Learn how to add, resize, and rearrange columns in Apple’s built-in Files app on iPad and iPhone to sort files and improve organization, boosting your efficiency.
The built-in Files app lets you access files locally stored on your iPhone as well as compatible cloud storage services like iCloud Drive. The iPadOS 26 and iOS 26 updates (currently in beta) bring resizable columns and collapsible folders to Files.
You can add columns, move them around, and remove ones you don’t need to make the app work better for you. Resizable columns are always visible in Files for iPad. On the iPhone, however, they’re restricted to the landscape view when you turn the phone upside down. The steps are the same, but we’ll use iPad screenshots for illustration.
Switch to List view
You must switch to list view before you can use customizable columns. Navigate to any folder with some files inside, then hit the icon in the top-right corner resembling four squares, and choose the List option from the menu.
Resize columns
By default, list view shows basic columns such as Name, Date, and Size. To increase or decrease a column’s width, drag its vertical limiter to either side.
Add columns
You can easily show and hide individual columns. For example, if you use the Tags feature, you may want to add a Tags column. Or, those who have set the Files app to show file extensions may want to hide the Kind column. Tap the three-dots icon on the column’s right side and then tick or untick any columns you wish to show or hide. The following choices are available: Date Modified, Date Created, Date Last Opened, Date Added, Kind, Size, Tags, and iCloud Status.
Rearrange columns
You can change the placement of columns in a way that works best for you. This is particularly handy if you have added several columns, and a few of them are hidden from the screen until you swipe left. With column rearrangement, you can move the important ones to the left side so it’s always visible on the screen.
Touch and hold a column name, then drag it left or right, and drop it at the new location where you want it to be.
Sort files with columns
You can use columns for sorting files. For instance, tap the Size column header to sort the view based on file size. Tap the column header again to revert the sorting order, which is visually indicated by an arrow next to the column header.
For instance, if the biggest storage hogs appear at the top of the list, touching the column header will instead display the smallest files at the top.
Change view options for columns
Sorting options also appear when you touch the icon near the top-right corner resembling three bullet points. Select “View Options” to adjust file sorting and grouping, as well as change the size of icons.
Use collapsible folders in Files for iPad
iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 also add collapsible folders to the Files app. Every folder with files inside now shows an arrow in list view (unavailable in icons and columns views). Hitting the arrow expands the folder to display its contents without requiring you to open it. To collapse the view, just hit the arrow again.
Do more with Apple Files
The Files app is a capable file manager. You can use the Files app to import media from digital cameras, copy files from USB storage, and more. It also supports showing file extensions and previewing items without opening apps, like on macOS.
You can also archive and unpack ZIP archives, scan documents, and use quick actions to perform operations like rotating an image, and much more.
How often do you use the Files app on your iPhone or iPad? Are you excited for the enhancements to Apple Files coming with iPadOS 26? Let us know in the comments!