iCloud Drive lets you have the honest of both globe : deep storage that allow a form of backup and syncs across all your devices . If you enable optimized memory in macOS inSystem preferences > Account Name > iCloud > iCloud Drive , your Mac automatically removes filing cabinet in inverse order of the absolute frequency you use them if it needs to pull in out space to stave off your inauguration volume from becoming too full . It leave a procurator data file in the same location that you may access as if it were downloaded , and iCloud Drive automagically retrieves it when you test to preview or redact it .
Before macOS Sequoia , if a file was n’t topically downloaded , you could navigate to it in the Finder via iCloud Drive and Control - click / right - click to selectDownload Nowfrom the contextual menu . This right away retrieve the data file or a bent of files . This can be helpful when an app does n’t interact correctly with an iCloud Drive stored file or you want to re-create or move the files to other computer storage .
Keep download makes indisputable the file is always usable on your Mac .
Keep Downloaded makes sure the file is always available on your Mac.
Foundry
Starting in Sequoia , however , Apple added an option already available in other single file - sync utilities , like Dropbox . A new option in the contextual bill of fare translate Keep download . This process ofpinningensures the file cabinet wo n’t be purged even when space incline low – other single file will be removed if need be . ( And , remember , those “ purged ” files remain stored in your iCloud storage at Apple ’s memory board . )
This is peculiarly handy if you have a down in the mouth - bandwidth Internet connection or are planning to journey and take to be sure the files you want are on the Mac you ’re bringing without relying on an Internet connection .
Keep Downloaded makes sure the file is always available on your Mac.
Keep Downloaded provides a middle solid ground between minimizing the use of your inauguration volume with unnecessary files and constantly combat with a about full drive .
Ask Mac 911
We ’ve compile a list of the question we get ask most frequently , along with answers and links to columns : read our super FAQto see if your interrogation is covered . If not , we ’re always count for newfangled problems to resolve ! Email yours tomac911@macworld.com , including concealment gaining control as appropriate and whether you want your full name used . Not every interrogative will be answered ; we do n’t reply to emails , and we can not provide lineal troubleshooting advice .