Move OS X Special Folders to Cloud Storage - Guide
The Benefits of Centralized File Management and Cloud Backups
Utilizing special folders is a highly effective method for organizing files, as it consolidates specific file types into designated locations. When integrated with cloud storage solutions, this approach provides automatic and streamlined backups of crucial personal data.
We advocate for the synergy between dedicated folders and cloud-based backup systems. This combination proves both efficient and user-friendly, significantly reducing the burden on the individual. Backups should operate with this level of simplicity, though initial configuration is still necessary.
Moving Special Folders on Windows
Relocating special folders to a Dropbox or OneDrive folder within Windows is a straightforward task. Access the folder's properties and then change its location to the desired cloud storage directory.
Moving Special Folders on macOS
The procedure on Mac OS X is somewhat more involved. It requires initially transferring the special folder to the cloud folder, followed by the creation of a symbolic link connecting the new location to the original one.
Despite the added complexity, we believe the benefits are substantial. Beyond the backup advantages previously discussed, this method facilitates seamless data sharing across diverse operating systems.
Consider these advantages:
- Data Security: Automatic backups protect against data loss.
- Cross-Platform Access: Easily share files between Windows and macOS.
- Simplified Organization: Special folders keep files neatly categorized.
Relocating and Linking Your New Special Cloud Folder
Initially, launch the terminal application. This can be easily accomplished using Spotlight search; press "COMMAND + SPACE" and then type "terminal". Ensure you are currently situated within your user directory, as this is typically the default opening location.
The commands required will appear as follows:
sudo mv ~/Documents /Users/username/OneDrive/Documents
ln -s "/Users/username/OneDrive/Documents" ~/Documents
The first command instructs the system to move (mv) the Documents folder from the current directory to your designated cloud storage location (OneDrive), utilizing superuser privileges (sudo). The need for superuser access arises because it temporarily grants administrative-level permissions, circumventing typical permission restrictions.
The second command, "ln -s", establishes a symbolic link – essentially an alias – from your original Documents location to the new location. Upon pressing "RETURN", you will be prompted to enter your account password to authorize the superuser command execution.
Upon successful completion, the terminal should not display any error messages. You should then be able to navigate directly to your new Documents folder location via Finder. If the operation fails, carefully review your typed commands and attempt the process again.
Subsequently, any applications utilizing OS X's default Documents folder location for saving files will operate as if saving to the original location within your user directory, while actually storing data in OneDrive. Furthermore, the shortcut in the Finder sidebar will be removed; to restore it, simply drag the new folder location to the sidebar to create a new shortcut.
It's worth noting that creating these new sidebar favorites results in the loss of the distinctive icons provided by default with OS X. If this loss is undesirable, consider utilizing a utility such as cDock to enable colored Finder sidebar icons and then customize them as needed.
Let's illustrate with another example. Assuming you routinely store your photos on Dropbox, but OS X maintains its own Pictures folder, we can apply the same procedure to relocate the Pictures folder.
The new Dropbox destination will be "/Users/username/Dropbox/Photos/" (or your preferred folder name), and the commands will be:
sudo mv ~/Pictures /Users/username/Photos
ln -s "/Users/username/Dropbox/Photos" ~/Pictures
Press "RETURN", input your password, and verify that the Pictures folder in your user directory now appears as an alias.
Opening the folder will now direct you to your Photos folder within Dropbox.
You can safely repeat this process for any of your user media folders. Moving the Public or Desktop folders is generally not recommended, but other folders are suitable candidates.
This allows for automatic cloud backups of your iTunes library, movies, photos, and other important files, with the only trade-off being the loss of the special sidebar icon. This is a minor inconvenience considering the enhanced convenience and peace of mind it provides!