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Alias. What is the purpose of creating an alias file?

in iCloud on my Mac the Desktop folder is now greyed out and the original is an alias. it has done that with my documents folder too.

Mac Studio, macOS 14.1

Posted on Nov 24, 2023 11:06 AM

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2 replies

Nov 24, 2023 11:26 AM in response to brytonknelson

if you have engaged any of these features:

Optimize storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

especially 'Optimize Storage' or 'Store in iCloud' some files from your Mac are replaced with an Alias (a tiny pointer to the original Large file) that points to the Master file on your iCloud drive.

when referenced, the file will be updated appropriately, typically by retrieving a copy and modifying the copy, indirectly using the Alias.

BDAqua

Level 10