A package is a collection of files that your Mac reads as one file. By default, Pages, Numbers and Keynote auto-save a document, spreadsheet or presentation as a single file. Here's what to do if Pages, Numbers or Keynote prompts you to save your document as a package:
- If you're saving your document to your hard drive, you're experiencing wait cursors or slow performance when editing your document or you're saving your document in iCloud Drive, choose Use Package.
- If you're planning to upload your document to a third-party cloud sharing service, such as Box or Dropbox, using a web browser, choose Keep Single File.
You can switch between a single file and a package at any time. Open your file. Then choose File > Advanced > Change File Type, and select the type you'd like to use.
If your package is damaged and can't be opened
If you try to open a file saved as a package and you see an alert that says “[Document] can't be opened right now”, the file may be damaged. A document saved as a package can get damaged if it was sent by email or uploaded to a third-party cloud sharing service, such as Box or Dropbox, using a web browser.
If you see this alert, ask the owner of the file to save it as a single file and send it back to you.