iPadOS Tips and Tricks: Get the Most Out of Your iPad

The iPad is an incredibly versatile device, capable of serving as both a personal entertainment hub and a powerful productivity tool. With the release of iPadOS, Apple has continued to enhance its capabilities, giving users even more ways to get the most out of their iPads. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best iPadOS tips and tricks to boost your productivity, improve your multitasking experience, and unlock hidden features that make your iPad even more powerful.

1. Master Multitasking with Split View and Slide Over

One of the standout features of iPadOS is its multitasking abilities, which allow you to seamlessly work with multiple apps at once. You can split your screen into two apps with Split View, enabling you to interact with two apps side by side. This is perfect for tasks like taking notes while browsing the web or comparing documents.

To activate Split View:

1. Open an app and swipe up to open the App Switcher.

2. Drag a second app from the dock to the left or right side of the screen to activate Split View.

Slide Over lets you use an app in a floating window on top of your current app. This is ideal for quick tasks like checking messages or replying to emails without disrupting your workflow. Simply swipe from the right edge of the screen to bring up Slide Over, then choose the app you want to use.

2. Use the Apple Pencil for Quick Note-Taking

If you have an Apple Pencil, iPadOS makes it easy to take notes quickly without unlocking your device. With Scribble support, you can write directly into any text field across apps.

To take quick notes:

1. On the lock screen, simply tap the Apple Pencil on the screen to open a note instantly.

2. You can write your thoughts, then save or share them with just a few taps.

Scribble also allows you to edit and correct your handwriting, convert it to text, and even draw shapes that are automatically converted into perfectly straight lines or circles.

3. Take Full Advantage of Keyboard Shortcuts

iPadOS supports a wide range of keyboard shortcuts, making it even easier to navigate your iPad when using a keyboard. Whether you have the Apple Magic Keyboard or any external Bluetooth keyboard, mastering shortcuts can help you work more efficiently.

Some essential keyboard shortcuts include:

• Command + Space: Open Spotlight to search for apps, files, or perform web searches.

• Command + Tab: Switch between open apps.

• Command + H: Go to the Home screen.

• Command + Shift + 3: Take a screenshot.

To see a full list of keyboard shortcuts in an app, press Command while using the app.

4. Organize Your Home Screen with Widgets

Widgets have become an important part of iPadOS, allowing you to access essential information directly from your Home Screen. To add a widget:

1. Tap and hold an empty area of your Home Screen.

2. Tap the + icon in the top-left corner.

3. Select a widget from the list of options and drag it to your Home Screen.

You can also resize widgets to fit your needs. If you use the Today View, you can swipe right to view all your widgets and quickly access things like weather updates, calendar events, and reminders.

5. Explore the New Files App Features

iPadOS offers a significant improvement in file management with the Files app, making it easier to organize and access your documents. You can create folders, move files between apps, and even work with files stored in the cloud.

Some helpful features in the Files app include:

• Tagging: Tag your files for easy search and organization.

• Shared Folders: Share folders with other people, allowing for real-time collaboration.

• Document Scanning: Use the iPad’s camera to scan documents directly into the Files app.

• Quick Access: Add important files to the Recents section for fast access.

6. Customize Control Center

The Control Center in iPadOS provides quick access to settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume control, and more. But did you know you can customize it to suit your needs?

To customize your Control Center:

1. Go to Settings > Control Center.

2. Tap Customize Controls and add or remove shortcuts.

3. Now, you can quickly access features like Screen Recording, Do Not Disturb, and more from the Control Center.

This customization lets you optimize your device for the tasks you use most often.

7. Set Up Focus Mode for Better Productivity

One of the most useful features in iPadOS is Focus Mode, which helps you stay focused by silencing notifications and limiting distractions. You can set Focus Mode to activate during specific times, like when you’re working, studying, or winding down.

To set up Focus Mode:

1. Go to Settings > Focus.

2. Select a Focus mode (Work, Personal, Sleep, etc.) or create a custom one.

3. Choose which apps and people can send you notifications during that mode.

4. You can schedule Focus to activate automatically or manually turn it on.

This helps ensure you’re not interrupted by unnecessary notifications while working on important tasks.

8. Use Picture-in-Picture Mode for Multitasking

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a feature that allows you to watch videos or make FaceTime calls while working in other apps. This makes it perfect for multitaskers who want to stay productive while enjoying entertainment or keeping in touch with colleagues and friends.

To use PiP:

1. Start playing a video or a FaceTime call.

2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to minimize the video into a floating window.

3. You can resize or move the PiP window, and it will stay on top of any other app you use.

9. Quickly Find Apps with App Library

In iPadOS, Apple introduced the App Library, which organizes all your apps into categories for easy access. To use the App Library:

1. Swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to view the App Library.

2. Apps are automatically organized into categories like Social, Productivity, and Entertainment.

3. You can also search for an app by name or category.

The App Library makes it easier to find and open apps without cluttering your Home Screen.

10. Use FaceTime and iMessage More Effectively

iPadOS enhances the communication experience with FaceTime and iMessage. With FaceTime, you can now create group calls, add fun effects like filters and stickers, and use Spatial Audio for a more immersive experience.

In iMessage, you can now pin conversations, reply directly to specific messages, and share photos or videos with enhanced privacy controls.

Conclusion

With iPadOS, Apple has taken the iPad to new heights, offering features that make it more powerful and customizable than ever before. By mastering these tips and tricks, you can boost your productivity, streamline your workflow, and unlock the full potential of your iPad. Whether you’re using it for work, entertainment, or creativity, these iPadOS features will help you get the most out of your device in 2025.