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How to exclude Files or Folders from upload to iCloud

I found a trick to exclude files and folders placed on desktop to be synced with iCloud.

I have to add .NOSYNC before the file extension.

I have to add .TMP after the folder name.


Both of these tricks work fine except that the files & folders inside the folder are still syncing to iCloud.

I am wondering why the files and folders are still syncing with iCloud if the main folder is not synced.




MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.14

Posted on Apr 24, 2020 2:53 AM

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7 replies

Apr 25, 2020 3:55 PM in response to LD150

I opened this ticket for a reasonable reason especially for user who is having limited storage on iCloud 5GB.


I am using my macbook for rendering videos and those videos are huge and the total of 3 of them is more than 5GB. I either have to move them to other local folder or to upgrade my iCloud storage, but if I use .NOSYNC can help me to keep the videos on the desktop and not uploaded to iCloud.

Apr 25, 2020 11:46 PM in response to srustom

This trick is interesting for those with the time in lockdown to experiment but unnecessary. You yourself admit it does not work because you asked "... I am wondering why the files and folders are still syncing with iCloud if the main folder is not synced...."


There is a folder called "Movies" provided on every Mac for the purpose. The contents will not sync with iCloud.


If you are including Desktop in your icloud sync, simply do not store 5GB files on Desktop. That is the correct advice.


How to exclude Files or Folders from upload to iCloud

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