How to see which files are only in iCloud on a Mac
Updated 2026-10-15
With Optimize Mac Storage on, macOS can keep some iCloud Drive files only in the cloud. They show a cloud icon in Finder and download when you open them.
Spot cloud-only files
In Finder, open iCloud Drive. A cloud icon next to a file means it is not stored on your Mac. Right-click and choose Download Now to keep a local copy, or Remove Download to free the space again.
Control Optimize Mac Storage
In System Settings, choose your Apple ID, then iCloud, then Drive, and look for the Optimize Mac Storage option.
Why it matters when you clean up
A cloud-only file takes almost no space on your Mac, so deleting it frees nothing locally. Tools that read every file can also force large downloads without you noticing.
How FileSift treats them
FileSift marks files that live only in iCloud and does not download them in the background. They are never hashed or removed as duplicates.
Common questions
Does Remove Download delete the file from iCloud?
No. It only clears the local copy. The file stays in iCloud.
Why does opening a folder start downloads?
Previews and some apps request the file, which makes macOS download it. A tool that skips cloud-only files avoids this.