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Why are iWork.com and https://www.icloud.com/#iwork not the same thing?

Why does the "Share --> via iWork.com" command send my file to another site labeled iWork; a site that isn't accessible through iCloud?

 DogHouseDub, on 28 October 2011 - 09:20 AM, said:

iWork.com has been around for years and not been terribly popular. So it's no surprise to me that Apple didn't integrated it into iCloud. And I suspect it's the reason the Mac version of apps don't automatically synch to iCloud.

This post has been edited by leicaman: 28 October 2011 - 09:29 AM

This did not work for me. The file with a .numbers extension was copied to the documents folder but after I opened it up on my iphone it was replaced with a folder by the same name. This folder contains several files, buildVersionHistory.plist, index.db, index.viewstate, and a Previews folder. However, the original .numbers file is gone. I can still download the file from iCloud though.
Any idea, why this did not work for me?

 GaryPuckett, on 28 October 2011 - 10:41 AM, said:

Yes. Once it is opened by an iOS iWork app, it becomes a folder in the Mobile Documents folder. This folder can no longer be opened on your Mac as a document, even if you convert the folder to a document (as I described in my column last week).

This is precisely what I tried to explain in the article today: "The converted Pages document will auto-sync among your iOS devices, where it can be opened and edited by Pages for iOS on any synced device. However, you will no longer be able to open the document on a Mac."

To keep it accessible among Macs, you must avoid opening it in an iOS-based iWork app.

 ted_landau, on 28 October 2011 - 11:13 AM, said:

Which goes to say that there is no effortless and seamless syncing between all devices, including Macs. I don't know, but to me it looks like it would be better to wait for some solution to this, which I found as a disappointment as I and many with me, were led to believe that this would work across absolutely ALL devices. As it is, I keep doing some work on Pages on the iPad and when I am ready to do the final touches and editing, I will download it from iCloud.com and continue on the iMac.

I have read both of your articles and appreciate your clarification of the mobile iWork folders on desktop Macs and their relation to iCloud. However, since I have Dropbox on all my computers and iOS devices wouldn't it be more efficient just to use Dropbox for all document syncing?

It seems like Dropbox provides "true" syncing without changing the extensions or folders, etc. And it works in both directions.

This is encouraging because it suggests that there may be an Apple sanctioned approach in the future. However, for now this is just a little too complicated compared to using Dropbox as is.

The Mobile Documents folder is quite intriguing. The iOS app Goodreader takes full advantage of this folder as well. The manual for Goodreader teaches users to use this folder. I'm not sure Apple would be happy that a folder buried under the secret Library folder is being used as a feature, but Goodreader is advertising it.

Goodreader with iCloud is practically like having a syncing idisk/Dropbox again. Except the PC interaction is limited. Does Windows get this secret Mobile Documents folder as well?

The other thing: the nice thing about Dropbox/iDisk is that their directories did not take up storage space on your iOS devices. A file remained on the Internet until you tapped it, and then it was downloaded (obviously since the folders are synced on a Mac, they always took up storage space). So if you buy 50 GB of iCloud storage space and start throwing all your files there, they take up space on your iOS device since Goodreader pulls down the file. 50 GB of Dropbox won't take up 50 GB of space on your iOS device.

 funnyboy88, on 28 October 2011 - 02:53 PM, said:

Actually I'd like to add that Goodreader has a function to evict an iCloud file from taking up local storage space. Clever.

Well THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I followed these instructions, found the folder, made an alias on my desktop, even called it icloudsync. Yes I loaded up a pages doc and yes it did copy it over to all my iOS devices and at the same time deleted all my keynotes, pages and numbers files before my very eyes. As I link to iCloud it then deleted all these files - six months of work from all devices and iCloud it self! Not so bloody impressed any more! I still have the library folder but cannot find a way to get this back onto iCloud or open it up in pages or numbers etc.Thanks A lot ( Note to self - make sure I do not following any advice from MacWorld!

One can transfer files between Macs through the browser by changing the extension of the file to one that iCloud recognizes (e.g., .pdf to .doc). Then just drop the file on the application icon to open (although there may be instance where you need to change back to the original extension. If you don't use the browser but just the Mobile Documents folder, it doesn't seem like you have to change the file extension to share between Macs. A good way to transfer, but maybe not for long term storage?

This post has been edited by wscottyoung: 31 October 2011 - 06:01 AM

Removed by author

This post has been edited by wscottyoung: 31 October 2011 - 06:02 AM

 funnyboy88, on 28 October 2011 - 02:53 PM, said:

Indeed this is intriguing, But, I can not find this Mobile Documents Folder in the hidden Library folder on any of my machines. Yes I am looking through them with hidden files revealed via macpilot.
I have looked through out my hd's and it is nowhere to be found.
Any thoughts on what is going on?
I shall continue to use drop box for now , seeing as this is not the only issue with which I am having difficulty with the iCloud, eg. my iMac keeps refusing the password every time is calls for new mail, and even then will refuse any inputs for the password, I have to shut down mail and try several times to get into my iCloud account. Shoddy shoddy work apple , come on and get with it .

This post has been edited by Maxtcc: 31 October 2011 - 07:22 AM