Display iCloud Drive on desktop

Hi all,


after enabling the iCloud Drive functionality in OS X Yosemite I noticed that the drive only shows up in the Finder sidebar.

Is it somehow possible to also have it show up on the desktop like a harddrive (and like the old iDisk)?


Cheers

Oli

Posted on Oct 17, 2014 1:36 AM

Reply
13 replies

Oct 18, 2014 2:55 AM in response to Oliver Matuschin

I have the same/similar problem:

- app-based folders appear on all my devices;

- folders I've created in iCloud Drive appear on my imac, and my iPhone, but not on my mac book.

And, yes, all definitely using the same ID, all given plenty of time to sync, etc.

Anyone know what's going on?


(As a long-term apple fan, its sad that dropbox is simpler and more intuitive. )

Nov 7, 2014 7:38 AM in response to Oliver Matuschin

I am Spartacus ⚠


The trick, I have found, is to use Ye Olde Automator Application.


Four easy steps:


Step 1:

Open Applications -> Automator

Choose "Application" for your document.


Step 2:

In the Library on the left, choose "Files and Folders"

Then choose "Get Specified Finder Items"

Click "Add"

Select your iCloud Drive out of the favorites bar, and click "Add"


Step 3:

Now choose "Open Finder Items"

Leave the default setting.


Step 4:

Test it by running at the top - it should open your Finder to the iCloud Drive.

Assuming this is the case, save the Automator Application you have just made to the Desktop - I called mine "iCloud Drive".


BONUS:

Change the icon!

Right-click the application on the Desktop and choose "Get info"

Go out onto the InterWebs and find a nice icon. I really liked this icon set: http://www.iconarchive.com/show/icloud-icons-by-ahdesign91.html

Click on the image in your Safari browser that you like.

Drag the image from your Safari browser to the little miniature Automator icon in the top left corner of your Get Info box.

If you have done this right, a green plus sign will appear.

Release your mouse button.


PRESTO - you have a real, bona fide, iCloud Drive link with custom icon on your desktop.


Now that you have spent hours trying to figure this out like I have, I hope it vindicates your desire for laziness in not simply clicking on the Macintosh HD. (joke!)


Enjoy!

Oct 22, 2015 12:46 PM in response to Oliver Matuschin

In Finder tab (on desktop)-->Preferences-->General

User uploaded file


Select 'iCloud Drive' under New Finder windows show:


On desktop, select the finder icon from dock:

User uploaded file


Your iCloud Drive will appear on your desktop:


User uploaded file


It is now accessible on your desktop and files can be added to your iCloud via dragging.


Basically, this turns the Finder Icon into what I wish I had for iCloud on my mac (like I have for my iPad and iPhone). There may be reasons this won't work for some people, but it works for me. My operating system is Yosemite 10.10.4.

Jan 16, 2015 12:27 AM in response to Oliver Matuschin

It's the real deal. I wasn't sure if it was what you wanted or if it will work on your Mac like on my iPad. Go to iCloud.com. Sign in. Tap iCloud Drive. On my iPad I tapped the share icon (box with arrow) then tapped Add to home screen. Tap done. And there it is. Unfortunately I don't have a computer to test it on so I'm not sure if it will be the same for you.

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Display iCloud Drive on desktop

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