Documents folder is grayed out in Finder

Sometimes my Documents folder is grayed out in the Finder.

If I go to iCloud Drive I get this (not grayed out):But when I double-click "Documents" I get this:

My Documents folder is definitely not empty, but the window above seems to indicate that iCloud thinks it is empty.

Any help?

Thanks!

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Mar 12, 2025 2:54 PM

Similar questions

Documents folder in side bar but empty? Hi Ventura 13.2.1 The Documents folder appears in the side bar but shows as empty. There is no Documents folder below iCloud in the side bar. Looking in iCloud, there is no Documents folder. I can find known documents by searching, so they are presumably on my hard drive, but where? From search results, selecting "show in enclosed folder" gives me an empty finder window named Documents. I'd be grateful for any assistance. thanks [edit] further info: Desktop & Documents Folders is unchecked in iCloud prefs
1380 1
Documents folder not appearing when clicked on in Finder sidebar I just updated to Ventura and accidentally allowed my desktop and documents folder to be linked to iCloud. After un-syncing my desktop and documents folder from iCloud I could no longer access my documents folder in Finder. If I click on the documents folder in the Finder sidebar, the view of the files remains with whatever was clicked on last--downloads, desktop, movies, etc.--but doesn't switch to the documents folder. I can drag and drop files onto the documents icon in the sidebar but it's like they disappear unless I search for them in Finder. Anyone know what's going on?
4375 11
Finder unable to open documents folder I am having issues with opening the documents folder. While I am able to access the folder and its contents in applications like Word etc, I am not able to open it in Finder, although I can drag contents into it and see them on the iCloud website.
1952 6

1 reply

Kurt Cowling Author

Level 1

77 points

Mar 12, 2025 3:15 PM in response to Kurt Cowling

Weirdly, if I click on the disclosure arrow in the middle screenshot above I see my documents.

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.

Documents folder is grayed out in Finder

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up