I want to store files on my 2TB iCloud with my 1TB 2019 i9 MBP

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Level 1

8 points

I want to store files on my 2TB iCloud with my 1TB 2019 i9 MBP

Even when I purchased the MBP in 2019 with 1TB storage, the 200GB iCloud option was not enough. So I took the next step up which was 2TB - I think it's the same today. What I didn't realise is that the sync of data between Mac and iCloud means that anything above 1TB in the iCloud is wasted - I cannot use it. Since I am paying for the space I would like to use it for Backups - It would make a good L3 location and I wouldn't have to pay Veeam or Acronis for their cloud storage, I understand the 'Remove Downland' setting where I can set a file to NOT sync with my 1TB SSD but I cannot find a way to place a 700GB file on my spare 1TB iCloud without it saying the file is too big. Can anybody tell me how to get around this?

I would happily fit a 2TB SSD but the storage chips are soldered in place since 2015.

Posted on Dec 21, 2024 3:00 PM

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Answer 1

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,665 points

Dec 21, 2024 3:11 PM in response to agnew50

re: "What I didn't realise is that the sync of data between Mac and iCloud means that anything above 1TB in the iCloud is wasted - I cannot use it."

You can use more than 1TB of iCloud storage space with a 1TB Mac.

For Photos, see the following from Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

Turn on Optimize Storage

iCloud Photos keeps all your photos and videos in their original, high-resolution version. To save storage space on your device, you can turn on Optimize Storage.

If you turn on Optimize Storage, iCloud Photos automatically manages the size of your library on your device. Your original photos and videos are stored in iCloud and space-saving versions are kept on your device. Your library is optimized only when you need space, starting with the photos and videos you access least. You can download the original photos and videos over Wi-Fi or cellular when you need them.

...

On your Mac

1. Open the Photos app and click Photos in the menu bar.
2. Click Settings or click Preferences.
3. Go to the iCloud tab and choose a storage setting.

There is a similar option for iCloud Drive files (including the Desktop and Documents option of iCloud Drive. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > [username] > iCloud > Drive > Optimize Mac Storage.

See description in the screenshot below:

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Answer 2

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,665 points

Dec 21, 2024 4:18 PM in response to agnew50

My previous post covered syncing photos in the first paragraphs and syncing files in the later paragraphs. Both of those options will allow using iCloud storage to reduce the space that is used on your Mac by using iCloud instead. That is the only part of your original post that I can help with.

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Answer 3

agnew50 Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 21, 2024 3:22 PM in response to FoxFifth

My photos are fine. My question was - how do I place a 700GB file in my 1TB spare space in iCloud?

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Answer 4

agnew50 Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 21, 2024 4:26 PM in response to FoxFifth

I am not trying to reduce the storage on my local drive. I simply want to utilise the 1TB space that is currently unavailable to me with random files of my own choice. Show me how to do that?

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