Many users are not aware of it, but on an iPad and iPhone you can use Drag & Drop. With the functionality it is possible to drag photos, texts, files and more from one app to another.
The option is especially useful when using Split View, but also when you have copied text and want to paste it into a message or email. The option is an extension of the cut/copy/paste tool and makes it possible to drag content. The function requires some practice, but ultimately it gives extra functionality and productivity to the iPad.
Using Drag & Drop on iPad or iPhone
It is difficult to make a step-by-step plan of this option, because you can apply it to almost everything you see. For example, you can drag text, but also photos, apps, notes, emails, and more. In general, the procedure works the same and you can more or less apply the scheme below. Dragging and placing content can be done on both an iPad and an iPhone.
- Place your finger on the content you want to drag
- Wait a few moments for the content to float
- Then drag the content to the desired location
- If necessary, open another app
- Release at the desired location to place the
While dragging you can apply extras, for example you can leave the current app and open a new app. After that you can drop the content to paste it into the newly opened app.
Example: Highlight a piece of text, once the text is highlighted, place your finger on the highlight until it floats. Then drag the text (without lifting your finger) to another part of the screen or exit the application (while the other finger remains on the screen) to open another app. Drag the text to the desired location and release.
Drag&drop for iPhone
The small screen of the iPhone may not lend itself directly to Drag&Drop, but it is a useful function. Think of dragging an image from the photos app. You can drag this directly into a message or note via this function.
Example: Open the Photos app and place your finger on the image you want to drag. Wait for the photo to float, then drag it down to ‘unpin’ it. Keep your finger on the photo and close the app with another finger. Open the app with another finger, while still holding the photo. In the open app, navigate to the place where you want to place the photo and then let go.