Delete a local copy of iCloud document
I want to delete some files from iCloud on mac but want to keep in iCloud. Is this possible ?
Thanks.
iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9)
System preferences > iCloud > Manage. Select the app and delete files.
12 replies
Hmm, I see. Ok, and to elaborate,
1. What if the files are not part of an app and
2. Is it possible to add the files one one mac without it automatically downloading it on another mac ? I would like to have the files available on the other mac but not download them.
Thanks.
iCloud data is a synchronous system, it matters not where you delete the file, it will be deleted from iCloud and thus, everything else.
See, the issue I have is that two macs which are very different in their local storage capacity. iCloud storage is very handy but it doesn't work if one drive is going to reach capacity caching or not, doesn't matter. It doesn't work in this situation unless there is a workaround.
Sorry, I misread your post. Csound1 is right!
kap_australia wrote:
See, the issue I have is that two macs which are very different in their local storage capacity. iCloud storage is very handy but it doesn't work if one drive is going to reach capacity caching or not, doesn't matter. It doesn't work in this situation unless there is a workaround.
If you have a file stored in iCloud it is 'the' file, everything else is a cached copy. Delete or change any of the them and you are deleting or changing the original.
If you don't want that the workaround is to NOT use iCloud.
Exactly how much data are you trying to store in iCloud? (or how little space is left on the Mac with little space left)
See, the issue I have is that two macs which are very different in their local storage capacity. iCloud storage is very handy but it doesn't work if one drive is going to reach capacity caching or not, doesn't matter. It doesn't work in this situation unless there is a workaround.
Keep only the documents in iCloud, that you really are currently working on. Instead of deleting the documents you currently don't need from iCloud, relocate them back to the Mac that the most disk space. The "File" menu in iCloud enabled applications usually has an option to move the documents back from iCloud to local storage.
Thanks guys. I expected an iTunes/IOS setup where a 'download from iCloud' icon provides the user an option to download the file. One mac is 1tb while the other is s 128gb. They are only documents but there are plenty of them including photos which I work on. iCloud is so well integrated that it is ideal to have one storage centre for all your data and backups for your iOS devices. The amount of data is approx 60gig but when you consider that a computer will also have other stuff e.g.. apps, music and movies that will take up space, there is no way I can enable iCloud for documents on the rMcBK.
This function or restriction makes it inconvenient though and probably need to rethink a solution using a third party service.
You are misunderstanding what you have.
If you save a file to iCloud (from your Mac) 2 copies are generated, one is stored in the iCloud user space, a second is stored on the Mac (in the mobile documents folder). These 2 are synchronized, it matters not which one you open (assuming that you are even aware of the existence of the local copy)
Do not mess with iCloud storage, you will be disappointed. I suggest that you use a different service, one that does what you want.
And you never answered the question regarding this Mac that is running out of space, if files get corrupted because of space issues, and they are stored in iCloud they will corrupt all copies of the file regardless of where you have stored them. How much free space does the little Mac actually have (10GB is the minimum for 'safe' operation)
Do you have any backups of your files, or is this a solo flight?
Also, iClouds max storage allowance is 55GB (5 free, 50 that you can pay for) How did you get 60GB in that?
I understand your explanation of synchronisation of the two version of files.
I haven't added all the files that I would like into iCloud yet. I have simply tested how it works. I saved a file to iCloud (via preview) on the primary mac and noticed that it was automatically available (downloaded I am seeing) on the secondary mac. I therefore concluded that I cannot add the 60 gig of data via their respective apps or directly into he mobile doc folder because if the behaviour is the same then my secondary mac will run out of space.
Then I came here looking for a solution. Before trying the above I also spoke to Apple who told me that the file is not downloaded automatically on the secondary mac but it is available. Well I def see it downloading with the progress bar.
1. How much space did you buy on iCloud (you get 5GB free, how much more have you purchased)
2. If you store it in iCloud a local copy will be saved, the person you spoke to at Apple who told you otherwise is wrong.
I cannot add the 60 gig of data via their respective apps or directly into he mobile doc folder because if the behaviour is the same then my secondary mac will run out of space.
Are you actually reading anything I write? iCloud has a maximum that is lower than 60GB, how do you intend to put a quart in a pint bottle?
Please don't use iCloud, misunderstandings at this level will cause data loss. Try Copy or Box instead.
I know this is a very old post, but I'm providing more information for the benefit of anyone still dealing with this issue.
iCloud drive now features lots more options for managing what is stored on your local machine. See this post: Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support
Alternatively, if you really want to clear up space on your Mac in one step, simply turn off iCloud drive (System Preferences > iCloud > uncheck 'iCloud drive'). All local files will be deleted, but originals will still be stored on iCould.
Turn iCloud back on, and you will once again have access to all files, and can choose which ones you want to download to your Mac.
Delete a local copy of iCloud document