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iA Writer Files Not Showing in Library

Workaround available Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

If documents exist in Finder or the Files app but iA Writer's Library doesn't list them, the Library index is usually out of date. On Mac, deleting index.db and relaunching rebuilds it.

Most likely fix: Rebuild the Library index (Mac).

Symptoms

Files are visible in Finder/iCloud Drive but missing or outdated in the iA Writer Library sidebar.

Why it happens

  • Corrupted or stale Library index (index.db)
  • Files stored in the old iA Writer Classic iCloud folder
  • iCloud settings changed on the device
  • Location removed or lost access permission

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Rebuild the Library index (Mac)

    1. Quit iA Writer
    2. In Finder choose Go > Go to Folder…
    3. Enter ~/Library/Containers/pro.writer.mac/Data/Library/Application Support/iA Writer
    4. Move index.db to the Trash
    5. Relaunch iA Writer — the index rebuilds

  2. 2. Check the iA Writer Classic folder

    1. iA Writer Classic and iA Writer use separate iCloud folders
    2. In Finder open iCloud Drive and look for the Classic folder (writer| icon)
    3. Copy documents into the iA Writer (iA| icon) folder

  3. 3. Re-add the location

    1. Remove the location from the Library
    2. Restart the device
    3. Add the folder back via Go > Add Location… (Mac) or Edit > Add Location (iOS)

  4. 4. Test with a new document

    1. Create a new document to see if it appears
    2. If not, follow the iCloud sync fixes

This guide also covers

  • ia writer files missing
  • ia writer library not showing files
  • ia writer documents disappeared

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