iCloud and file management?

[albireo13]

I'm using a Mac, and have noticed iCloud syncing behavior with files and am trying to understand it better.
I also have Dropbox and have been a 1TB DB user for years.
One thing about iCloud drive I'm trying to wrap my head around is where the files actually exist. Are copies kept on the local HD?
I have heard that with iCloud drive the files are actually kept in the cloud and downloaded as needed.

What happens if I want to turn off iCloud drive?
I'd rather not be paying for both iCloud drive and Dropbox ... would like to stick with just one cloud service.

What I prefer to do is use cloud service for file sharing, and keeping copies of files ... for photo backups and things like that. I like to maintain all file copies on my Mac HD itself additionally ... in case internet access is down or unavailable for whatever reason.

Is there a way I can configure/use iCloud in that manner?
How do other folks use iCloud?

 

[techwarrior]

One thing about iCloud drive I'm trying to wrap my head around is where the files actually exist. Are copies kept on the local HD?
I have heard that with iCloud drive the files are actually kept in the cloud and downloaded as needed.

What happens if I want to turn off iCloud drive?

iCloud Drive when enabled on Mac moves files from /Users/yourusername (~/) to a hidden directory buried deep within your user profile, ~/Library/Mobile Documents/com.apple.CloudDocs/ (~/ designates your Home Directory, ie /Users/yourname/). It moves the Documents and Desktop folders here to prevent you from adding\removing files outside of Finder to ensure sync is not broken I suspect. You will find a new iCloud category in the Finder sidebar with these folders (assuming you elect to include Documents & Desktop in the System Preferences when enabling iCloud Drive).

If you select the option to Optimize Mac storage, files will be kept in the cloud if you lack space on the Mac, else they will be stored on the Mac and cloud. Photos are handled separately if enabled on the Photos app on Mac and iOS, but same idea. Photos put into /Documents/[folders] are generally outside of the Photos app on Mac and iOS, treated like any other file. You can created any number of folders under /Documents.

If you turn off iCloud Drive, an archive of everything will be created in a new directory, ~/iCloud Drive (Archive). It will also keep everything in the cloud on the assumption you are still using iCloud Drive on other devices. The Documents and Desktop directories will be moved back to the root of your Home directory.

iCloud Drive is not as useful as DropBox for sharing. You can share individual files, but not folders. So, if you collaborate with others on multiple docs, Drop Box may be a better solution. However, where iCloud Drive excels is with live updates when you and others are both editing an iWork file at the same time, not sure if this is true with files stored in Dropbox, etc...

Maybe the folder sharing will change in upcoming MacOS versions?