Downloads on an iPad typically go to the Downloads folder within the Files app. To find them, open the Files app, tap the Browse tab, and look for the Downloads folder either under iCloud Drive or "On My iPad." If files were downloaded via Safari, you can also tap the download icon in Safari's address bar for quick access to recent downloads. Some file types, like photos, may save directly to the Photos app instead. Here are key points on locating downloads on an iPad:

• Open the Files app and select "Browse."
• Navigate to iCloud Drive > Downloads or On My iPad > Downloads.
• In Safari, tap the download icon next to the address bar to view recent downloads.
• Photos go to the Photos app, and music to the Music app.
• If you don’t see files in Downloads, check other storage locations in the Files app or use the search bar.

This is the default behavior for downloaded files on an iPad, providing a central place in the Files app for managing most downloads.