Dropbox for iPad

The mobile professional has myriad devices on which files live, which makes having a dependable syncing program a must. Dropbox (free) fills that role nicely with an iPad app that complements its desktop and mobile phone products. Like those other versions of the free file synchronization application, Dropbox for iPad features a simple interface, easy uploading, and swift syncing across all accounts. Overall, it's an excellent, affordably priced app for the business-minded person on the go. You still can't move files between folders, but you can upload multiple files at once and save to sub-divisions—improvements that have been added since we last looked at the app. It's more than worthy of an Editors' Choice award.

Interface, Pricing, and Options

Upon launching the app, you're taken to a blue home screen where you have to either login with your existing Dropbox account, or create a new one. I logged in with my previously created account, but it was nice to see that I could register from within the app and not from the Dropbox Web site. After signing in with my credentials, I was presented with a "Welcome to Dropbox!" screen that gave me an overview of the app, such as how to view and share files.

As Dropbox for iPad is tied to your account, you're bound to a specific storage level. Free accounts are limited to 2GB of storage.

[Editor's Note: Prices updated January 2015.] Dropbox Pro costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year for 1TB of space. Dropbox also offers business accounts that start at $15 per user per month.

Tapping the Dropbox logo, located in the upper-left portion of the screen, opens a drop-down menu that contains four options: "Dropbox," "Favorites," "Uploads" and "Settings." Note: This is when you hold the iPad vertically; when you hold the tablet horizontally, these options appear as a column on the left side of the screen.

"Favorites" is the folder where one can find files that have been favorited by tapping the star icon in the upper right portion of the screen. Doing so isn't just a way of highlighting a file's importance, as it lets you access it when the iPad isn't connected to 3G or Wi-Fi—a very handy addition for frequent fliers or commuters who want to fetch vital documents. I had no problem designating files as favorites and then viewing them without an Internet connection.

"Settings" lets you view the amount of storage used, select the quality of uploaded photos and video (Original,, High, Medium, Low), add a passcode lock, determine how much local storage you want for favorited files (none, 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, or 1GB), and unlink the iPad from your Dropbox account if you're inclined to do so. "Uploads" displays recently uploaded files. The directory is small, but as the program is so simple (in a good way) there's no need for a deep help catalog. "Dropbox" returns you to the Dropbox folder tree.

Using Dropbox

"Dropbox" is where all the files and folders are located. Entering it, I found all of my folders listed in alphabetical order (the same as in my desktop Dropbox folder), but with the addition of the "Welcome to Dropbox!" PDF that I had favorited and saved locally. A handy search box is included for those with numerous files, and clicking the "Edit" button lets you quickly delete a number of files or folders in a row. You can also swipe each entry and tap delete afterwards.

Uploading files has changed with the latest version. You now tap "Upload," the "+" symbol, and then the file you wish to upload. Thankfully, you can now upload multiple files at once and place them into any folder of your choosing—previously, you couldn't drop a file into a sub-folder. Unfortunately, it doesn't match the desktop Dropbox experience. I couldn't move content into the new folder, which is an important file management feature present in the desktop version.

In addition, there wasn't a notification when new files were synced to Dropbox for iPad, which is a vital part of the desktop experience. I missed it, as I had to actively check to see if the file went through the desired action, instead of being informed by notifications. I consider it a missed opportunity, as the latest version has iOS 5 (Free, 4.5 stars) compatibility.

Sharing is very easy with Dropbox for iPad; simply highlight a file, then tap the link icon in upper-right corner of the home screen. Once that's done, you're provided with an option to "Email Link," "Copy Link to Clipboard," or "Copy Image to Clipboard." Like the desktop version, Dropbox doesn't have a built-in text editor; I opened a .docx file in Pages in order to edit it.

Should You Download Dropbox for iPad?
If you're looking for an infinitely simple way to keep files in order between your iPad, desktop, and phone, Dropbox for iPad is a must. It's simple to use, free, and offers offline file access. You still can't move files between folders, but a relatively minor complaint directed toward an otherwise excellent app. 

More iPad Apps Reviews:
•   Spotify
•   Comixology
•   SimCity BuildIt (for iPad)
•   Mathway - Math Problem Solver (for iPad)
•   Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomy (for iPad)
•  more