How Do I Create a Folder Outside iCloud?

You can easily create folders on your Mac that are not synced to iCloud. Here's how:

Steps to Create a Folder Outside of iCloud:

1. Open Finder: Click the Finder icon in your Dock (it looks like a blue smiling face).
2. Navigate to Your Home Folder: On the Finder menu bar at the top of your screen, click Go, then click Home. Your Home folder will open. This folder is typically labeled with your username.
3. Create a New Folder: On the Finder menu bar, click File, then click New Folder. Alternatively, you can right-click (or Control-click) in the Home folder window and select New Folder.
4. Name Your Folder: A new folder will appear, highlighted and ready for you to type a name. Type the desired name for your folder and press Return or Enter.

Explanation:

The "Home" folder is a standard location on your Mac for storing your personal files. By default, only certain folders within your Home folder (like Desktop and Documents) are synced to iCloud, if you have iCloud Drive enabled. Folders created directly in your Home folder are not automatically synced to iCloud unless you specifically move them into a folder that is already synced.

Key Takeaway:

Creating a new folder directly within your Home folder (or in other locations outside those automatically synced by iCloud Drive like a drive other than your startup drive) ensures that the folder and its contents remain only on your Mac and are not uploaded to iCloud.