If you have stored tons of files in iCloud, you can release lots of purgeable space. But when there's enough space, you may want to get back some files to Mac. Then you may have a question: How do I move files from iCloud to my Mac? With Apple’s cloud services, you steer clear of a Thunderbolt cable and Ethernet cord to extract files from other devices.
Using iCloud Drive via the Files app on iOS makes it a breeze. Any Mac you sign in to with the same iCloud account will automatically sync the contents mothballed to the Files app on your iPhone. The flight path for transferring files from iCloud Drive varies insignificantly between iOS and Mac, but it entails highlighting a file, selecting Share and then specifying a recipient.
We will throw more light on iCloud file sharing and the principles behind it.
Part 1. How to Move Files from iCloud & iCloud Drive to Mac
iCloud Drive VS. iCloud
iCloud Drive branched off from iCloud like backups, the Find My app, and Photos. It stores all your documents as a compartment of iCloud designated for certain files. It holds Word documents, PDFs, screenshots, and other pieces of data not synced to iCloud.
iCloud refers to Apple’s cloud service. The Apple lineup allows you to store all genres of data to iCloud, which also syncs that information to your other devices. iCloud backs up protect and lets you retrieve it online.
Toggle on iCloud Drive for a Mac
You have to keep iCloud Drive turned on to access your iCloud contents online.
- Click > System Preferences> iCloud.
- Tick the box near iCloud Drive.
- Select the iCloud Drive Options by clicking the buttons.
- Toggle on Desktop & Documents Folders to sync those directories in iCloud Drive.
- Toggle on Optimize Storage to carve out more storage space on your Mac.
Download or Open Document
When you launch iCloud Drive, you spot Download icons near every item. Tap on the button to download it. Your Mac has it at-the-ready offline and immediately. Where a download icon does not exist, that document was downloaded earlier and domiciles in your device storage.
Tip: Avoid Forking out Cash for iCloud Storage with PowerMyMac
Apple’s iCloud free package offers only 5 GB of storage space and you’ve to dig deeper into your pocket to get more storage space. iMyMac PowerMyMac wipes away junk contents, temporary files, unnecessary photos, videos, and all clutter. Junk files or folders choke your iCloud storage and you end up paying for cloud services.
PowerMyMac acts as a barrier to prevent junk from offloading into iCloud. It maintains a clean and high dynamic performance machine by tidying up once in a while. It’s coded with a rich toolkit to neaten up, optimize and boost your Mac’s speed for a clean bill of health over the long haul.
Part 2. iCloud Drive’s Locally Stored Files & How to Access Files
iCloud Drive Automatically Stores Some Files Locally
Locally stored items launch faster and remain available offline. Your Mac might automatically download items you recently accessed on another device in a bid to keep them at your fingertips. It may also save iCloud Drive files to take up unclaimed storage on your devices. It means those documents become instantly accessible online or offline.
Either way, documents will remain in your local drive pending their upload to iCloud. This eats up chunks of time for sizable files or sluggish internet connection.
How to Access Files on iCloud Drive Online
If you turn on iCloud Drive, you should access your files via iOS or Mac. Go to the Files app, Finder, visit the iCloud website or File Explorer from any internet browser. Keep iCloud Drive toggled on as discussed above to retrieve your files.
- Go iCloud.com from a secure browser.
- Log in with your Apple ID data.
- Hit the iCloud Drive button.
- Remember to sign out if you use public computers.
Access iCloud Drive via Finder
- Launch a new Finder window.
- From the sidebar below iCloud, click on iCloud Drive.
- If you can’t spot the iCloud Drive option:
- In the menu bar, click Finder > Preferences.
- Hit the Sidebar tab.
- Check the field for iCloud Drive.
- Confirm iCloud Drive is turned on from the Finder Sidebar options.
