Case File Storage Recommendations

Learn where Case Files are stored on iPad and Mac and why On My iPad or iCloud Drive are recommended.

Case File Storage Locations

When you see options like On My iPad, iCloud Drive, or Dropbox, you’re in Apple’s Files (iPad) or Finder (Mac) browser. That part belongs to iPadOS and macOS. It supports where items are stored and how different locations behave, the same way it does for Apple’s own apps (Pages, Numbers, Keynote).

When you create a Case File, you’ll need to choose where it will live:

• Locally on iPad
• Locally on Mac
• iCloud Drive

iPadOS and macOS let you store files locally or in iCloud Drive. Each option has trade-offs in speed, reliability, and syncing.

Locally on iPad

• Fastest and works offline: Case Files stored here (On My iPad) live directly on your iPad’s internal storage. They open quickly and don’t require an internet connection.

• App Folders: iPadOS may automatically create an app-named folder (such as TrialPad). Files saved in these auto-created folders may be deleted if you delete the app itself.

• Best practice: Create your own top-level folders inside On My iPad for each case. Case Files saved in your custom folders remain even if the app is deleted.

• When to use: Ideal if you are working in courtrooms, depositions, or anywhere without reliable Wi-Fi.

Locally on Mac

• Desktop or Documents: Case Files saved in your Mac’s local Desktop or Documents folders live only on that Mac. They open quickly and work offline without internet access.

• iCloud Drive integration: If Desktop & Documents syncing is enabled in iCloud Drive, these files will also appear on your other devices. If syncing is off, the Case Files remain local to that Mac only.

• Best practice: Save active matters in iCloud Drive if you need cross-device access. Use local Desktop/Documents for very large or sensitive cases that you want to keep entirely offline.

• When to use: Ideal if you work primarily on one Mac, need the fastest local performance, or want to keep certain matters out of cloud storage.

iCloud Drive

• Syncs across devices: Case Files in iCloud Drive are automatically synced to other devices signed in with the same Apple ID. This is useful if you switch between iPad and Mac.

• Automatic app folders: iCloud Drive creates app-named folders (such as TrialPad or TranscriptPad) the first time you save a file there.

• Offline use: You can download Case Files locally for offline access, but large matters may take time to sync or download.

• When to use: Ideal if you want seamless syncing between devices and automatic cloud backup.

Locally on Mac

• Desktop or Documents: Case Files saved in your Mac’s local Desktop or Documents folders live only on that Mac. They open quickly and work offline without internet access. 

• iCloud Drive integration: If Desktop & Documents syncing is enabled in iCloud Drive, these files will also appear on your other devices. If syncing is off, the Case Files remain local to that Mac only.

• Best practice: Save active matters in iCloud Drive if you need cross-device access. Use local Desktop/Documents for very large or sensitive cases that you want to keep entirely offline.

• When to use: Ideal if you work primarily on one Mac, need the fastest local performance, or want to keep certain matters out of cloud storage.

Our Recommendations:

On My iPad - Create your own Case Folders inside On My iPad for each case.

iCloud Drive - Use App Folder or Desktop/Documents if you also use a Mac.