Unexpected iCloud storage problem

We are currently traveling in Europe, and I would like to share an iCloud storage experience that caught me by surprise.

I really like using iCloud storage—it allows me to have all my files synchronized across my computers and even have them available on my iPhone and iPad using the “Files” application. Besides this convenience, it also serves as another source of data recovery in addition to the hard drive(s) I use for Time Machine and cloning software.

According to Apple’s instruction manual I understood that files would be stored on the cloud only if the Mac were running low on space.

My 14” MB Pro has ample storage space left, and so I assumed that all the original files would be stored on the internal solid state drive.

While on the high speed train from Amsterdam to Hamburg I wanted to work on a series of images for a client. Much to my surprise, the large Master file that I needed for the template was not stored on my Mac. Unfortunately, because the WiFi onboard was slow it took a long time to download the file I needed. Clearly Apple had been off-loading larger files I don’t frequently use to the cloud despite there being ample space available on my local drive.

This iCloud space-saving feature is great for those with insufficient storage space.

Otherwise, I suggest you uncheck the box for "Optimize Mac Storage." You can find this setting in System Preferences > Apple ID.

There might be a lot of data that needs to be downloaded so you might want to leave you Macbook open and connected to power overnight so it has time to catch up.