Default save behavior on a Mac depends on iCloud Drive settings and individual app preferences. Desktop and Documents may route through iCloud, while apps such as Safari, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote can have their own save or download locations.
This guide applies to recent macOS versions with or without iCloud Drive enabled.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if new files save to iCloud Drive when you want local storage, or if downloads and documents keep landing in a folder you do not prefer.
Stop Desktop and Documents from Using iCloud by Default
- Open System Settings.
- Click your name or Apple Account at the top of the sidebar, then open iCloud.
- Open iCloud Drive and click the info button if shown.
- Turn off Desktop & Documents Folders.
- When macOS asks, choose Keep a copy on this Mac so existing files remain locally available.
Change an App’s Save or Download Location
- Safari: Open Safari > Settings > General and change File download location.
- Pages, Numbers, and Keynote: Open the app settings and look for document saving options such as iCloud or On My Mac.
- Most other apps: Save one file deliberately to the folder you want. Many apps remember the last folder used.
Before You Change It
Turning Off Desktop and Documents Does Not Delete Files
Choosing to keep a copy leaves synced Desktop and Documents content on the Mac. The setting changes future behavior and where those folders are managed.
Only Those Folders Are Affected
Other iCloud Drive folders and app-specific iCloud folders remain in iCloud unless you move or change them separately.
Local Storage May Fill Faster
If iCloud was keeping large files optimized, turning off Desktop and Documents sync means more files may count against the Mac’s internal storage. Check System Settings > General > Storage first if space is tight.
Sources
- Apple Support: Store documents in iCloud Drive on Mac
- Apple Support: Change Safari download preferences on Mac