4 Tips | How to Transfer Files from Mac to iPad with/without iTunes for Free

Applies To: iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini; MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and iMac Pro

As you know, it's no doubt that you can transfer files from Mac to your iPad without the help of third-party software, because the iTunes installed on your Mac enables you to do it. However, using iTunes to sync files from Mac to your iPad will inevitably cause data syncing on your device. I guess that's why so many users are searching for "how to transfer files from Mac to iPad without iTunes" or "how to transfer files from Mac to iPad wirelessly". If you are one of them, no worry, you will learn how to import files from Mac to iPad after reading this article, either with or without iTunes. Carry out the method best suited to your needs.

Part 1: How to transfer files from Mac to iPad without iTunes

If you prefer to copy files from your Mac to iPad without iTunes to avoid data syncing or want to copy files from Mac to your iPad wirelessly, there are also the ways to do it, either with EaseUS MobiMover Free or AirDrop. EaseUS MobiMover Free is a 100% free iPhone data transfer program in the market. And AirDrop is the built-in feature in Mac, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch that can help you transfer files between Mac and your iPad or between another two AirDrop-supported devices. Follow the steps below to get the details.

EaseUS MobiMover: Transfer files from Mac to iPad all at once

What can MobiMover do for you?

With MobiMover installed on your Mac or PC, you can:

• Transfer data between the computer and your iOS device (iPhone/iPad in iOS 8 and later) or between two iOS devices. You can also copy files from iPhone/iPad to Mac or sync data from one iDevice to another.
• Manage files on your iPhone/iPad from Mac/PC. With this feature, you can delete iPhone photos from PC effortlessly.
• Download videos from websites to your computer or iPhone/iPad. For example, you can download YouTube videos to iPad to watch them offline.

What are the file types MobiMover supports?

• Photos: Camera Roll, Photo Library, Photo Stream, Photo Videos
• Videos: Movies, TV shows, Music Videos
• Audio: Music, Ringtones, Voice Memos, Audiobooks
• Others: Contacts, Notes, Messages, Voice Mails, Books, and Safari Bookmarks

Photos, videos, Audio, Contacts (in .html format), Books, and Safari bookmarks are what you can transfer from Mac to your iPad.

How much do you need to pay for MobiMover?

Nothing. EaseUS MobiMover is a tool that you can use without any cost or limitations. 

Just by clicking the button below, you can safely and quickly get the versatile tool installed on your Mac, with which you can enjoy much convenience whenever it comes to iOS data transfer, file management, and video download. Don't hesitate to give it a try NOW!

Step 1: Connect your iPad to your Mac, and click "Trust" when a prompt appears on your iPad asking you whether to trust this computer. Run EaseUS MobiMover and choose "Mac to iDevice" to move data from Mac to iPad.

Step 2: To select the items you'd like to transfer, you can either click "Add File", "Add Folder" or directly drag and drop the files/folders to the MobiMover window.

Step3: Then MobiMover will show you how many categories you have chosen and how many items are there. You can click "Transfer" to copy the files from Mac to your iPad immediately or you can click "Edit" to cancel the transfer of some items.

Step 4: Uncheck the files you don't want to transfer and click "OK".

Step 5: Click "Transfer" to start transferring data from Mac to your iPad.

AirDrop: Send files from Mac to iPad wirelessly

As mentioned above, you can transfer files between your Mac and iPad using AirDrop, which requires Bluetooth and WiFi to work. (If AirDrop is not working on your Mac, fix the issue first.)

Step 1: Switch on AirDrop on your Mac.

• Go to Finder > Go > AirDrop and then turn on Bluetooth and WiFi. After that, AirDrop will be switched on automatically.
• Set the option Allow to be discovered by in the AirDrop window as Everyone or Contacts Only.

Step 2: Turn on AirDrop on your iPad. (Don't forget to switch on Bluetooth and WiFi at the same time.)

• In iOS 10 and earlier: Swipe up from the bottom of your iPad screen to open Control Center and then click the AirDrop icon to switch on AirDrop.
• In iOS 11: Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open Control Center. Press deeply on the module where Airplane Mode locates in, tap on AirDrop and set your iPad to be discovered by Contacts Only or Everyone.

Step 3: Transfer files from Mac to iPad.

Drag the items you want to send from Mac to iPad to the image of the recipient and click Send.
Or you can click the Share button in an App, choose AirDrop, choose the recipient and then click Done.

With AirDrop, you can also transfer files from iPhone to Mac wirelessly without iTunes or share content between two iOS devices freely.

Part 2: How to transfer files from Mac to iPad with iTunes

Using iTunes is Apple's official way to transfer files between Mac and iOS device. To make the transfer process smooth, you'd better update the iTunes on your Mac to its latest version to avoid problems like "iPhone not connecting to iTunes". Go to App Store > Updates and your Mac will check for updates automatically. If there is a new version of iTunes or macOS available, click Install to update your iTunes to the latest version. Then follow the steps below to transfer files from Mac to your iPad with iTunes in two ways. (Here transferring photos from Mac to iPad is set as an example.)

iTunes Sync: Sync files from Mac to iPad

Step 1: Connect your iPad to your Mac with a USB cable and run iTunes if it doesn't open automatically.

Step 2: Tap on the Device button and choose Photos.

Step 3: Click the checkbox next to Sync Photos and choose one option from the drop-down menu of Copy Photos from.

Step 4: The click Sync to start to import photos from Mac to your iPad.

iTunes File Sharing: Transfer files between Mac and iPad via apps

Note: You can share files between your Mac and iPad via Apps that support file sharing. To check whether an app supports this feature, go to see the documentation of it.

Step 1: Connect your iPad to your Mac.

Step 2: Click the Device icon and choose File Sharing.

Step 3: Select the app you want to transfer a file to from the list on the left.

Step 4: Click Add, choose the file and click Add again.