In this article, we will discuss how to sync Mac folders with the cloud using Dropbox Smart Sync and Google Drive. Content
How to Turn Off iCloud Drive on Mac
The iCloud drive on Mac allows you to automatically sync your desktop and other folders to the cloud. Since it syncs the files with your iCloud account, you can even access them from any of your Apple devices using the same Apple ID. However, as we know, the iCloud only offers up to 5GB of free storage for every user. Therefore, you might not be able to store your personal data in the cloud for free after a certain limit. Moreover, you will need to upgrade your iCloud to the paid options if you want to store their data along with the Desktop and Documents folder from your Mac. You can disable the iCloud backup of your folders on the Mac in case you do not want. Instead, there are certain tools like Dropbox and Google Drive you can use to sync Mac folders with the cloud. Here is how to turn off iCloud Drive on your Mac to save some space on your iCloud account.
The iCloud will make a copy of all the files from drive to your Mac when you disable it. Although, it is recommended to take a copy of all the files manually to avoid the risk of losing your personal data.
How to Remove Desktop from iCloud
DIsabling the iCloud Drive from our mac will completely disable the syncing and backup of your important files with the iCloud. In case you are looking to disable your desktop, downloads and document folders from syncing, and all application data and other folders to sync with iCloud, here is how. Go through the following steps to learn how to remove the desktop from the iCloud drive.
Removing your desktop and documents from the iCloud drive will remove already stored data on the iCloud Drive under Desktop and Documents folders.
What is Dropbox Smart Sync?
The Dropbox Smart Sync is the new service from the cloud storage provider to auto backup Mac/Windows folders to the cloud. Meanwhile, users can access the same data right from the Finder window using an internet connection. The Smart Sync works as a brilliant alternative to iCloud Drive. With its automatic syncing and capability to access files from the Finder window, this is just another iCloud Drive. If you do not want to use the iCloud Drive to sync your desktop and documents with the cloud anymore, the Dropbox Smart Sync would be the best choice. The Dropbox Smart Sync is exclusively for the Dropbox Plus or Professional users only. Since the free version of Dropbox with 2GB storage limit cannot backup and store all your desktop and documents data from your Mac, the Smart Sync is only for Plus users. A subscription of $10 per month will avail you 2TB of cloud storage with the Smart Sync feature enabled. You can also opt for more storage options on Dropbox if you want to smart sync much larger files from your Mac with the cloud. Also, the Dropbox Smart Sync allows you to access the synced files and folders with every device you use the same dropbox account. Also read: How to Secure Google Drive with Face ID or Touch ID on iPhone and iPad
How to Use Dropbox on Mac to Sync Folders?
You can use the Dropbox Smart Sync on your Mac or Macbook instead of the iCloud drive. You can simply get a storage space up to 2TB at just cost of $10 per month. Thus you can backup your Mac folders including desktop, documents, and downloads to the cloud. Here is how to use Dropbox on Mac to sync folders using dropbox smart sync.
Now you are all set with the Dropbox Smart Sync on your Mac. Once you enable the feature, it will automatically sync your folders including Desktop, Documents, and Downloads to your Dropbox drive. You can easily access all the files using any of your device including Android smartphones, iPhones, iPad or even any other PC from your Dropbox drive.
Use Google Drive for Mac to Sync Folders with Cloud
Google provides every user with a free 15GB of Google Drive storage space. And, the company provides affordable expandable options through Google One. The default free storage space on Google Drive is thrice as what iCloud provides for free. So, what about syncing your Mac folder with Google Drive instead of iCloud to access files from anywhere? Well, the Google Drive app for Mac allows you to sync your Mac folders with Google Drive so that you can access them from any other device. Here is the guide on how to use Google Drive for Mac to sync your Mac’s desktop, documents, and downloads folders with the cloud storage.
You can see the synced files from your Mac using any other device. All you need is to log on to Google Drive and find your Mac’s folders under the “Computers” section. After setting up the Google Backup and Sync on your Mac, your desktop, documents, and downloads folders will be synced to your Google Drive account automatically. You have 15GB of free storage on Google Drive if you have a Google or Gmail ID. Since the backed up and synced files from your Mac is stored directly on your Google Drive, it is possible to access them from any of your devices. Therefore, you can consider using Googe Drive as an alternative to the iCloud Drive for your Mac with more storage space and accessibility.
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