Q: Can I use iCloud Drive online only?

Can I use iCloud Drive online only? I don't want to store everything on my macbook pro. I only have 128 GB SSD and I don't want to fill it up with photos, music, etc. I still want to see everything in finder in the iCloud Drive folder, but I don't want it to be saved on my macbook.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014), OS X Yosemite (10.10)

Posted on Oct 25, 2014 10:18 AM

I have this question too

léonie

Level 10 (106,841 points)

iLife

Yes I know, but I want it to be used as external storage, not something where I store copies of stuff that I have already on my macbook

But iCloud Drive is not an external storage. It is a common storage that is synced and shared between all connected devices, and it is always available, even when you are not connected to the internet.

What you want to do is not possible with iCloud Drive.

Posted on Oct 25, 2014 11:40 AM

Q: Can I use iCloud Drive online only?

All replies

Helpful answers

by Kappy,

Kappy Oct 25, 2014 10:20 AM in response to kevtje94
Level 10 (270,928 points)

Desktops

Oct 25, 2014 10:20 AM in response to kevtje94

The iCloud Drive is in the cloud. It uses your iCloud storage space.
Reply options

Link to this post

by kevtje94,

kevtje94 Oct 25, 2014 11:11 AM in response to Kappy
Level 1 (0 points)

Oct 25, 2014 11:11 AM in response to Kappy

Yes I know, but I want it to be used as external storage, not something where I store copies of stuff that I have already on my macbook
Reply options

Link to this post

by Csound1,

Csound1 Oct 25, 2014 11:15 AM in response to Kappy
Level 9 (50,402 points)

Desktops

Oct 25, 2014 11:15 AM in response to Kappy

Kappy wrote:

The iCloud Drive is in the cloud. It uses your iCloud storage space.

It mirrors to a local folder, so it uses local space as well.
Reply options

Link to this post

by Kappy,

Kappy Oct 25, 2014 11:22 AM in response to kevtje94
Level 10 (270,928 points)

Desktops

Oct 25, 2014 11:22 AM in response to kevtje94

I don't think you quite understand iCloud Drive. It's not a general computer backup or storage device. iCloud Drive FAQ.
Reply options

Link to this post

by léonie,Apple recommended

léonie Oct 25, 2014 11:40 AM in response to kevtje94
Level 10 (106,841 points)

iLife

Oct 25, 2014 11:40 AM in response to kevtje94

Yes I know, but I want it to be used as external storage, not something where I store copies of stuff that I have already on my macbook
But iCloud Drive is not an external storage. It is a common storage that is synced and shared between all connected devices, and it is always available, even when you are not connected to the internet.
What you want to do is not possible with iCloud Drive.
Reply options

Link to this post

by Vishal.G,

Vishal.G Feb 2, 2016 1:54 PM in response to kevtje94
Level 1 (0 points)

Feb 2, 2016 1:54 PM in response to kevtje94

This May be your answer
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2856348/free-up-space-on-your-hard-drive-using-yo ur-cloud-storages-selective-sync-option.html
Reply options

Link to this post

by Satchmo,

Satchmo Mar 1, 2016 8:45 AM in response to kevtje94
Level 4 (1,258 points)

Mac OS X

Mar 1, 2016 8:45 AM in response to kevtje94

Even if possible Apple offers no ability to search the web-based iCloud drive.
Reply options

Link to this post

Q: Can I use iCloud Drive online only?

All replies Helpful answers

by Kappy,

by kevtje94,

by Csound1,

by Kappy,

by léonie,Apple recommended

by Vishal.G,

by Satchmo,

All replies

Helpful answers