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I'd like to use iCloud Drive to sync my documents + desktop.

However, many times it will remove projects while I'm still working on them (even small ones, like 10MB).

Is there some sort of flag that will tell macOS to sync a folder, but never remove it until I say so?

Mind that I wouldn't like to not sync a certain folder, I'd like to keep macOS from removing it to create purgeable space.

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  • Is using iCloud Drive a requirement or can you use something like Dropbox or Google Drive? – fsb May 23 '17 at 21:27
  • iCloud allows me to save disk space, while other solutions don't. Not that it works that well, unfortunately... :-/ – nkkollaw May 25 '17 at 8:47
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As of macOS Sierra 10.12.4, it is not possible to flag individual folders to stay on your local drive at all times. This is an all-or-nothing toggle.

You may access it under → System Preferences → iCloud → iCloud Drive Options… There, uncheck Optimize Mac Storage.

This will prevent your files/folders backed by iCloud from being purged automatically from the local storage.

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  • Is there a way to do the same on iOS and iPadOS? – YOUNG Oct 23 '20 at 11:45
  • For macOS Big Sur to access Optimise Mac Storage head to  → System Preferences → Apple ID → Click on iCloud in the sidebar → uncheck Optimise Mac Storage. As soon as you do so, it will start pulling everything from the cloud. For me this is very good as I have 2 TB drive and I want my Time Machine backups to include everything I have within my Documents. – Matt Komarnicki Jan 24 at 12:10
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You can add '.nosync' to any file/folder name to prevent syncing. The element will only be saved in your local harddrive. (Works in Sierra, High Sierra, maybe other versions...not confirmed)

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  • Oh, great! I wonder why it's not documented... – nkkollaw Aug 27 '17 at 15:43
  • Found a link that mentions it: developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/General/… under A User’s iCloud Storage Is Limited – nathan Aug 27 '17 at 15:57
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    Well this also prevents the folder from being backed up to iCloud Drive altogether. The pain point from OP is addressed but a new one is created. – DavidD May 18 '18 at 9:21

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