How to share an iCloud file or folder with anyone, from the Finder?

I used to share iCloud files directly from the Finder, Share > Copy Link. Now this "Copy Link" option is nowhere to be found. Where can I the option in Finder?

I'm using the latest OS, Sequoia 15.5.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jun 15, 2025 01:14 PM

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10 replies

Jun 15, 2025 05:41 PM in response to myintruder

Hello myintruder


Your answer probably is in the support document called Use iCloud to share and collaborate on files and folders - Apple Support


It notes that the file must be in an iCloud Drive location, which if you have set it up can also be your Desktop and Documents folders.


If you use the Share option in Sequoia you will see a drop-down option at the top of the panel, and one of the two options is Collaborate. You are then asked to invite people to edit (or view). This allows you to set permissions for the invited people to edit or to view.


Read the support document for all the instructions.

Jun 24, 2025 09:24 AM in response to myintruder

To share an iCloud file or folder from Finder in macOS Sonoma (15.5), follow these steps:

  1. Open Finder and navigate to the iCloud Drive location.
  2. Right-click on the file or folder you want to share.
  3. Select Share from the context menu. If you don't see Copy Link, you'll likely see Share Options instead.
  4. Choose Add People to open sharing settings, where you can invite others via email or copy a link.

Make sure your sharing settings allow others to view or edit as needed. If you're still having trouble, ensure that your macOS and iCloud settings are properly configured.

Jul 14, 2025 05:45 PM in response to Richard.Taylor

Isn't English your first language, maybe? I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

I want to get a link to my shared files before knowing anyone’s address, this was possible in previous versions of macOS. Like you do in Dropbox, Box, etc.

I’m not trying to get a “list of your special people.” I just want a link to my shared file so I can share it with anyone, without needing their email addresses.

Jul 15, 2025 07:43 AM in response to myintruder

myintruder wrote:

Isn't English your first language, maybe? I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.
I want to get a link to my shared files before knowing anyone’s address, this was possible in previous versions of macOS. Like you do in Dropbox, Box, etc.
I’m not trying to get a “list of your special people.” I just want a link to my shared file so I can share it with anyone, without needing their email addresses.

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn't mean to be very rude to people who are volunteering their time trying to help you. You asked where the Copy Link button had gone to. You were given an answer. Obviously, things have changed since sometime in the past. That happens.


You can let Apple know you don't like the change here:


Product Feedback - Apple


Just out of curiosity, how would you share a link with someone if you didn't know their email address? I'm not trying to be snarky. It's a genuine question about your process. It might help you get better answers.

Jul 16, 2025 12:33 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

On whatsapp or forums. This is how I share movies, pictures, etc.


Ok, in my post I didn’t explicitly specify that I needed the “Copy Link” option that works without an email address, but I did mention it in a later comment 256081346. Yet I still got responses instructing me to input an email address.


So how’s that not being rude and wasting people’s time? I don’t know how this forum works, or if (or why) some people do this for free. My impression is that Apple wants to make it look like every post gets an answer, so when you browse the forum, everything looks nice and tidy instead of being useful.

Jul 16, 2025 06:55 AM in response to myintruder

myintruder wrote:

So how’s that not being rude and wasting people’s time? I don’t know how this forum works, or if (or why) some people do this for free. My impression is that Apple wants to make it look like every post gets an answer, so when you browse the forum, everything looks nice and tidy instead of being useful.

Giving as much information as possible in your question, especially about what it is you're trying to accomplish. When people give you help, if it's not what you need, review your original post and see what you missed that might have caused confusion. Thank the person and explain why the answer doesn't work for you. Don't make snarky comments about people's ability to read or write English. None of this is forum specific.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How to share an iCloud file or folder with anyone, from the Finder?

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