iCloud taking up storage on Mac

[kart]

Hi guys,
I have just signed up to Apple's 2TB iCloud to basically use it as a back up of an external HD.
Whilst putting things on iCloud (through iCloud.com) I have noticed that my MacBook's internal HD is quickly filling up.
It looks as though the files I am putting on iCloud are also saving locally on the MacBooks internal HD, which is NOT what I want. I don't want these files on my Macs HD, I want them in the cloud, and if need be, I can download them from the cloud to the Macs HD when needed..
I have ticked and unticked "optimise Mac storage" however when trying (ticked or not ticked,) the Macs HD is still filling up.

Maybe I am misunderstanding iCloud, and its not what I am looking for? Or is there a setting somewhere to store files ONLY in the cloud, and NOT on the Macs HD?

TIA

 

[swandy]

Not sure if this is what is causing your issue, but iCloud is "technically" a syncing system, not a true storage system. It is intended to act as a backup AND so you can access all your files from anywhere on any of your connected Apple devices. So, for example, if you are keeping your documents in a folder (NOT the Documents folder, which is where iCloud does it's syncing) and then copy them to your iCloud storage, the system will also place copies in the Documents folder of your Mac. (Hope that is clear.)

 

[chscag]

@swandy is correct. iCloud is not designed to use as a backup for your external HD. The best way in my opinion to backup an external hard drive is to back it up to another external hard drive. Carbon Copy Cloner will do that for you by cloning one drive to another. It's fast and external hard drives nowadays are inexpensive.

 

[Marla13]

Out of curiosity-is Carbon Copy Cloner the same type of thing as Super Duper?

 

[Janeilfen]

@swandy is correct. iCloud is not designed to use as a backup for your external HD. The best way in my opinion to backup an external hard drive is to back it up to another external hard drive. Carbon Copy Cloner will do that for you by cloning one drive to another. It's fast and external hard drives nowadays are inexpensive.

I fully understand what you are saying about iCloud not being designed to use as a backup but the attached screenshot is from the Apple UK website. Sort of implies iCloud can be used for backups?