Need to be able to drag files to particular backup drives without having to watch them slowly download from icloud. Do they not exist on my computer anymore?

When I updated my system last, it asked me if I wanted to use icloud as a backup. I hit yes, and I'm thankful to have that option.

However, now it's time to put finished projects on separate drives where I keep just those client's files. It appears to constantly be "downloading from icloud" before it lets me copy, which takes a huge amount of time.

Am I doing something wrong? Do my files not actually 'live' on my computer anymore, but only in icloud?

Maybe I need to be directed to some online learning to see what I'm not understanding.

Even if I could turn that downloading option off and just copy my files from my drive to my external drives, that would be wonderful.

Thanks.

—Kellie