Sync issues with writing across Mac and iPads

Question

Level 1

20 points

Sync issues with writing across Mac and iPads

Hey Everyone,

I'm working on a book, and depending on where I'm going and what I'm doing each day, I may use a different Apple device. If I'm working at home, I'll write on my Mac Studio. If I'm working in a different part of our home or out on the patio, I'll write on my 12" iPad. And if I'm going to be writing between running errands, then I'll use my iPad Mini.

Everything seemed to be working well, but recently I've been seeing slightly different versions of sections I've edited on different devices, which makes it hard to maintain continuity.

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong? Will turning on "Track Changes" fix the issue? Thanks for any tips.

- Dave

Posted on Jun 28, 2026 5:37 PM

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Answer 1

bob264

Level 1

51 points

Jun 28, 2026 6:42 PM in response to _beowulf

I was having similar issues with several file types and I found that right-clicking on that file or perhaps the containing folder and choosing "Keep Downloaded' from the context menu resolved the issue for me.

Note that this had to be done on every device I used to access the file/folder.

This resolved the problem for me.

Hope this helps.

Bob

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Answer 2

bob264

Level 1

51 points

Jun 29, 2026 10:53 AM in response to _beowulf

You’ve probably noticed small, dimmed symbols to the right of files and folders. A cloud with a downward-facing arrow indicates that the file is not in sync. Clicking on that symbol will force that file to sync immediately. It only takes a second and avoids some frustration.

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Answer 3

_beowulf Author

Level 1

20 points

Jun 29, 2026 10:18 AM in response to bob264

Thanks, Bob! Excellent tip. I assume that you anchored the file you were editing to iCloud or something similar? I'll give it a try. - Dave

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