by Daniel Alden

Created on: December 16, 2010   Last Updated: December 17, 2010

The iOS 4.2 upgrade for Apple's iPad brought some much needed updates to the device. It made things more functional, added multitasking, and a slew of other features. Among these features was the ability to make app folders. This was a welcome addition to those users who either had too many apps or to those who had trouble keeping their apps organized. While the feature is very useful, it may not be very obvious as to how one creates app folders. Fortunately, the process is quite simple and there are two ways of accomplishing it.

The first way to create app folders is to use the iPad directly. The user should hold down their finger on an app. After a few seconds all the apps on the screen will start to shake. Once this takes place, the user can drag apps around to rearrange them or delete them. It is during this process that app folders can be created. To create an app folder, one should simply drag an app on top of another app. The two apps will go into a folder and a generic name (such as Games, Utilities, etc) will be given to the newly created folder. The user can touch the folder name to bring up the iPad's onscreen keyboard and change the name. Touching outside the folder will return the user to the home screen and the process is complete.

The second way to create app folders is through iTunes. For this method, the iPad should be plugged into the user's computer. Upon plugging the iPad into the computer, iTunes will detect it and list the iPad under “Devices” on the left side of the screen. The user should click on the iPad to be brought to the iPad's menu. Next, the user should click “Apps” from the menu across the top. This will bring up a preview of the iPad's home screen. Once here, the process is pretty much the same as before. The user can click on any of the apps and drag them onto other apps to create app folders. The user can change the folder name by clicking on it. When all folders have been created and named, the user should hit the “Apply” button at the lower right hand corner of iTunes. iTunes will then sync the iPad and make all the specified changes. After this step, the iPad can be disconnected and all changes should be done.

App folders are quite easy to create once one knows the process. While they may seem like a small thing, app folders add a much needed organization feature to the iPad and enhance the overall user experience.

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