I store most of my work files on an external hard drive that is larger than my internal drive, and I would like to synchronize folders on that drive with iCloud drive. (Not Photos specifically, and not just a scheduled backup— I'd like a backup copy and access on other devices.)
How do I set up a specific folder to synchronize to iCloud drive?
MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15
Hi Struckhoff
I had this doubt too. So I went to an Apple Store and talked to an attendant. He told me that is not possible. He told me that iCloud drive is designed to only sync files that is in Mac internal storage. Some other sync software, like Sugar Sync (Bussines Solution), can do this. But it is very expensive and the app has some issues with Mac OS. But, perhaps you can try.
Drag and drop files from external hard drive to some location like pictures , downloads folder then select them , copy them and paste Mac keyboard shortcuts - Apple Support in finder > iCloud > iCloud Drive > Documents .
I have tried copying the folder to my iCloud Drive. Despite being smaller than my available iCloud capacity, it says there isn't room to copy it. (I suspect because iCloud Drive creates a local copy on the system drive, which doesn't have enough room, which is why I bought an external drive in the first place.)
I have heard that copying an alias of a folder to iCloud Drive, or on the Desktop, causes the contents to sync, but it looks like it literally just puts the alias in iCloud drive.
Now that Apple One gives 2TB of storage, it seems pretty useless unless you can sync larger drives/folders.
See the article Access iCloud Drive files from your iPhone and other devices - Apple Support
Read the section - If your files don't update to iCloud Drive
Make sure icliid drive and desktops and documents box is checked Use iCloud Drive to store documents on your Mac and iOS devices - Apple Support
Then follow the article Connect and use other storage devices with Mac - Apple Support
These articles do not address how to add files from an external drive to iCloud Drive.
That link is how to download iCloud Drive to an external drive, not how to sync a location on an external drive to iCloud Drive.
Struckhoff Said:
"How to synch a folder on an external drive to iCloud Drive? I store most of my work files on an external hard drive that is larger than my internal drive, and I would like to synchronize folders on that drive with iCloud drive.[...].How do I set up a specific folder to synchronize to iCloud drive?"
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Uploading External Drive to iCloud Drive:
Seems you need to set this folder as the source for upgrading form. Overview my User Tip, seeing it leads you anywhere. Report Back the Results: Getting a Quick and Direct "iCloud Drive-to-External Hard Drive" Download - Apple Support
Struckhoff Said:
"How to synch a folder on an external drive to iCloud Drive?: That link is how to download iCloud Drive to an external drive, not how to sync a location on an external drive to iCloud Drive."
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Correct. So, by comparison, without blowing it off, did it lead you anywhere with thoughts?
How to synch a folder on an external drive to iCloud Drive?
