How to Free Up Mac Storage with iCloud Desktop and Documents
Running low on Mac storage? I’ll show you how macOS’s iCloud Desktop and Documents folder sync feature can help you reclaim disk space by storing files in the cloud while keeping them accessible.
Before you enable this feature, I’ll help you understand how it works and prepare your files accordingly.
Understanding Desktop and Documents Sync
When you enable Desktop and Documents sync, macOS uploads both folders to iCloud Drive. The folders sync together. You cannot enable them separately.
This feature works best when combined with “Optimize Mac Storage,” which allows macOS to remove local copies of files when your disk runs low on space. The files remain accessible through iCloud, but only download when you open them.
Before You Enable Sync: Quick File Audit
Once sync is enabled, all files in Desktop and Documents upload to iCloud. You cannot selectively exclude files from syncing. Instead, move files you don’t want in iCloud to other locations before enabling the feature.
Consider moving these file types to a non-synced location (like Downloads, an external drive, or a network-attached storage drive):
- Large video projects or raw footage
- Virtual machine files (.vmdk, .vdi)
- Development environments and build files
- Files you need constant offline access to
- Temporary work files
If you’re working with limited storage, removing duplicate files before syncing can help you reclaim both local and cloud storage space.
How to Enable Desktop and Documents Sync
- Open System Settings
- Click your Apple Account at the top
- Select iCloud from the list
- Under Saved to iCloud, click Drive
- Toggle on Desktop & Documents Folders
Your files will begin uploading to iCloud. In macOS 26, you’ll find your Desktop and Documents folders in iCloud Drive in the Finder sidebar, under Locations.
Understanding the Two Toggles
You’ll see two related options:
- Desktop & Documents Folders: Syncs these folders to iCloud
- Optimize Mac Storage: Allows macOS to remove local copies when storage is low
Both work together to free up space, but you can enable Desktop & Documents sync without Optimize Mac Storage if you prefer to keep all files downloaded locally.
Managing Local vs. Cloud Storage
After enabling sync, you can control which files stay on your Mac:
- Cloud icon with down arrow: File is cloud-only, not downloaded locally
- Cloud icon with checkmark: File is downloaded locally from iCloud and up to date
- No icon: File is stored locally and synced
To keep specific files always downloaded:
- Right-click the file in Finder
- Select Keep Downloaded
To remove a local copy:
- Right-click the file
- Select Remove Download
You can monitor your storage usage in System Settings → Apple Account → iCloud to see how much space you’re using in the cloud, and check local Mac storage in System Settings → General → Storage.
Storage Planning for Small SSDs
If you have a Mac with limited storage, Desktop and Documents sync can help, but set realistic expectations.
For iCloud storage tiers, check your Desktop and Documents folder sizes first (right-click each folder and select Get Info). iCloud+ offers multiple storage plans to accommodate different needs. For a broader approach to reclaiming space, my Mac storage optimization guide covers additional strategies that work alongside iCloud sync.
Optimize Your Mac’s Storage
Looking for more ways to free up space? I’ve designed Zero Duplicates to help you identify and remove duplicate files that consume unnecessary storage. It’s a simple, effective way to reclaim disk space and keep your Mac organized.
