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SSL-ADT Author

Level 1

23 points

Local copy vs iCloud Drive

It's driving me crazy, not being able to find the answer to such a simple question. Right now, iCloud Drive is set up on my Mac with Optimize Mac Storage. According to Disk Utility, I have 9 GB of disk space used out of 512 GB. So, I should have both, local and iCloud copies of my files.

But, the million-dollar question that I have, and that I couldn't find any answer online for, is "why do I only see iCloud Documents and Desktop in the Finder?"

Thanks

-Ron

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 13.3

Posted on May 1, 2023 1:07 PM

Top-ranking reply

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,047 points

Posted on May 9, 2023 8:08 AM

SSL-ADT wrote:

I have since come to the conclusion that it is normal for the Desktop and Documents folders not to allow for downloading its content onto the Mac. Why? Because those folders are no longer present on the Mac once you set Desktop & Documents Folders ON in iCloud Drive.

It is not normal.

Normal is:

1) There should be Desktop and Documents folders in the iCloud section of the sidebar of Finder on your Mac. Those folders are on your Mac even though they are shown in the iCloud section of Finder.

2) Those folders should have a local copy of all of their contents on the Mac if you don't have Optimize Mac Storage turned in in Apple menu Settings (or Apple menu Preferences, depending on your macOS version). And if you do have Optimize Mac Storage turned on only some of the contents may have a local copy depending on space available on the Mac.

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SSL-ADT Author

Level 1

23 points

May 15, 2023 12:35 PM in response to FoxFifth

Okay, I was able to get that icon status column. I simply disabled iCloud Drive completely and started all over.

I see most folders and files with a cloud icon and a down arrow. I'm given the opportunity to download them one at a time. It is working now. Now what? Where in the world are they suppose to download to on my Mac (is the million-dollar question)?

BTW, Desktop And Document Folders in system settings is now OFF. I don't really need it on other devices.