how would I be able to transfer the information on my iCloud to an external hard drive?

See the article Other ways to back up and restore files - Apple Support

Cloud-based services don't require you to connect an external hard drive to your Mac. For example, iCloudcan automatically store your photos, calendars, contacts, notes, passwords, and more. And it includes iCloud Drive, which can store documents, desktop files, and other files of your choosing. To access those files, you just need to be signed in to iCloud. Other cloud-based services are available from third parties.

This is not helpful. If you choose to purchase an external hard drive and choose to remove files from iCloud, the question asks "HOW TO TRANSFER FROM the iCloud to the hard drive?" The question was not answered.

When iCloud Drive and desktops and documents box is turned as on syncing starts , you create a file in finder location same is mirrored in iCloud.com .

You can connect an external hard drive to Mac and drag drop the files into it Use external storage devices with Mac - Apple Support

But can't transfer files directly from iCloud.com to external hard drive also iCloud.com is secured for an account holder , and the feature is prohibited as designed by apple engineers , I am member in this community and not apple representative or such .