Optimize Mac Storage and iCloud Drive: free space without deleting files

If your files are also in iCloud, the Mac can keep only a placeholder locally and download the full version when you open it. That frees space without losing anything.

Turn it on

Open System Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Drive and enable Optimize Mac Storage. Older files are then offloaded automatically as space runs low; they count as purgeable until then.

Offload a specific folder

In Finder, Control-click a file or folder in iCloud Drive and choose Remove Download. The item stays in iCloud and shows a cloud icon on your Mac.

Things to check first

• You have enough iCloud storage; if the iCloud quota is full, files can’t sync.
• Sync has finished before you remove a download.
• You won’t need the files offline soon, for example while travelling.

Offloaded files don’t reduce iCloud usage, only local usage. For the rest of what fills a Mac, see this guide.

Disclosure: this guide is published by the developer of McCleaner. Scanning is free; cleaning is paid, from €1.99. Back up important data before deleting anything. Commands are provided as is.