How can I stop my macbook from uploading a specific foder/file to the cloud?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How can I stop my macbook from uploading a specific foder/file to the cloud?

Hi,

My MacBook uploads all my files to iCloud, and while I have plenty of storage, the problem comes when I need to work offline. I download the footage locally, but as soon as my Mac detects internet, it re-uploads the files, making them inaccessible offline.

Even with Wi-Fi off, it keeps happening. How can I force my Mac to keep these files stored locally so I can access them quickly without waiting for downloads?

It feels like I'm fighting my own laptop and iCloud's sync feature that's meant to help.

NOTE: I don't want to cancel sync for all - just the files I chose to work on offline!

Photos attached for reference.

another example of how annoying this is, this is the 4th time i'm waiting for this 1.5gb file to download.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Sep 16, 2024 2:17 PM

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Answer 1

muguy

Level 10

82,405 points

Sep 16, 2024 10:57 PM in response to xadgar

Turn off optimization to store files locally. System settings > Apple ID > icloud

or, drag those files to a location that does not sync.

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Answer 2

Sep 17, 2024 8:56 AM in response to xadgar

xadgar wrote: ... I have plenty of storage

How much is plenty? I would keep at least 20% of the hard drive free. (Apple recommends 10%) I'm surprised that files are deleted from your local drive when you have plenty of space. It looks like the Mac thinks that your space is limited.

I have "Optimize Storage" turned off, and all the files in my iCloud Drive spring open immediately. They are all stored locally.

As muguy says, if you have "Optimize" turned on, then any file you don't want removed to provide enough hard drive space should not be in iCloud Drive.

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