Is it possible to prevent Files app to rename files in a folder when copying?
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I often need to copy files, (later edit 1:) grouped as folders, between an app and OneDrive.
I would wish to write the data straight to OneDrive so I can access it remotely, but that's not possible because the os doesn't allow apps to access data outside the app.
Copying the files (later edit 1:) of a folder, from the app to OneDrive is an acceptable workaround for me.
I have to use the os integrated Files app, as this is the only app Apple allows to access files of multiple apps, i.e. an app and OneDrive.
Unfortunately, probably because Apple hates everything normal, the Files app is unable to copy and paste files by simply copying and pasting files. Instead, the Files app changes each and every file name by adding the date and time before the extension. So
.zip
becomes 2024-01-01 12_03_04.zip
after being copied to OneDrive.
[Apple claims](https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253955976?answerId=257426289022&sortBy=best#257426289022) that this is typical behaviour because most users expect it, as most apps change file names when copying by adding a timestamp. Yet the Files app doesn't add any timestamp when copying to iCloud. I suppose that's how Apple designed iCloud to be different, by not changing file names on copy, hence why iCloud is better. Be that as it may, I have to use OneDrive and there seems to be no hope for this to be fixed from Apple side, so the question is what are the _different_ options that can be used to simply copy a file from an ipad or an iphone to OneDrive?
Later edit1: My initial question refers to "files", and @Aivar Paalberg answer offers a great workaround for an individual file. I edited my question to clarify that I'm refering to files grouped in a folder. So I am interested in copying folders, from an app, to OneDrive, with all the files in them, and not an individual file, or multiple files one by one.
Later edit2:
Steps to reproduce the issue:
1. In Files app, Go to My iPad
2. Create a new folder, it will be initially named folder
, you can leave it like that.
3. Go inside that folder to create a file.
4. One way to create a file is to long press anywhere in the empty space and select Documents
5. Take any picture by pressing the white button on the right. Touch the Scan
button on the bottom right. Touch the
button on the bottom right. The Document.pdf
file is created.
6. Go one folder up and long press on folder
and click on copy
7. From the left-hand menu in the Files app, go to OneDrive -> Files
8. Long press anywhere and click on
9. Go inside the copied folder
and check the file inside.
Expected behaviour:
It is expected that the file is named Document.pdf
Actual behaviour:
The file is named Document 2024-01-07 15_42_54.pdf
I will update the question after I test with the latest version of OneDrive as suggested by @nohillside in the comments.
Later edit3:
I can confirm that unfortunately the issue is still present on the current latest version of OneDrive 15.3.2. Immediately after copying, the file appears with the same name, but seconds later the file is renamed with the added timestamp.
My current workaround is to zip compress the folder, copy that one to OneDrive, and then uncompress there. The zip file will get a timestamp, but at least all the file names inside are preserved. Not great, but a single rename beats multiple renames.
Asked by Andrei
(111 rep)
Jan 6, 2024, 02:40 PM
Last activity: Jan 8, 2024, 08:45 AM
Last activity: Jan 8, 2024, 08:45 AM