I cannot sync document folder between a MacBook Pro and an iMac through iCloud. What I may have done wrong?
It’s not really anything to do with the topic, but the most likely reason is that we’re talking about two different document folders; one on each machine. The correct approach (if you wanna do this through iCloud) is to have one document folder: the one on iCloud. You then make aliases of that folder on your two machines. If it helps, you can rename the aliases to “iCloud document folder“ or something like that so that it is distinguishable from the mandatory Documents folder that you have in your user folder on both machines. Just put all the documents you want to be synced into the “iCloud documents folder“ on either machine, and it will always be in sync.
Another way to do this without using any cloud service is through programs such as Sync Two Folders (limited but free) and ChronoSync (powerful and an excellent value, but not free).
Thanks. However, I have files and folders just under the iCloud Drive folder. They cannot be seen from the other Mac.
With a bit of "trial and error" I found that when sharing a document from mac OS 0ne annoying step of your very good "how too.." can be skipped.
You're saying: "You have to put an email address or a phone number in here. You have to."
I found a way not to have to insert an email address or phone number.
When you select a file, hit "Share", "Add People" you get this little window "Add People" with the app icons for sharing the link and the sharing options. Mail is selected by default as the app to share the link/file. If you click on "Copy Link" an input field for a phone number or email address will appear and the button for "share" at the lower right is still greyed out. This is exactly how you described it in your "how to..."
But then you do not have to put an email address or phone number.
Skip inserting the email address or phone number. Instead open the sharing options by clicking on its little triangle and select "Anyone with this link". The button "Share" at the lower right turns blue and you can share the file. The link was copied to the clipboard.
I cannot sync document folder between a MacBook Pro and an iMac through iCloud. What I may have done wrong?
It’s not really anything to do with the topic, but the most likely reason is that we’re talking about two different document folders; one on each machine. The correct approach (if you wanna do this through iCloud) is to have one document folder: the one on iCloud. You then make aliases of that folder on your two machines. If it helps, you can rename the aliases to “iCloud document folder“ or something like that so that it is distinguishable from the mandatory Documents folder that you have in your user folder on both machines. Just put all the documents you want to be synced into the “iCloud documents folder“ on either machine, and it will always be in sync.
Another way to do this without using any cloud service is through programs such as Sync Two Folders (limited but free) and ChronoSync (powerful and an excellent value, but not free).
Thanks. However, I have files and folders just under the iCloud Drive folder. They cannot be seen from the other Mac.
Obviously. How do you expect that the two Macs use each other’s Desktop and Document folders? Use File Sharing to make this Mac’s Desktop and Documents folders visible from the other Mac and access it as a remote computer, i.e click the remote computer name under Devices menu of the Finder window’s left pane.
I thought this was handled by iCloud these days (my old El Capitan doesn’t cut it)
El Capitan does support iCloud Drive but not iCloud Documents and iCloud Desktop folders. Minimum macOS Sierra is required for those.
Yikes. Yeah this is a nitemare when it comes to ease of use. They need to refactor...
Nightmare how?
1) The file must reside in iCloud. 2) Right click / Share / Add People. On iOS: Select / Share button / Add People.
If you want to add full UNIX style server capabilities to a personal mobile device with all Directory services LDAP etc. that's another story...
That isn’t the problematic part. Sharing a file via link and not recipient is the problem. See the steps dealing with Copy Link. Primarily that you first have to go a round-about way to get the link, and then separately must set the file to access to anyone with the link. This is a single-step in Dropbox via right-click, Copy Link. done. Paste to anybody anywhere.
It’s not broken, but there is unnecessary friction.
Also, no way to share a folder, which mandates using Dropbox still. Why? iCloud Drive leveraging a customers general iCloud storage subscription could be a dropbox killer for Apple customers. Not yet.
Yes Dropbox’ is “Paste to anybody anywhere” like anonymous FTP. Apple’s sharing is more refined, you can share to a selected person, or to anyone, using the options in that Add People sheet. First click the options arrow at the bottom of that sheet to get “anyone”.
I didn’t say it can’t be done, I said it’s got too much unnecessary friction.
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https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206985