iCloud & iCloud Photos · iCloud and external drives
Should I keep my files in iCloud or on an external drive?
Short answer: Use both: iCloud for files you need on every device, an external drive for large files that only need to be on this Mac. Storage Studio keeps iCloud files online-only and moves big local folders to the drive.
Use both, for different things. iCloud is best for files you want on every device and reachable anywhere; an external drive is best for big files that only need to be on this Mac, such as video projects, archives and large apps.
- iCloud — syncs everywhere; needs a connection for online-only files; uses your iCloud plan.
- External drive — fast, works offline, no subscription for the space; it's only there when it's plugged in.
Storage Studio helps with each: it keeps iCloud files online-only so they don't fill your Mac, and moves big non-synced folders and apps to your external drive with a shortcut left behind so they still open where they were. Whatever you choose, keep a separate backup too. See moving folders.