store files in cloud but not locally

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Level 1

30 points

store files in cloud but not locally

I've just upgraded to 2TB iCloud storage. I currently sync desktop and documents so I can switch seamlessly between my desktop and my laptop. I have about 500GB of documents I would like to store in a folder on iCloud, but my laptop is only 356GB. How can I upload these documents to the cloud without filling my hard drive up. I have already selected the folder, right clicked and selected "remove download" from the local laptop, but I'm watching the space it's taking up grow before my eyes as I upload documents through the web page. How can I completely remove it from my laptop?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jul 23, 2021 3:00 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

muguy

Level 10

91,856 points

Jul 23, 2021 8:58 AM in response to tchick

Enable Mac Optimization. If you upload all of your docs from your desktop, and keep all devices in sync, your laptop should offload local file items as space is needed.

Go to  > System Preferences > Apple ID, then click iCloud. Be sure that you have "optimize Mac storage" turned on on you MacBook.

I suspect during the initial sync you may eat up more space on your laptop.

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Answer 2

Jul 23, 2021 8:49 AM in response to tchick

Jan. 2016: Using iCloud Drive without caching files locally on computer - https://discussions.apple.com/message/29707288#29707288 - "You can turn off iCloud Drive on your Mac (system preferences > iCloud > iCloud drive > off) and access iCloud Drive via your browser at iCloud.com > iCloud Drive."

Probably not what you'd like to do, I admit.

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Answer 3

muguy

Level 10

91,856 points

Jul 23, 2021 8:44 PM in response to tchick

The only work around would be to put the files you need in the downloads folder on your Mac as files in that folder don't sync. And, just remove download on files as space is eaten up.

Otherwise, you need to use a different service, use an external drive, or buy a bigger drive for your next laptop.

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Answer 4

tchick Author

Level 1

30 points

Jul 24, 2021 12:14 AM in response to tygb

This is exactly the opposite to what I want to do. What is the point of having 2TB online storage if I can't use it because my hard drive is only 256GB.

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Answer 5

tchick Author

Level 1

30 points

Jul 23, 2021 7:06 PM in response to muguy

This is the problem I have barely any space on my laptop and I need it for work. I can't afford to have it crippled while my I wait for iCloud to decide which files need to be stored locally and which do not. I need my working files accessible, offline, on a day to day basis.

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Answer 6

tchick Author

Level 1

30 points

Jul 23, 2021 10:02 PM in response to Limnos

Google One Drive and Dropbox both offer this service easily and with no fuss. I was looking for a reason to move my Google and Dropbox subscriptions over to Apple iCloud but this is a deal breaker for me.

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Answer 7

tygb

Level 9

65,010 points

Jul 23, 2021 11:24 PM in response to tchick

The documents storage size should be less than the data stored on Macintosh HD , delete massive documents from icloud drive permanently Find and delete files on your Mac - Apple Support

Delete files and folders on Mac - Apple Support

Even you drag and drop those documents to another folder like downloads space will not be reduced Work with folders and files in iCloud Drive - Apple Support

If you don't want to loose precious documents , first save them on external hard drive Use external storage devices with Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 8

tygb

Level 9

65,010 points

Jul 24, 2021 12:42 AM in response to tchick

See the thread https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251789307

If any folders are created and you have saved massive photos / files / documents they will occupy hard drive space , you have to reduce the space , only purchasing 2TB iCloud storage space is not a way , you have massive size documents and their data is larger than hard drive space , delete them .

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