Transfer PDF from iPad to Mac without Internet No internet access here except iPhone.  Therefore, I can't download an iPad file explorer, nor email a PDF to myself.  Is there another way to "reverse sync" a PDF?

(Backup will NOT do it).

I did actually send by email, thinking sync would let me pull it from the Drafts (unsent) in Mail.  Alas, Apple has decided there's no longer any value in syncing Mail.

I do already have two such explorer apps, but one announces it is not compatible with IOS 8, and the other does nothing when I select "mount device."
Depending on the type of Mac and iPad you are using, AirDrop could be a solution. The iOS device would need iOS 7 installed and be at least one of the models below.


iPhone 5 or later
iPad (4th generation or later)
iPad mini
iPod touch (5th generation)


The Mac would need to be a 2012 or later model with OS X Yosemite installed.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth need to be enabled on both devices, but no network infrastructure is necessary as AirDrop uses a direct Wi-Fi connection.

As long as you have the option to share the PDF using the standard iOS share button, you should be able to AirDrop the file. Your Mac will show up in the top section of the share sheet, but may take several seconds to be discovered so be patient.