Files not downloading from iCloud

I am using a MacBook Air and for at least the past 6 months, any file that I try to access from iCloud Drive does NOT download. I can see that the files is there, I click to open and it does not download or open. I can search from my iPhone, find the same file, download it just fine and then send it to myself, but that's a ridiculous work around for something that shouldn't be a problem. What makes it even more difficult is when I try to log into iCloud Drive, there is NO search feature (really?? why would there not be a search bar?) so I can't go looking for it there to download. Any suggestions on what to do is greatly appreciated.