automatic download to iCloud drive folder

[ragnu]

I have a simple question, but one I've been getting conflicting signals on.

Let's say I upgrade to Sierra, I do not enable Documents and Desktop in the Cloud, and I do not enable Optimize Storage, but that iCloud Drive stays enabled (as it is now with El Capitan). Now, let's say I use another computer to drag a file into my iCloud Drive, or use the web interface to upload a file to iCloud Drive. Will that file be automatically downloaded to my iCloud Drive folder on the first computer, or will I have to request its download?

I could very easily test this myself, but I don't feel like upgrading if I end up having to downgrade back to Le Capitan. Automatic downloading, Dropbox-style, is essential to me.

Thanks

 

[Floris]

Exact same question I have, subbed to thread. Thanks for asking!

 

[sniffs]

I have an iMac 2013, a rMbp 2015 and a MBA 2010, all using iCloud drive, syncing documents and desktop.

I have a 2012 MBP that is not syncing documents and desktop. What I've noticed is that when I open "Macintosh HD", on the left pane I see "iCloud Drive" and inside are ALL the synced files/folders from the 3 Mac's above. So even though I'm not specifically syncing my 2012 MBP, I can access all the documents going this way from the 3 machines that are syncing.

So my theory is that even if I don't turn it on to sync a computer, I can still access the synced files/folders from the others and even drag/drop stuff in there to sync to the other 3. I clicked inside "iCloud Drive" and then clicked inside "Desktop" and dragged a file in there.. I watched as it appeared nearly instantly on my 3 other Mac's. That what you're talking about?

 

[ragnu]

I have an iMac 2013, a rMbp 2015 and a MBA 2010, all using iCloud drive, syncing documents and desktop.

I have a 2012 MBP that is not syncing documents and desktop. What I've noticed is that when I open "Macintosh HD", on the left pane I see "iCloud Drive" and inside are ALL the synced files/folders from the 3 Mac's above. So even though I'm not specifically syncing my 2012 MBP, I can access all the documents going this way from the 3 machines that are syncing.

So my theory is that even if I don't turn it on to sync a computer, I can still access the synced files/folders from the others and even drag/drop stuff in there to sync to the other 3. I clicked inside "iCloud Drive" and then clicked inside "Desktop" and dragged a file in there.. I watched as it appeared nearly instantly on my 3 other Mac's. That what you're talking about?

You're running Sierra on your 2012 MBP? If so, if you have a minute, the following test would put my mind to rest:
Create a document on one of your other 3 computers. Save it to the desktop. Now, find that document on your 2012 MBP but don't open it. Take your 2012 MBP offline and then try to open the document. If you can, that means it's been automatically downloaded.

Thanks!!

 

[sniffs]

I'll try it when I get home and report back.

 

[sniffs]

So I created a PDF on my iCloud Desktop. I watched as all 3 Mac's had the PDF immediately appear on their Desktop. Since my 2012 MBP isn't syncing it's Desktop, it didn't appear, but what I did was navigate to that folder, iCloud Drive - Desktop and watched the PDF appear there.

I turned off WIFI on my 2012 MBP and then proceeded to double click the PDF.. guess what? It opened lol.. so it's definitely syncing those folders in realtime just like the other 3 Mac's that are configured to. I honestly hope it stays this way and not some sort of bug Apple has to fix.

 

[ragnu]

So I created a PDF on my iCloud Desktop. I watched as all 3 Mac's had the PDF immediately appear on their Desktop. Since my 2012 MBP isn't syncing it's Desktop, it didn't appear, but what I did was navigate to that folder, iCloud Drive - Desktop and watched the PDF appear there.

I turned off WIFI on my 2012 MBP and then proceeded to double click the PDF.. guess what? It opened lol.. so it's definitely syncing those folders in realtime just like the other 3 Mac's that are configured to. I honestly hope it stays this way and not some sort of bug Apple has to fix.

Thanks so much!! Exactly what I wanted to know. I was worried because I head read this:

http://arstechnica.com/apple/2016/09/macos-10-12-sierra-the-ars-technica-review/4/#h1

as well as something on an Apple web page that said more or less the same thing. Let's hope it stays that way.