"How can I transfer files from my iPad2 to my new MacBook?" This topic is always a bone of Apple lovers' discussion. Sometimes, we are afraid that our iPad will accidentally break down and cause all iPad files gone, which really gets on our nerve. Hence, how to transfer files from iPad to Mac? Let's read this guide to dive into this topic.

Part 1: How to Transfer Files from iPad to Mac with iTunes

To transfer iPad files to Mac, iTunes is really a good tool to get it right. For iPad with iOS 4 or later, you can simply take advantage of iTunes to copy files from iPad to Mac. What you need is an app that supports you to transfer files between iPad and Mac. Now follow these steps to learn how to move files from iPad to Mac.

1. Connect your iPad to computer via USB cable and open iTunes on Mac. iTunes will automatically recognize your iPad and show iPad icon in the left sidebar.

2. Go to Settings > Apps. In the right interface, you can see apps that support to transfer files listed under "File Sharing".

apps that support to transfer files

3. Select an app you want to transfer files from and you can see a file list under the app. Choose the file you want to move and tap on "Save to" in the downside right corner.

Select an app

4. A window pops up and choose destination folder to save your files, then click "Open". You complete copying files from iPad to Mac.

5. Besides, for contents like Music /Movies/TV Shows/Books, you can directly transfer them to Mac, but you can only transfer purchased items to computer. Go to "File > Devices > Transfer Purchases" from iPad in the upper left corner. In this way, iTunes will start to transfer files from iPad to Mac.

Transfer Purchases

Part 2: How to Transfer Files from iPad to Mac with Leawo iTransfer

If you want to transfer files from iPad to Mac without iTunes, Leawo iTransfer for Mac will be a good choice for you. As the paragon of files transferring tools, it is superior in transferring different iPad files like photos, music, TV shows, movies, contacts, SMS and so forth between computers, iTunes and iOS devices. It also supports to create a playlist, delete files and transfer files directly on this software quickly and safely. Next, let me introduce how to transfer files from iPad to Mac without iTunes.

iTransfer

Leawo iTransfer for Mac 

☉ copy files among iOS devices, iTunes and PCs with ease.
☉ copy up to 14 kinds of data and files without iTunes.
☉ Support the latest iOS devices: iPhone X, iPhone 11, etc.
☉ Play back, view, and delete data and files on iOS devices.

1. Connect iPad to Mac

Use USB cable to connect iPad to Mac and the software will automatically detect iPad, then you can see iPad library in the left sidebar.

Connect iPad to Mac

2. Select files

A list of iPad information shows under the iPad library. You can select one category you want to transfer. Here I would like to take music as an example. Navigate to iPad > LIBRARY > Music, then hold "Command" and click songs you want to transfer on the right interface. Afterwards, you can click transfer icon at bottom right corner or right click one of them to choose "Transfer to > My computer".

Select files

3. Copy files from iPad to Mac

A prompt will require you to choose a destination folder. Check "Save to folder" and click "Change" to browse folders on the computer. You can also check "Transfer to List: iTunes" to transfer files to iTunes. After it is done, choose "Transfer Now" to transfer iPad files to Mac.

Copy files from iPad to Mac

Part 3: Other Solutions to Transfer Files from iPad to Mac

Except for above methods, there are other solutions to easily transfer files from iPad to iMac. Here I would like to recommend you iCloud and Photos app to move files from iPad to Mac.

1. How to Transfer Files from iPad to Mac via iCloud

To transfer files from iPad to Mac via iCloud, we need to enable iCloud sharing on iPad first. In this way, iPad files will be synced with iCloud and we can get access to these files on Mac.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud and you can see different types of content. Toggle on items you want to transfer to Mac.

Toggle on items you want to transfer to Mac

Step 2. Log in iCloud official website on Mac with Apple ID and password.

Log in iCloud official website on Mac

Step 3. Now you can see different categories on Mac. You can choose any category to transfer like photos. Tap on "Photos" and then you can click videos and photos from different apps in the left sidebar. Now you can select photos on the right interface and tap on download icon at the top right to download photos to your Mac.

choose any category to transfer like photos

2. How to Transfer Files from iPad to Mac via Photos App

Another solution to move files from iPad to Mac is via Photos app, but this method requires that Mac has iTunes 12.5.1 or later and it can only transfer photos and videos.

Transfer Files from iPad to Mac via Photos App

Step 1 Plug iPad to computer and a prompt on iPad will ask you if you trust this computer or not. Tap "Trust" on your iPad.
Step 2 At this time, Photos app will automatically launch and you can also open it if it doesn't show. Go to "Import" at the top option bar.
Step 3 Tap on photos you want to transfer and choose "Import Selected" at top right corner. If you would like to import all photos, you can choose "Import All New photos".
Step 4 After you transfer files from iPad to Mac, you will be asked if you want to delete or keep photos on iPad. You can choose one as you like.

If you also wonder how to transfer files from iPhone to Mac, see How to Sync iPhone to New Mac with detailed steps.