question about iCloud status, also 'optimize Mac storage'

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question about iCloud status, also 'optimize Mac storage'

So, let’s say I have 10 folders in my iCloud folder on my MBP. They all shown the cloud icon with the down arrow, meaning they are online only and not stored locally. I have two questions:

*On some of these folders, once I click on them to open them, they download to MBP right away. On other folders, once I click on them, the contents stay put showing the cloud icon with the down arrow, and stay there until I click on them, at which time they download. Why is this? I always keep all folders and their contents in a state of cloud-only.

*Also, I have ‘Optimize Mac Storage’ turned on. I have 404.72 GB avail of a possible 499.96 GB- and I have everything on this MBP I can think of. Do I need to have that enabled?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.4

Posted on Jul 24, 2023 5:09 PM

Reply

Answer 1

nathan430

Community Specialist

Jul 25, 2023 12:32 PM in response to brinkeguthrie

Hey there brinkeguthrie,

Thanks so much for using Apple Support Communities.

We're happy to help you with any questions you have about iCloud!

When it comes to files or folders that are being downloaded locally to your MacBook Pro, we would recommend that you use the following steps to remove that local download without deleting the information from iCloud entirely:

Open iCloud Drive on your Mac
Press and hold Control on your keyboard and click the file you'd like to remove
Select "Remove Download" from the menu that pops up

This will let you free up the local storage space that those files were taking without deleting them permanently.

As far as the Optimize Mac Storage feature, that is entirely up to your personal preference. This feature is described thus by the support article linked below:

Optimize storage space

Your Mac can optimize storage by using iCloud to automatically make more storage space available when needed.* And you can use built-in utilities to quickly find and delete files, apps, books, movies, and other items that are taking up space, then delete items you no longer need.

- macOS Ventura or later: Learn how to optimize storage space

- Earlier versions of macOS: Learn how to optimize storage space

That info can also be found here: Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

We hope that this information is helpful.

Have a great day!

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question about iCloud status, also 'optimize Mac storage'

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