Argg Moving Folder/Files from iCloud Failure

[richardcovert]

Must be something simple...

I want to reduce the number of files on iCloud drive. I have my desktop stored on iCloud.

I move a 15 gig music folder from the desktop to downloads.

Am warned by OS this folder will not be available on iCloud.

Make the move.

"The folder is no longer shown on my Mac or iPad to be on the desktop

There is no reduction in the size of what I have stored in iCloud.

Guidance Requested. I want to reduce my iCloud storage but not delete the files. Thanks

[Stephen Hart]

If you select iCloud Drive in your Finder window Favorites section, you can manipulate files on iCloud. Just drag to your desktop or another folder. See screenshot, but ignore the arrow's destination on the desktop.

This works for me.

[Later]
I just noticed that you say you have your desktop on iCloud. I don't use that feature. This Apple page discusses keeping your desktop and documents folder on iCloud. You may therefore be moving items not to your Mac, but to a different folder on iCloud.

The purpose of this option, as I understand it, is to substitute iCloud storage (which you have to pay for, above a certain amount) for storage on your MacBook.

[Ray Bentsen]

Richard,

I performed the same sequence of steps as you indicated, but mine outcome was as might be expected.

On my iMac, I first added Desktop and Documents to my iCloud Drive (first screenshot), and then used Command-I to get size info for iCloud Drive. (second screenshot)

Then, I dragged one 2 Mb photo from Desktop to my Downloads folder, and checked iCloud Drive size info again (third screenshot), and it did show a reduction of a little over 2 Mb.

Your steps should have worked ... as long as you waited long enough for the change to happen.

BTW, I turned on iCloud Drive "Desktop and Documents" on my MacBook after doing it on my iMac, and immediately both Desktops had the same icons. Now any change to one Desktop is immediately reflected on the other. Very cool. I hadn't thought of doing that before.

[Stephen Hart]

Any chance you put Downloads in iCloud?
Here are two published ways to get around the fact that macOS protects the Downloads folder:

https://apple.stackexchange.com/questio ... sierra-doe

https://www.guidingtech.com/60295/autom ... ds-icloud/

And I guess one other thing to ask: is this the designated Downloads folder you're talking about?

[richardcovert]

Thanks... I'll look once again. The screenshots are usefull. The time spent by both of you is appreciated.

Since I've been known to miss the big red button in the middle of the screen....

Side point I'm enjoying my 10.5" iPad. Though I'm not abandoning my older 27" iMac I could go with the iPad as my primary device. (With a Logitech 811 keyboard)

Mostly I write. notestaken.net is my blog.

[Stephen Hart]

Coincidentally, I've been trying to get the photo ID in Merlin to download. It keeps failing. Maybe I need to try somewhere where I have high-speed WiFi.

Not a blog, but all about local (ish) natural history: http://onh.eugraph.com

Also, our iPad Pro (the original one) has completely replaced our MacBook as the "downstairs" computer. But I still habitually do some things on my iMac, do some things on my iMac because it's easier, and do some things on my iMac because that's where the necessary apps are.