If you pay for iCloud storage, your Mac can keep full copies of files and photos in iCloud and only keep what you use regularly on its internal disk. This can free a lot of space, especially on Macs with smaller drives.
How it works
When storage optimisation is on, macOS keeps recent and frequently used files on your Mac. Older files you have not opened in a while are kept only in iCloud and shown with a cloud icon. When you open one, it downloads automatically.
For photos, your Mac keeps smaller, space-saving versions in the library and downloads the full-resolution original when you need it.
Before you start
- Check your iCloud storage. Choose Apple menu > System Settings > [your name] > iCloud to see how much is used and available. Everything you store has to fit.
- Think about offline use. Files stored only in iCloud cannot be opened without an internet connection. If you travel or work offline, download what you need first.
- iCloud is sync, not backup. Deleting a file in iCloud Drive or iCloud Photos deletes it on all your devices. Keep a separate backup, such as Time Machine.
Turn on Store in iCloud
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage.
- Next to Store in iCloud, click the button.
- Choose what to store:
- Desktop and Documents Folders moves these folders into iCloud Drive.
- Photos turns on iCloud Photos with Optimize Mac Storage.
- Messages stores messages and attachments in iCloud.
Optimize Mac Storage for iCloud Drive
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click your name.
- Click iCloud, then iCloud Drive (or Drive).
- Turn on Optimize Mac Storage.
To keep a specific file or folder downloaded at all times, right-click it in Finder and choose Keep Downloaded. To free space for a file now, right-click it and choose Remove Download.
Optimize Mac Storage for Photos
- Open Photos and choose Photos > Settings.
- Click iCloud.
- Choose Optimize Mac Storage.
Your Mac replaces full-resolution originals with smaller versions over time as space is needed. If you choose Download Originals to this Mac instead, every original stays on your Mac.
Other storage recommendations
The same Storage screen offers two more options:
- Optimize Storage removes Apple TV movies and shows you have already watched.
- Empty Trash Automatically permanently deletes items that have been in the Trash for more than 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Does Optimize Mac Storage delete my files?
No. Full copies are kept in iCloud, and your Mac keeps a placeholder. The file downloads when you open it, as long as you are online.
What happens if I turn off iCloud Drive with optimised files?
macOS offers to keep a copy of files on your Mac before turning it off. Make sure you have enough free space to download everything you want to keep locally.
Is iCloud a backup?
No. iCloud syncs your files, so deleting something on one device deletes it everywhere. Use Time Machine or another backup as well.
Want this done for you?
spacerecover scans your Mac for caches, old installers, app leftovers, large files and developer build-up, explains each one in plain words, and clears what you approve in one step. Items go to the Trash first, so you can undo.