Transfer PDF documents to Apple Devices
(For Offline Use)
AirDrop to Books (native application) ............................................. 2
Scan a Printed Document to Notes (native application) ............. 6
2022 Disclaimer: Training techniques or workflows held within are designed as basic job aids. Mobile
collection tools and technology used are constantly being improved upon. End users should consult with
management for current workflows and standards.
End User Tools Request links: Support Request (End User Tools) Mobile Device Request Training Request
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Last Updated: 26 January 2022 11:57 2
AirDrop to Books (native application)
For field surveyors collecting data without Wi-Fi connection, support and reference
documentation is often printed or entirely inaccessible when disconnected from Wi-
Fi. With a few steps to prepare, these necessary reference documents can be pre-
loaded to the survey device(s) for offline view in the field.
This workflow uses an email (with attachments) from an iPhone and the AirDrop
function to send a .pdf to the Books native application on the iPad.
Prepare devices and document(s)
1. Verify AirDrop is on for both the iPhone and iPad (or iDevice).
Settings/General/AirDrop > ON for “Everyone”
2. Consider renaming the receiving device for easier identification when selecting to AirDrop. To
rename your iPad, go to the Settings application > General > About > Name.
3. Prepare the final document: Save or convert the document
to PDF.
Figure 1. Setting App; General Menu; AirDrop
feature
Figure 2. AirDrop - "Everyone" checked
Figure 3. Microsoft Word - Save as Adobe PDF
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4. Email the new PDF document to yourself to be
accessed from government-managed iPhone.
If created by another individual, have them email
you the PDF.
From the iPhone
1. From the iPhone: Open the email containing attached PDF(s).
2. From the iPhone: Open each attached document individually and select the share icon in the
upper right. Choose to share to Books.
Figure 4. View of Outlook email to send with PDFs
attached
Figure 5. Received email with PDFs attached
Figure 6. Document share to Books app
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3. From the iPhone: The documents should now be listed in Books when you select “Library”.
Now you will share the PDF with the iPad(s) utilizing the AirDrop function.
Tap the three dot overflow menu on the bottom right edge of the document to share.
4. Tap the “Share PDF” option and choose AirDrop from the share options.
Figure 7. Books application Library view
Figure 8. Share PDF option
Figure 9. Share using AirDrop
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5. You will now see the iPads/iPhones that are available to receive AirDropped documents. These
devices will only be visible if AirDrop was enabled on their device.
6. Select the devices you would like to AirDrop to by tapping the device icon.
You can select multiple devices at one time. Each iPad should have a unique name.
The other device will have to accept the AirDrop.
From the iPad
**Be prepared to accept the AirDrop documents sent to your device.
Once the document has been transferred, it will show in the Books library.
1. Tap on the Books application.
2. Choose Library to locate all loaded documents.
3. Tap document to view.
Users may make personalized notes. The PDF can be viewed and searched like any typical PDF.
Figure 10. Other devices nearby with AirDrop enabled
Figure 11. AirDrop request to drop
Last Updated: 26 January 2022 11:57 6
Scan a Printed Document to Notes (native application)
There is a simple way to scan a printed document into an iPhone/iPad. The Notes
native application scans the document allowing the user to save the scanned
document in the Books application or share as needed.
1. Open the Notes application.
2. Tap the icon in the bottom right corner to create a new note.
Figure 12. Notes application icon
Figure 13. Create a new note
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3. Select the Camera button.
Then select “Scan documents”.
4. Place the document to scan on a flat surface, center in the screen.
The camera will “sense” the document boundary and scan a picture
(you can adjust corners if necessary).
If there are multiple pages, the device will continue to scan. You
can add additional pages as needed.
Once finished, select “Save” at the bottom right.
Figure 14. Select the Camera icon
Figure 15. Select Scan Documents
Figure 16. Sample view of a
document being scanned
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5. The scanned document will now be visible in the new “note”.
6. You can open the document and share to AirDrop, Books, Email, and more.
Figure 17. Notes document list
Figure 18. Open the document and
choose the Share icon
Figure 19. Share using a variety of
options listed
