---
id: icloud.optimize-mac-storage-vs-storage-studio-optimize-cloud-storage
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/optimize-mac-storage-vs-storage-studio-optimize-cloud-storage
category: "iCloud & iCloud Photos"
subcategory: "Online-only files and Optimize Mac Storage"
question: "What's the difference between macOS Optimize Mac Storage and Storage Studio freeing cloud files?"
alt_questions:
  - "Optimize Mac Storage vs Optimize Cloud Storage"
  - "Do I need both iCloud optimize settings?"
  - "Is Storage Studio's cloud option the same as Apple's?"
  - "Why use Storage Studio if macOS already optimizes iCloud?"
  - "Apple optimize storage vs storage studio"
short_answer: "Both make iCloud files online-only. macOS's Optimize Mac Storage frees older files automatically when space runs low; Storage Studio frees large downloaded cloud files when you ask, with Run Tuhi, and reports what it saved."
tags: ["optimize mac storage", "optimize cloud storage", "comparison"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/what-is-optimize-mac-storage-in-icloud-drive", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/how-do-i-make-icloud-drive-files-online-only-with-storage-studio"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What's the difference between macOS Optimize Mac Storage and Storage Studio freeing cloud files?

Both make iCloud files online-only; the difference is who decides and when. **Optimize Mac Storage** is a macOS setting that frees older iCloud files on its own schedule, usually when space is already low. Storage Studio frees space when you ask — **Run Tuhi** frees large downloaded cloud files right away and tells you how much it saved.

- macOS's setting: automatic and gradual; you don't see what it freed.
- Storage Studio: on demand, with a report, and it covers your other cloud folders too.

They work well together. Keep Optimize Mac Storage on for everyday balance, and use Storage Studio when you need space back now — before a big download or a macOS update, for example.