Q: Can't download third party files directly from iCloud drive

When I upload a file created in third party apps like Scrivener or Nisus writer on my iMac, I see the file in the finder under iCloud drive in my MacAir, but cannot directly download it. Next to the file name there is a download icon (the same that's used in icloud.com) but clicking on it doesn't do anything. I can't drag the file to my desktop either. I have to go in my browser to icloud.com and download it from there.

I thought I can upload and download files just like in Dropbox or Sugarsync, I use both, without having to go the the icloud.com website.

I am using the latest version of Yosemite on both machines.

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2012), iOS 8.1.1

Posted on Dec 4, 2014 12:40 PM

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Q: Can't download third party files directly from iCloud drive

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by Kappy,

Kappy Dec 4, 2014 12:42 PM in response to gelllo
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Desktops

Dec 4, 2014 12:42 PM in response to gelllo

See if this explains anything helpful to you: iCloud Drive FAQ.
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by gelllo,

gelllo Dec 4, 2014 12:45 PM in response to Kappy
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Dec 4, 2014 12:45 PM in response to Kappy

I have gone through the FAQ several times and couldn't find any reference to my problem.
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by Kappy,

Kappy Dec 4, 2014 1:00 PM in response to gelllo
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Desktops

Dec 4, 2014 1:00 PM in response to gelllo

As far as I know iCloud Drive only works with iWork files. In any case here's all I could find germane to iCloud Drive:

Using iWork with iCloud Drive - Apple Support
OS X Yosemite- Store documents with iCloudDrive
OS X Yosemite- What is iCloud Drive?
OS X Yosemite- If you turn off iCloud Drive on your Mac
Get help using iCloud Drive - Apple Support

Maybe you will find what you need in one of these.
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by gelllo,

gelllo Dec 4, 2014 1:08 PM in response to Kappy
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Dec 4, 2014 1:08 PM in response to Kappy

That's my question. If it only works with propriatery files like Preview, Notes, iWorks, etc. then iCloud is inferior to Dropbox in this respect since it's forcing me to use a browser to download files to a second machine.
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by Kappy,

Kappy Dec 4, 2014 1:31 PM in response to gelllo
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Desktops

Dec 4, 2014 1:31 PM in response to gelllo

Not inferior to, just different. Apple is providing what is needed for those who use iWork, not those using third-party software. If you need something different, then use DropBox instead. Not a major issue.
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Q: Can't download third party files directly from iCloud drive

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by gelllo,

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