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Does iCloud drive use up hard drive storage space?

HI,


I want to save hard drive space and use iCloud Drive to store my documents, pictures etc. I have the iCloud drive folder set up in my finder. I have been copying and pasting data in there, but it seems whenever I do; the hard drive storage space decreases.


I thought the entire point of iCloud was to use cloud storage and not offline storage; unless you download it from the cloud to your hard drive. Why am I losing hard drive space?


Any help you can offer or suggestions would be very much appreciated

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 31, 2015 5:10 AM

Reply
180 replies

Jan 19, 2017 3:01 PM in response to Apollo Reyes1

I don't even think that there is any documentation out there about the 'Mobile Documents' folder ? ?


This is true. The exact location of the local files is not documented. A Spotlight search for a file in your iCloud Drive will not reveal the location on your HD.


At the same time, there is no documentation stating your content is "moved" to iCloud and that space is cleared on your local HD.


This is the assumption many make, leading to the confusion.


Only a certain feature on macOS Sierra does this and in a somewhat limited way.


Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support


User uploaded file

Apr 30, 2017 6:15 PM in response to Vicki Johnston

I found this thread and indeed it seems that iCloud does take up hard drive space, which wasn't made clear at all, but is 24GB reasonable?


iCloud *Drive* has a synced hidden folder on the system drive.



Your question is about the Photo Library and I am assuming, the iCloud Photo Library. That is a different iCloud service.


Where is your library stored?


Photos > preferences > general

User uploaded file


(And fyi, it is not wise to tinker with the folders within your Photos database. Look but don't touch is safest. It's in a package for a reason.)

Jan 11, 2017 6:23 PM in response to keithzworld

I'm also finding iCloud to be useless for what I need. I understand the thinking behind storing a copy locally, but what I want is basically the equivalent of a network hard drive on which I can store files without having to have a copy on my computer. I still want to access those files from other computers, but the purpose is to save space on my local computer. I don't see why Apple can't include an option to store files only on iCloud if that's what we want.

Jan 19, 2017 1:58 PM in response to LACAllen

You're right, it's all about money, which means that Apple is now all about the average consumer who knows little about computers. I understand focusing on design that makes it easier for those people. Storing files only on the iCloud would be an easy feature to offer, but I also understand that if Apple offered that option, they'd have to devote a lot of resources to Customer Support for people who had problems with that. But it's just sad.


I still think that at least those of us who pay a premium should have that option, even if it's off by default and activating it pops up messages such as:


Are you sure you want to activate this feature?
You will not have access to these files unless you have an internet connection.
You may incur data charges if you are using a mobile data connection.

Access to your files may be slow if you do not have a fast internet connection.

Jan 19, 2017 2:01 PM in response to Apollo Reyes1

That's what I'm doing too. It's become clear that iCloud is a service for mainstream users who don't know much about computers, not for more savvy users. It's just an annoyance for those of us who use our computers for productivity and have files that take up a lot of space. I'm weary of the "your drive is almost full" message, of not being able to open Photoshop or other large files because there's not enough room left on my drive, and of going to another connected computer and having to deal with CPU usage as it copies files from the iCloud to the drive on THAT computer, filling it up too. I don't feel like paying for that sort of thing.

Jan 19, 2017 2:12 PM in response to dbrucestevens

dbrucestevens wrote:


You're right, it's all about money....

If it's all about money for you then you are buying into the wrong ecosystem.


iCloud drive space costs peanuts, if your time isn't precious enough not to simply have all your documents everywhere all the time and not have to waste it figuring out which document you want where all the time, you might want to look at a cheaper solution for both hardware and software.

Jan 19, 2017 2:16 PM in response to dbrucestevens

I'm not sure how iCloud's lack of features you want relates to one's ability to understand computers.


iCloud simply does not have the features you want. I do not see how that is about money.


If you read any of the verbiage about iCloud on Apple's site, they tout it's convenience. It's "set it and forget it" simplicity. Immediacy vs. long term archival storage.


These threads have the tone of round peg, square hole. If it hurts when you do that, don't do that.


I agree 100% that any level of power user typically wants more. It's akin to the iOS vs. Android discussion.


If you want or need "more", go get it.


Stop grousing, in a technical Q&A community, about your displeasure, hatred and frustration with a product that does not suit your needs. Stop debating policy and procedure with those who have no ability to control said policy and procedure.

Jan 19, 2017 3:01 PM in response to Apollo Reyes1

Apollo Reyes1 wrote:


I have the same experience . . . getting that 'drive almost full' bs and not being able to use my Photoshop and other apps because of lack of memory and storage space from my boot drive !!

I strongly believe that Apple should address this issue. A warning at least that when subscribing to icloud could lead to this issue !!

Buy some more space if you need it.


Or is your data not worth it to you?, in which case move it to something else (cheaper if cheap is what you need)

Does iCloud drive use up hard drive storage space?

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