How to easily share files and folders on Mac

Users of the macOS operating system can easily share virtually any data with other users of Apple devices through iCloud Drive. The option to share data is of course also available on the iPhone and iPad, and it should be noted that this sharing option works practically exactly the same as, for example, on Dropbox or Google Drive. But in this case, the great thing is that you do the entire sharing process directly in macOS and you don't have to move to the page of a certain service within the web browser - so the whole process is that much easier.

If you want to share files via iCloud Drive on your Mac or MacBook, it is necessary that you have one of the latest versions of the macOS operating system - namely macOS Catalina 10.15.4 and later (including macOS 11 Big Sur) - in which you can share both files and folders. The whole sharing process is really quite simple, but if you are new to the macOS operating system, or if you have subscribed to an iCloud plan and want to start using it to the full, then you will definitely like this analysis of the function. So let's get straight to the point.

How to easily share files and folders on Mac

If you want to share files or folders on your Mac or MacBook, proceed as follows:

• First, you need to move to the section in the Finder iCloudDrive.
  • I'll mention right at the beginning that if you have macOS automatically backed up to iCloud Drive Area a Documents, so you don't have to move to the iCloud Drive section and you can share files directly from here.
• Then find file or folder, which one you want with a person to share.
• Click on a file or folder right click (with two fingers) and scroll to the box from the menu that appears Share.
• As soon as you navigate to this box, another menu will appear in which you must click on an option Add user.
  • In macOS 11 Big Sur, this box is called File sharing or folder sharing, option is located right at the top.
• After clicking on this option, a new window will appear in which you can share with other users invite.
• You can use to share various applications, for example, Mail or Messages, if you can copy link which can then be given to anyone send within any other application.
• In the lower part of the window it is still necessary for you to set authorization sharing:
  • Who has access: here, choose whether only invited users can access the file/folder, or anyone with a link;
  • Authorization: here you can choose whether the invited people can only read the file/folder or edit it.
• Once you have everything set up, finally click on the bottom right Share.

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Of course, it should be noted that you need to have enough space on iCloud to share files and folders. Apple provides all users with 5 GB of storage on iCloud for free, then there are plans for 50 GB for 25 CZK per month, 200 GB for 79 CZK per month and 2 TB for 249 CZK per month. You can change the tariff on Mac in System Preferences -> Apple ID -> iCloud -> Manage… -> Change storage plan…

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How to find out who has access to a share and how to change permissions

Above, we showed how you can start sharing a file or a folder with someone. However, this does not mean that the entire sharing process ends and that no changes can be made retroactively - in fact, on the contrary. After setting up sharing, you may realize that, for example, it is not a good idea to allow invited users to edit files, or you may find yourself in a situation where you need to find out who has access to a file or folder. This is definitely not a problem and just proceed as follows:

• First, it is necessary that you found a shared file or folder, for which you want to change permissions or view users.
• Once you find it, tap on it right click (two fingers).
• From the menu that appears, navigate to the option named Sharing.
• Then a second menu will open where you tap on View user.
  • In macOS Big Sur, this option is called Manage shared file whether Shared folder management and is located at the top of the menu.
• After clicking on this option, a new window will appear.
• Here you can already see in the upper part, kdo has to file or folder access. If the person concerned you click so you can copy her contact or you can completely unshare.
• Below is the option for again permission settings. In addition, you can copy the link or end sharing.
• To add more users to the share, click on the bottom left Add user.

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If you share a file with someone in the above way, they will have access to it practically anywhere. Either directly on apple devices, i.e. on a Mac or MacBook in the Finder and on an iPhone or iPad within the Files application. In addition, the data subject can access these files from any other device through the website icloud.com, where it also finds shared files. Sharing files and folders within Apple systems has never been easier, and finally I will mention that files and folders can be shared within iOS and iPadOS, that is, within the Files application.

Discussion of the article

[Karel Fanta]

The stupid thing is that it can't be shared for non-apple users. Because they definitely won't install an app for file sharing. I don't understand this impossibility to share data with another system - unlike OneDrive. You just need to fill in your email and the sharing link will be sent by itself. When will Apple understand that this is correct?