Apple iWork is an incredibly powerful (yet easy-to-use) suite of productivity applications used to get stuff done. Pages, Numbers and Keynote are the three applications that make up the iWork suite, and together, they allow you to create stunning documents and collaborate with others.
Like most software, you get out of it what you put into it. If you only understand the basics, you will only reap some of the benefits. The more you understand, the more you will find you can do. That's especially true with iWork for iOS (iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch). Because it's a non-traditional User Interface, performing some of the functions can be a little less intuitive. Today's TechTalk post gives you 5 tips on getting the most out of iWork for iOS (or as I like to call it, "iWork on the Go").
Organize Your Files
Keeping your iWork files organized can help keep you and your work organized. Each iWork app (Pages, Numbers and Keynote) has their own independent iOS document storage location. If you want to see Keynote files on your iPad, for example, you would open Keynote. To delete, rename or duplicate a file, simply tap on the "Edit" button in the top right corner. The files will jiggle, allowing you to select a single or multiple files to act on. When you're done, tap on "Done", and you're good to go. To create a new folder, drag an existing file on top of another file. This will create a folder and place both documents into that folder. You can add more files to that folder by dragging and dropping.
Sharing Documents using iCloud
Sharing a document using iCloud is a great way to collaborate with others on a project. To share an iWork document with someone else, tap on the Share button in the top right corner, then choose "Share Link via iCloud". Keep in mind that anyone who has the link to the document you share can access it. As changes are made, all participants will see those changes. If you want some added security, try adding a password to your document by tapping on the Tools button then choosing "Set Password".
Printing Your Documents
Sharing documents with others electronically is more popular than in printed form these days, but in some situations, it's still necessary to print a document for meetings, peer review, etc. This can be done directly from within each of the iWork apps for iOS. To print a document, open the document in its respective app, then choose Print from the Tools button in the top right corner. This will allow you to select a printer that is AirPrint (or ePrint) compatible on your network. No pre-configuration is necessary. It just works!
Using an iOS Device or Apple Watch to Control a Slide Deck
Controlling a Keynote presentation from your iPad or iPhone can be more than fun... it can be empowering! Not only can you advance to the next build or go back to the previous slide, but you can also use on-screen drawing tools, a virtual laser pointer and view your speaker notes, right on your device. To control a slide deck from your iOS device, open Keynote on your iOS device, tap on the "Remote" button in the top left corner, then follow the prompts. This will pair your device with your Mac.
Need More Help?
There are so many incredible tools built right in to Apple's iWork for iOS suite. To learn even more tips and tricks, you will want to explore their built-in help system. Tap on the Tools button in the top right corner, then choose "Help".
Want to learn more about how to master iWork on your own?
CreativeLive has 4 great classes for walking you through this process, all taught by yours truly. For more information, go to www.iWorkForBusiness.com.
