iCloud If I don’t sync Documents folders to save space on internal SSD, how to access files?

[Luba]

What’s the best way to access iCloud Drive files in Documents folder? I don’t want to sync Documents folder because it’ll take too much storage space on my internal SSD. I’d have to use the iCloud.com website to download and work on, modify file, and then re-upload it to iCloud.com?

Any way to sync only part of Documents folder?

Can Documents folder be moved off of the SSD where macOS is located and onto an external SSD?

 

[glenthompson]

If you set the Mac to optimize storage it will only keep files locally that you’re currently using. When it needs space it will delete the local copy of the older files.

 

[ian87w]

What’s the best way to access iCloud Drive files in Documents folder? I don’t want to sync Documents folder because it’ll take too much storage space on my internal SSD. I’d have to use the iCloud.com website to download and work on, modify file, and then re-upload it to iCloud.com?

Any way to sync only part of Documents folder?

Can Documents folder be moved off of the SSD where macOS is located and onto an external SSD?

Just set iCloud to optimize storage. Your mac will just automatically download whatever document you are opening in the documents folder as needed. As far as I know, iCloud cannot sync from external drives/custom folders.

 

[Luba]

How smart is optimize storage? I have the 2 TB of iCloud storage plan. I’m thinking of getting an inexpensive small MacBook Air with just 256 GB SSD storage just to use Office apps. An Apple Specialist said I could shut off Documents so then it wouldn’t sync at all. I could then, with internet connection, work on, modify a specific file, update it. Sort of having Dropbox. Better to shut off Documents sync or don’t worry and trust optimize storage to do its thing?