In macOS, files downloaded using Safari and Chrome are by default saved in the 'Downloads' directory located in the user's home folder. macOS also accepts files from AirDrop, which are also typically saved to the 'Downloads' directory in the home folder.
However, this directory is not managed by iCloud Drive, so its contents are not automatically synchronized to other devices by default.
To address this issue, I've attempted to back up the files in the 'Downloads' directory and then create a symbolic link to it as follows:
rm -rf ~/Downloads
ln -sf ~/Library/Mobile\ Documents/com\~apple\~CloudDocs/Downloads ~/Downloads
This approach allows files downloaded from Safari or Chrome to be synchronized with iCloud Drive and other devices. However, it also causes a new issue: AirDrop no longer works. Specifically, other devices (e.g., iPhone) can see the macOS device in AirDrop, and when selected, macOS makes the corresponding sound and opens the '~/Downloads' directory (which is a symbolic link in this case). However, the target file for the AirDrop transfer is not present.
Is there a way to have both the 'Downloads' directory managed and synchronized by iCloud Drive while also allowing AirDrop to work correctly?
Best Answer
Found a way to do this.
Automator.app
Folder Action
.Folder Action receives files and folders added to
at the top. Now select~/Downloads
from this dropdown menu.Move Finder Items
, and then drag and drop it on to the workflow window on the right.Move Finder Items
action, select target folder, say~/Library/Mobile Documents/com~Apple~CloudDocs/Downloads
.Command + S
.From now on, whenever you place a file in your source folder, say
~/Downloads
, Automator will move the file to the destination folder, say~/Library/Mobile Documents/com~Apple~CloudDocs/Downloads
. You don’t need to press any keys or launch any utilities; it all happens on its own.