Best Apps for Browsing and Sharing Files on the iPad

We all deal with files in one form or another, whether we’re sorting them out at home or doing routine tasks around the office. These five recommended apps make sorting, browsing and checking particular files less of a chore by letting you do part of the task on your iPad.

FileBrowser (Stratospherix Ltd., $3.99)

Users of either Mac Finder or Windows Explorer will find a lot to like with FileBrowser, as it works in a similar format. With this program, users can browse file servers over the Internet, using the iPad’s built-in VPN. Documents can be retrieved and viewed from company servers once connected. No additional software is required to get this connection; it’s just a matter of making sure the computer is activated for file sharing, then setting up through the proper VPN or SMB port.

FileBrowser supports a wide range of formats and allows for passage of files between other applications. So if you want to store email attachments in FileBrowser for editing later on, it’s as simple as dragging it over.

FileBrowser is ideal for home use, with full AirPlay support for direct streaming to Apple TV, along with slide-show options for photos and movie/music streaming availability over WiFi. Though it’s not as crystal clear as the iPad 2 connection via HDMI, it’s certainly a nifty feature – and way cheaper, too.

PDF Word Excel File Viewer (Concrete Software Inc., 99 cents)

Looking for a program that supports PDF files, but don’t want to go through all the hoops of trying to open them through Safari? Turn to Concrete Software’s application. PDF Word Excel File Viewer supports all kinds of PDF files, ranging from HTM, RTF and DOC all the way through sound files, including MP3 and WAV. Animated files are supported as well, for those of you showing off new logos or unfinished art projects.

Along with PDFs, Word Excel File Viewer also fully supports word files, Excel documents (perfect for payroll users or list keepers) and PowerPoint presentations, making this ideal for business meetings or get-togethers. The files can be quickly transferred from a computer without the need for any additional software. Not bad, considering the inexpensive price tag.

FileApp (DigiDNA, free)

As a free application, FileApp is ideal for on-the-go business needs. Using the iPad (or iPhone; it’s also accessible with that device), users can transfer files through either FTP or USB connection within a matter of seconds. FileApp fully supports MS Office programs, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as various audio files, including AIFF, WAV and Apple Lossless.

In addition to supporting a variety of formats, FileApp makes it easy to sort them by date, file type or folder, making it incredibly easy to find what you’re looking for in seconds. Images and comics are also supported, widening the usage of FileApp amongst businesses and collectors alike. Files can be opened and sent through email, and specific scrolling positions are saved on bigger documents, without the need to search for your place.

An upgrade to FileApp Pro is available for $4.99, with more copying and editing options available for files, as well as the ability to customize files and select multiple documents at once for transfer. It’s optional, so don’t hesitate to try out the free version first!

ReaddleDocs (Readdle, $4.99)

Readdle is no stranger to document-reading programs, and its ReaddleDocs specifically made for iPad and iPhone is excellent when it comes to taking a look at files. This app is powered by an outstanding PDF viewer, which allows for opening of large files, full text search and a reflow mode, making it a cinch to sort through documents. It can connect to various sources, including PC and Mac computers, websites, email attachments, iDisk, Dropbox and other iPhone/iPad devices. This is great for those looking to share things with friends while traveling.

ReaddleDocs provides bookmarks that can be placed anywhere in a document, along with optional password protection and the ability to create and unpack zip files, allowing for simple storage of larger documents. It can be expanded to full screen mode at any time, so users of all ages will have no problem reading text and seeing pictures.

With its wide accessibility to other programs and ease of use, ReaddleDocs is a must for file-browsing fanatics and hard-working business folk.

GoAruna Files For iPad (Aruna Labs, free)

Though you’ll need to create an account at GoAruna’s home page in order to get the most out of this app, it’s certainly worth it – and free of charge, no less. GoAruna Files is a powerful iPad file manager, giving users precise control over stored files. Files can be copied, moved and managed with a few taps on the screen. It’s a cinch to add others, too, since GoAruna supports downloadable files from the Internet.

What’s more, GoAruna won’t clog your iPad’s memory with a continuous barrage of files. Thanks to the innovative cloud-based Online Storage, instant access is available to all files and media, regardless of size. Uploads can also be done to email attachments, should the need arise to save them in a physical place.

A built-in text editor lets you change name and notes on any given file, in any particular point that’s chosen. When it comes to helpful and innovative file sorting, GoAruna Files is the way to, um, go. (Mind the pun.)