Where Are iCloud Drive Files Cached Locally?
iCloud Drive local cache folder on Mac and the iCloudDrive folder on Windows, including Optimize Storage behavior.
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On Mac, iCloud Drive caches files under Library Mobile Documents in a folder with an encoded name. Finder presents it as iCloud Drive regardless of the odd on-disk name.
With storage optimization on, many listed files are placeholders. The local copy downloads on open, so the folder can look full while using little disk.
Where macOS stores this, by platform
~/Library/Mobile Documents/com~apple~CloudDocs
Encoded folder name (com~apple~CloudDocs) is normal. Use Go to Folder in Finder. Files may be cloud-only placeholders when Optimize Mac Storage is enabled.
%USERPROFILE%\iCloudDrive
Default for iCloud for Windows. Confirm in the iCloud app settings, since custom locations override it. Same placeholder behavior as macOS when optimization is on.
Frequently asked questions
Why does an iCloud file show but not open offline?
With Optimize Mac Storage on, files become cloud-only placeholders until opened. Right-click > Download Now pins a copy locally. The file still appears listed whether or not it is downloaded.
Where is iCloud Drive on Windows?
Check iCloud for Windows settings for the current path. Older installs used the home folder directly. Shared and synced folders follow the same root.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.