Can I access files that are on iCloud drive when I am offline?

You access that folder via the Finder sidebar > iCloud Drive or via the Finder "Go" menu > iCloud Drive.

You can also hold down the option key in Finder in Sonoma and while holding the option key, click the Finder Go menu then click Library and then click the iCloud Drive folder (used to be named mobile docs). All roads lead to the same place -- your local copies of iCloud Drive files, including Desktops and Documents files if you have that option turned on.

If you don't have the Optimize Storage option turned in Apple menu > System Settings > [username] > iCloud > Optimize Mac Storage then all of your iCloud Drive files will have a local copy at that location.

If you do have Optimize Mac Storage option some files may still have a local copy depending on the storage available on the Mac. See the "View iCloud Status" section of Get file, folder, and disk information on Mac - Apple Support for instructions on how to determine the status of the files.

Gary Davison wrote:

Hi FoxFifth,

Thank you for the quick reply. I am using Ventura and yes I do see the Documents folder the Finder sidebar > iCloud Drive. Will they still be there when I am off line. Also, where are the files on my iMac when offline?

If you don't have Optimize Mac Storage turned on, they will still be there when you are offline. They will be in the same place.

If still in doubt, see the "View iCloud Status" section of Get file, folder, and disk information on Mac - Apple Support for instructions on how to determine the status of the files.

And then if still in doubt, turn off your wi-fi or internet connection and verify it that way.

Provided that you do not optimize, all of your files remain accessible using local copies. Those can be accessed in the iCloud Drive folder.