To use iCloud Drive on your Mac, first enable it via System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → toggle on iCloud Drive. 2. Access iCloud Drive through Finder under Locations, where you can drag and drop files, create folders, and edit documents that automatically sync across devices. 3. Optionally, enable Desktop & Documents Folder syncing in iCloud Drive settings to keep those folders backed up in the cloud. 4. Manage storage by using Optimize Mac Storage, removing downloads, or deleting files via iCloud.com. 5. Share files or folders by right-clicking and selecting Share with adjustable permissions. Once set up, iCloud Drive syncs files automatically across all Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
Using iCloud Drive on your Mac is a simple way to keep your files synced across all your Apple devices. Here’s how to set it up and make the most of it.

Enable iCloud Drive on Mac
First, make sure iCloud Drive is turned on:
- Click the Apple menu (?) in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
- Click your Apple ID (your name at the top) → iCloud.
- Toggle on iCloud Drive.
Once enabled, your files in iCloud Drive will automatically sync to your Mac and be accessible from your iPhone, iPad, or any device signed in with the same Apple ID.

Access and Use iCloud Drive
You can access iCloud Drive just like any folder on your Mac:
- Open Finder.
- In the sidebar, click iCloud Drive under "Locations."
- You’ll see all your iCloud files and folders here.
You can:

- Drag and drop files into iCloud Drive to upload them.
- Create new folders to organize your documents.
- Double-click a file to open it—changes save automatically to the cloud.
Tip: Right-click a file or folder in iCloud Drive and choose Remove Download to free up space. The file stays in the cloud and can be re-downloaded anytime.
Set Up Desktop & Documents Sync (Optional but Useful)
macOS lets you store your Desktop and Documents folders in iCloud, so they’re backed up and available everywhere:
- Go to System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Drive → Options.
- Turn on Desktop & Documents Folders.
- Click Done.
Now, everything on your desktop or in Documents syncs to iCloud. This is great for laptops you use in multiple places.
?? Note: If you have a lot of files, this may use a lot of iCloud storage. Check your available space in Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Storage.
Manage Storage and Settings
If you’re running low on space:
- Visit iCloud.com to delete old files.
- Use Optimize Mac Storage (in iCloud Drive settings) to keep only frequently used files on your Mac and store the rest in the cloud.
You can also:
- Share files or folders with others by right-clicking → Share → Add People.
- Set permissions (view only or allow editing).
Basically, iCloud Drive works quietly in the background once set up—just save files there, and they’ll be ready on your other devices. No extra steps needed.
The above is the detailed content of How to use iCloud Drive on Mac. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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