Groups on the iPad

Groups on the iPad

Creating groups for emailing

Here's a tip that's only for my Apple iPad friends...I know you don't always feel the love from me.

I was working with a client today on her iPad when she asked if we could create a group to make it easier for her to send email to a distribution list. "Absolutely," I said confidently and started to look around the Contacts app. I looked and looked but didn't see how to do it. I promised her I would take the assignment as homework and let her know the answer.

Imagine my surprise when I did my research and found that you can download an app to do this or you can use the iCloud but that you can't create groups in the Contacts program on the iPad! Yikes! It seems like such a fundamental feature. Well there is a work around that does not require adding any apps or using the iCloud to your device. Here's how:

1. Open the Contacts app
2. Click the plus sign (+) to create a new contact
3. In the First field put in part of the name for the group, such as "Book"
4. In the Last field put in the second part of the group name, such as "Club"
   (alternately you can use either field for the entire group name)
5. In the add email box enter the email addresses for each individual separated by a comma and a space. For example, mom@aol.com, dad@comcast.net, bob@snet.net
6. Tap the Done link.
7. When you want to address an email type the group name (in this case book club) in the To: Cc: or Bcc: box and send as usual.
8. That's it! Nice job!

Apparently Apple has no plans to add this feature to the Contacts app and is suggesting that you move to the iCloud where it is possible to create groups. If you're not comfortable with the iCloud, at lease you know there is a workable solution to your problem.

My book, 100 Amazing Computer Tips - Shortcuts, Tricks, and Advice to Help Everyone from Novice to Professional, is available NOW at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble in both print ($14.99) and ebook ($7.99) formats. There's also a handy link on top right side of this window for your shopping convenience..

Happy computing!

Diane

Don't forget to click the Subscribe to 100 Computer Tips in 100 Days via email link on the right side of the screen so you get email alerts when Diane adds a new post.