How to save files both locally and on icloud

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Level 1

4 points

How to save files both locally and on icloud

Hi everyone,

I have iCloud Drive enabled with "Desktop & Documents Folders" syncing turned on. I want to make sure that my files are safely stored both locally on my Mac and in iCloud, in case anything ever happens to my iCloud storage.

Is there a way to ensure that all files stay fully downloaded and available locally, while still syncing with iCloud?

Would really appreciate any advice on best practices for keeping a local backup alongside iCloud storage. Thanks!

Posted on Mar 6, 2025 6:56 AM

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Answer 1

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r4lf

Level 2

461 points

Mar 6, 2025 7:12 AM in response to gsyrba

Adding on to gsyrba's reply, in order to be absolutely sure you have a local copy of all iCloud Drive files, you'll have to ensure "Optimize Mac Storage" is set to OFF.

This requires you to have at least enough local hard drive space, matching what your iCloud Drive size is.

If you are turning on Optimize Mac Storage, it would mean that not all contents are stored locally, it would be removing some files locally just to ensure you're not running out of your local hard drive space.

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Answer 2

gsyrba

Level 2

449 points

Mar 6, 2025 7:05 AM in response to MM_95_LUX

They should be on both, but just so you can be safe, did you follow these steps?

From your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings.
Click Apple Account. In macOS Sonoma or earlier, click Apple ID.
Click iCloud.
Under Saved to iCloud, click Drive. ...
Below iCloud Drive, check that Sync this Mac is turned on.
Turn on Desktop & Documents Folders.
Click Done.

I always open the files I need directly from my document folder on my iMac. It helps my peace of mind to ensure they are on both. I even created shortcuts to my most used files in the Documents folders.

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How to save files both locally and on icloud

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