How do I delete files from iCloud but NOT from my Macbook?

Alright, here is the easiest fix I could find:

BafflingSteveo is correct. If you add a .nosync to the end of any folders/files you don't want synced, then it removes them from iCloud.

So, I have a folder on my desktop with a bunch of pictures in it that I do not need backed up (or other documents/files/whatever). I changed the folder name from 'pics' to 'pics.nosync'

Not only does this protect it from future uploads to iCloud, but it also immediately removes it from the cloud while keeping it on the computer. With this removed, I now have a lot more space available in iCloud and am not constantly inundated with messages about low storage.

You don't need to add .nosync to every file (although you can). You only need to add it to the folder which houses the files you want off iCloud but still on your computer. So, for another example, if you have a dozen large files, you can create a folder called iCloudSucks.nosync and move those files to this new folder.

It is actually a pretty easy fix, although it is still dumb that you can't just tell iCloud to stop syncing without losing your data.

Hope this helped.

*side note: I was on the phone for 40 minutes with very nice people at apple who were unable to help me. If I understood it correctly, their fix was to uncheck the box to sync iCloud. They assured me that, although my files would disappear from my computer, the files would be safely stored in the cloud. I think the plan was pretty much the same thing as moving everything to an external storage device, un-syncing and then moving everything back, except they would have had me use iCloud in place of the external storage device.

Did you try this - Copy the files from iCloud Drive to a folder other than Documents and the Desktop. Then turn off syncing.

I was able to back up my files to my external hard-drive, then delete them from my computer (temporarily), turn off iCloud sync for Documents and Desktop, and then copy the files back to from the external hard drive. I think that is the ONLY way to prevent iCloud from storing your documents files.

I'm not sure if you have resolved this issue yet, but I just simply add a .nosync to the end of any folders/files I don't want synced. It then removes them from iCloud.

Go to System Preferences/iCloud/iCloud Drive/Options and turn off Documents and Desktop syncing. Check your Documents and Desktop to make sure all your files are there. If you have all your files, you can delete them from iCloud. If you are missing some, go to Finder, access iCloud Drive in the Sidebar, and copy the missing files to your computer. You can then delete from iCloud.

Copy the files from iCloud Drive to a folder other than Documents and the Desktop. Then turn off syncing.

So in order to stop iCloud synching I have to erase the desktop on my computer first? That isn't very costumer friendly to erase your computer in order to stop something. There must be an easier and less scary way to stop synching.

In any case, the other issue is every time I update my calendar it gets erased when I try to open a calendar archive. I save the archive from another computer, transfer to my MacBook Pro, and then open it. It gives me 2 choices one is restore and one is cancel. If I cancel it opens with no added info (like what to do on a certain date), if I select restore, I end up with no added info??

Any suggestions are appreciated. I usually don't get frustrated with Apple but this iCloud issue really bothers me. It appears to me to be a purposeful road block to making what should be a simple change for leaving iCloud into an obstacle so you will stay with iCloud. I tried it, it doesn't work for me. There should be an easier way to stop the service.

Peace, Huey

Hey, currently dealing with the same problem... did you find a solution without losing your files? Super frustrated college student trying to work on homework.

Sweet! Seems like a tid bit Apple would rather we didn't know. Would rather we just keep toosing more $ at iCloud upgrades. Thanks a ton!

That will work but why should a user risk their files? I didn't ask for iCloud to sync and store my desktop and I shouldn't have to find a workaround in order to store things on my desktop without Apple copying them without my permission. Not impressed.

Wow! This is like a painful thread to read. You are very out of touch with this issue. I don't think you understand the discussion AT ALL! Huey wants to keep his files on HIS computer! That's ummm, pretty normal. I think we all like the idea of having access to files stored locally right on our very own computer. The whole iCloud thing is completely backward from the logical way it should run. And Huey if you are reading this I think the obvious reason is $$$$ Apple wants you (us) to take the easy path to solve your (our) frustrations and have you (us) toss more money at them. They don't want to give you any easy way of clearing space in your iCloud storage. They want you to upgrade. That's why the #$%^&s hold our local data hostage. The whole iCloud thing is completly unethical. My next computer will probably be a Pppp. No. No it won't. But I can't wait to figure out a way to escape this iCloud prison!

If you turn off Documents and Desktop syncing it says it will delete all files on your desktop and leave them on iCloud. Completely backwards. Driving me crazy

Thank you, that is what I ended up doing, but FIRST, I had to back up all my documents and data files to an outside source, like a My Passport hard drive or Carbonite, then delete them from my computer. I'm not going to lie ... that made me VERY nervous. Then, I changed the settings in my iCloud Preferences so those items do not back up to iCloud, as you suggested. Then, I copied ALL my Documents, etc., back onto my computer. Took a few days but it's all good now.

Well when I uncheck in iCloud desktop I get this

Yes I did. It says to me erase files on your hard drive and then recopy from iCloud. Wouldn't it make more sense to be the other way around. Keep files on your computer and erase the iCloud. I know it doesn't say that but it seems to be backwards from a customer's point of view if the goal is to cancel using iCloud.

This will solve the iCalendar issue as well?

Peace, Huey