Text2File User Manual |

Table of Contents

Getting Started
Creating a New File
Opening Existing Files
Editing Text
Saving Files
File Management
Editor Features
Sharing Files
Tips and Troubleshooting

Getting Started

Welcome to Text2File! This app allows you to create, edit, and save text files with any file extension directly on your iPhone or iPad.

First Launch:

The app opens with an empty editor ready for you to start typing
Your work is automatically saved as a draft when you leave the app
All files remain private and stored only on your device

Creating a New File

Tap “New File” in the top right corner
Enter a filename in the text field (can be done any time before saving the file)
Choose your file extension:
- If your filename includes an extension (e.g., “readme.md”), it will be used automatically
- If no extension is provided, “.txt” is added by default
- Examples: “data.csv”, “script.js”, “notes” (becomes “notes.txt”)
- See warning about overwriting non-text files
Start typing in the editor area

Note: Tapping “New File” will warn you if you have unsaved changes.

Opening Existing Files

Tap “Open File” in the top right corner
Browse your device using the Files app interface
Select any text-based file to open
The file content loads into the editor with the filename displayed

Supported Files:

Any text-based file can be opened
Common types: .txt, .md, .csv, .json, .html, .js, .css, .xml, and more
Selection of any non-plain-text file will show an empty text area (NOTE: do not be fooled by the empty text area! If you open a non-text file, such as .pdf or .zip, the filename box will be empty, forcing you to name the file. IF YOU NAME THE FILE WITH THE SAME NAME AND EXTENSION AS AN EXISTING NON-TEXT FILE, IT CAN OVER-WRITE IT WITH A TEXT FILE! This is standard behavior for any text program that allows naming/renaming of file extensions – it can have consequences if you misuse it. If you’re inexperienced in this area, don’t enter a file extension, and it will save as a .txt file.)

Editing Text

The editor provides a clean, distraction-free writing environment:

Keyboard Management:

The keyboard appears when you tap in the editor
“Done” button dismisses the keyboard
Swipe down on the editor to hide the keyboard

Text Entry:

Type naturally as you would in any text editor
Use iOS text selection gestures (tap and hold, double-tap to select word)
Standard copy/paste works throughout

Saving Files

Text2File offers two saving options:

Save

First-time save: Opens the Files app to choose location and confirm filename
Existing file: Silently overwrites the original file (like desktop editors)
Shows “File Saved” confirmation after successful save
Best for: Quick updates to files you’ve already opened

Save As

Always prompts for new filename and location
Creates a new copy, leaving original unchanged
Best for: Creating variants or backing up before major changes

Saving Process:

Tap Save or Save As at the bottom
Choose your save location (iCloud Drive, On My iPhone, etc.)
Confirm or modify the filename
Tap Move in the top right (iOS standard terminology for saving files)
You’ll see a “File Saved” confirmation

Note: The Files app shows “Move” instead of “Save” – this is standard iOS behavior for saving files to a location. Don’t worry, your file isn’t going anywhere unexpected! It’s a function of “moving” the file from the Text2File app to the Files app.

Tap the share icon (square with up arrow) at the bottom
Share via Mail, Messages, AirDrop, or other apps
Options include: Print, Copy, Save to Files, and more
Great for: Sending files to others or printing documents

File Management

Filename Requirements:

Cannot be empty
Automatically adds “.txt” if no extension provided
Accepts any valid file extension

File Locations:

Save to iCloud Drive for access across devices
Save to “On My iPhone” for local-only storage
Save to any third-party cloud storage app (Dropbox, etc.)

Unsaved Changes:

App tracks when you’ve made changes
“Unsaved changes” appears below the app title
Changes auto-saved as draft when you leave the app
Draft restored when you reopen the app

Editor Features

Font Size

Tap the Font Size picker in the controls
Choose from: 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 24 point
Default: 14pt
Your preference is remembered

Line Numbers
Toggle on/off using the Line Numbers switch
Shows actual line breaks (not wrapped lines)
Numbers appear in a separate gutter on the left
Scrolls in sync with your text

Word Wrap
Toggle on/off using the Word Wrap switch
On: Text wraps to fit screen width for comfortable reading and editing
Off: Shows true line structure – each line number represents one actual line
Essential for coding where line breaks matter (Python, CSV, JSON, etc.)
Text selection still captures all text even if it extends beyond the visible area
Toggle ON anytime to view the complete content

Tip: Use Word Wrap OFF with Line Numbers to see exactly how your code or data file is structured.

All settings are independent and can be combined in any way.

Sharing Files

In the top of the screen, you’ll see iOS’s standard share link (square with up arrow) with options to:

Save to Files (primary use)
Email the file as an attachment
Message the file to contacts
Copy to other apps
AirDrop to nearby devices

Choose your preferred method and follow the iOS prompts.

Tips and Troubleshooting

General Tips

Quick File Creation:

Just type a filename and start writing – it’s that simple!
No need to specify .txt if that’s what you want
Use descriptive filenames to find files later

Efficient Editing:

Use larger font sizes (18-20pt) for easier mobile editing
Enable word wrap for comfortable reading and for adding text past the viewing window
Use line numbers when working with code or structured data

File Organization:

Create folders in the Files app to organize your documents
Use consistent naming conventions (e.g., “project-notes.md”, “project-data.csv”)
Save important files to iCloud for automatic backup or syncing to other Apple devices

Troubleshooting

Problem: Keyboard won’t dismiss

Solution: Tap the “Done” button above the keyboard, or swipe down on the text editor

Problem: Can’t find my saved file

Solution: Remember where you saved it in the Files app picker. Check iCloud Drive or “On My iPhone” folders

Problem: Word wrap not working

Solution: Make sure the Word Wrap toggle is ON (switch moved to the right/blue)

Problem: Line numbers look wrong

Solution: Line numbers count actual line breaks, not wrapped lines. Turn off word wrap to see line numbers align with visible lines

Problem: Lost my unsaved work

Solution: The app auto-saves a draft when you leave. When you reopen, you’ll get an alert asking what to do with the draft

Problem: Can’t save with specific extension

Solution: Type the extension as part of the filename (e.g., “data.json”). If you have a dot in the filename, that extension will be used

Problem: File won’t open

Solution: Text2File only opens text-based files. Binary files (images, PDFs, etc.) cannot be opened. If it’s a text file but won’t open, it may have unusual encoding

Problem: Text looks too small/large

Solution: Use the Font Size picker to adjust from 10-24pt

Getting Help

If you continue to experience issues:

Try closing and reopening the app
Make sure you’re running the latest version from the App Store
Restart your device

Contact support at: support@nortekllc.com

Privacy & Security

No data collection: Your files never leave your device unless you explicitly share them
No account required: No sign-up, no tracking
Offline capable: Works completely without internet
iOS security: Protected by your device’s security features

Nortek LLC

Simple Solutions for a Complex World

Text2File User Manual