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sara.lenz26 Author

Level 1

5 points

iCloud vs iCloud Drive

I purchased 2 TB of storage space on iCloud. The files I need to store are document-heavy/work related. I was under the impression the iCloud Drive was simply a way to access my iCloud documents quicker. I realize now that it can only store as much as my MacBook has available. Now, I'm confused as to how to make use of the space I actually purchased. I want to move some files from iCloud Drive to the umbrella iCloud storage, but can't figure out how to do so.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Nov 14, 2021 12:52 PM

Top-ranking reply

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,209 points

Posted on Nov 14, 2021 1:06 PM

There is no "umbrella iCloud storage." iCloud Drive and iCloud Photos are the major iCloud syncing services and the emphasis in those services is syncing.

re: "I realize now that it can only store as much as my MacBook has available." -- that isn't accurate. On your Mac go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud (in the preferences sidebar) > Optimize Mac Storage.

There is a similar option for iCloud Photos in the Photos app at Photos Preferences > iCloud.

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iCloud vs iCloud Drive

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