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I have chosen to sync my Desktop & Documents Folders with iCloud. I want to maintain that but also create a folder that is not synced with iCloud. I want to keep backups of files in the cloud which are wholly apart from the cloud (which do not update when I update files that are included in the cloud).
How do I do that?
MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.5
Only the folders you create on iCloud Drive, in Documents, or on your Desktop are syncing with iCloud. Any folder you create in your user home folder outside of the synced folders will remain local on your Mac. I created a folder in my user home folder named “DocumentsLocal”, where I am keeping all files I want to keep only local. Also the folders Music, Pictures, Movies, Downloads are only local.
Only the folders you create on iCloud Drive, in Documents, or on your Desktop are syncing with iCloud. Any folder you create in your user home folder outside of the synced folders will remain local on your Mac. I created a folder in my user home folder named “DocumentsLocal”, where I am keeping all files I want to keep only local. Also the folders Music, Pictures, Movies, Downloads are only local.
rowlandvilletexas Said:
"How do I create a folder that is not synced with iCloud: I have chosen to sync my Desktop & Documents Folders with iCloud. [...]How do I do that?"
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Add this Folder to Desktop:
If an option, add this folder to the Desktop. Make a copy of the items > create a new folder > then paste the items into it. Or, if these are no longer needed where they currently are, then just relocate the folder to the Desktop. Depending on the size, it may take a while to upload.
iCloud Plan Upgrading:
You have 5GB free, as an Apple User. So, you may need to upgrade your iCloud Storage Plan, if you cannot access these items.
Learn More Here:
rowlandvilletexas Said:
"How do I create a folder that is not synced with iCloud: As I understand it, files I copy from the cloud remain synced to the cloud. Is that correct?"
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Yes. That is correct.
I want to achieve the following:
1) iCloud for important documents that I am consistently working on. I want those same documents mirrored on my hard drive.
2) I want a separate folder on my Mac that contains these files (which I will update manually) but which are not in any way connected to the cloud.
It seems basic enough. Is there a way to achieve this?
rowlandvilletexas Said:
"How do I create a folder that is not synced with iCloud: I want to achieve the following:"
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Two Things:
Use Non-Apple Cloud Storage:
Q1. "iCloud for important documents that I am consistently working on. I want those same documents mirrored on my hard drive."
A1. As long as iCloud Drive is enabled on your device, then they can be accessed. But, internal system files are inaccessible through iCloud. So, use cloud storage from your ISP to possibly access these.
Compress or Hide the File(s):
Q2. "I want a separate folder on my Mac that contains these files (which I will update manually) but which are not in any way connected to the cloud."
A2. No. But, compress it, and add a password to the compress file. Give it a name that is irrelevant. IT would be a ZIP file (making the file type unknown to whomever). Write the password down in a private location that only you are aware of, and only your have access to. Ultimately, hiding it (and then unhiding it when desired) would do the job. You'd have to show hidden files (use at your own risk).
As I understand it, files I copy from the cloud remain synced to the cloud. Is that correct?
How do I create a folder that is not synced with iCloud
