iCloud's 'Optimize Mac Storage' disrupting Premiere Pro workflow

Question

Level 1

4 points

iCloud's 'Optimize Mac Storage' disrupting Premiere Pro workflow

I recently purchased iCloud storage to back up my files. I turned on “Optimize Mac Storage” thinking it would be helpful but it has been a nightmare for my workflow in Premiere Pro.

When I reopen projects many of my media files such as music video footage and PNGs are no longer on my Mac because they have been offloaded to iCloud. This forces me to manually re download files every time and sometimes entire folders will not download at all. Instead I see the error message “Syncing has been disabled due to issue.”

I already turned off “Optimize Mac Storage” but the problem continues. What I want is simple. I need every file fully downloaded onto my Mac so Premiere projects open without missing files and I never want iCloud to automatically remove files again.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iCloud Ruining my workflow

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Sep 28, 2025 2:49 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

queye

Level 1

25 points

Sep 29, 2025 1:15 AM in response to BnjiMorse

Totally get the frustration—iCloud’s “Optimize Mac Storage” can really mess with apps like Premiere. Since turning it off didn’t fix it, try manually forcing a full download: open Finder, go to your iCloud Drive folder, select all files/folders, right-click, and choose “Download Now.” That should pull everything locally. Also, double-check in System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Options that Desktop & Documents syncing isn’t still offloading files. Once everything is downloaded, Premiere shouldn’t run into missing media anymore. For heavy media projects, some pros even keep project files entirely outside iCloud to avoid these headaches.

Reply