the need for cumbersome copy and paste actions.
