Finder Sidebar doesn't show Downloads folder and can't attach downloaded file in Apple Mail

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Finder Sidebar doesn't show Downloads folder and can't attach downloaded file in Apple Mail

I have a 2021 MacBook Pro running sequoia. For some reason, the finder sidebar is synced to iCloud, which doesn't show my downloads folder. It also doesn't allow easy access to (from the side bar) items on my local hard drive.

If I download a document I want to email, open mail and try to attach the document in my downloads folder, that isn't a choice. It is time consuming to open the downloads folder, move the document to the documents folder, create a new folder for it, them place it there, then attach it. It makes no sense.

Am I missing something? Is there no way to be in sync with iCloud and have my downloads folder in my sidebar so I can attach a downloaded document in mail?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Apr 4, 2025 10:42 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 4, 2025 11:44 AM in response to eddymike

Downloads isn't one of the folders that syncs with iCloud Drive. Folders that sync are the iCloud Drive folder (and subfolders) and if you turn on the Desktop and Documents option then those folders and subfolders also sync. See: Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support

You should be able to add Downloads (and other folders including iCloud Drive, Desktop, and Documents) to the Finder sidebar by go to Finder menu > Settings > Sidebar (at the top of the Settings window) and selecting the folders that you want displayed in the Finder sidebar.

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Finder Sidebar doesn't show Downloads folder and can't attach downloaded file in Apple Mail