How do I optimize storage for both Pictures and iCloud Drive on Mac?

markwmsn wrote: …Some users managed 10:1, but some users probably got worse than 5:1.

On my Mac, which doesn't use Optimize, the Favorites Photos Library that I sync with iCloud is 128 GB. On my iPhone, which is Optimized, the System Settings>General>Storage says that Photos takes up 4.5 GB. That's an amazing 3.5% or a reduction of 96.5% or nearly 30:1 ! That's been the case for months. Of course I'm never sure what those numbers really mean, but it looks great!

iCloud, which I don't Optimize on my Mac, could save close to 100%, since it doesn't keep low resolution of spreadsheets and other documents--that wouldn't make sense-- it can just have only pointers to the files stored at iCloud.com. But iCloud Drive also tries to keep recently used files locally so, if the space isn't really needed, then the local storage will depend on what's going on with the files. My phone's iCloud Drive is Optimized, but there doesn't seem to be any number given for the size-- the little blue patch in the bar graph is very tiny, I guess because I don't really do much with iCloud Drive files on my phone.

My phone, by the way, has 42 GB used of 128 GB, so it has plenty of space if it wants it.

For General Optimizing of Storage, For example, when space is needed, you can keep files, photos and videos, Apple TV movies and shows, and email attachments in iCloud,

Optimize storage space on your Mac

This option stores smaller versions of your photos on your Mac when storage space is limited, and keeps the original, full-size photos in iCloud.

Optimize storage in Photos on Mac

Without either you or I having Direct and Physical Access to your friends computer

It will vey difficult to diagnose where the problems is, exactly

Have the computer evaluated by the Professionals who have the Special Hardware Software and Expertise to diagnose the issue and offer possible solutions

Suggest your friend make an Appointment at the Apple Genius Bar or call 1 800 MyApple and have them evaluate the computer

Other location Call Centres 

 Contact Apple for support and service

Without being rude about this

The Internal Drive of any computer has a defined Capacity

Like the fuel tank of a vehicle

Once the fuel tank is full.

Hard as we try, we just can not add another drop of fuel

Yes this is a common oversight by some and have to learn the hard way

Keeping between 15 - 20 Percent of the Total Drive Capacity as Empty Space is usually the suggested normal

kstrid wrote:

I have not checked my friends MacBook Air myself but he claims that both picture and iCloud Drive optimization are activated, still the hard drive of 128 gb is almost full, free space only 12 GB.

yeah, that’s probably true. It is full. I have all my media libraries on external drives and both optimize iCloud Drive storage and optimize photos is enabled. I’m using over 200 GB of a 500 GB drive.

Perhaps you did misunderstand, kstrid. Optimization does store the complete files and photos in iCloud, but it also has to leave parts on the computer's hard drive. For example, it has to keep a low-resolution copy of every photo and video locally so you can browse your collection without constantly accessing the internet.

We used to quote a rule of thumb that you could probably get a 5:1 optimization ratio for photo libraries. Some users managed 10:1, but some users probably got worse than 5:1.

I've never seen a comparable figure for iCloud Drive optimization. It has to depend a lot on what sort of files you store and what preview requirements they have.

" I have not checked my friends MacBook Air myself but he claims that both picture and iCloud Drive optimization are activated, still the hard drive of 128 gb is almost full, free space only 12 GB.

So what we are doing, is basically academic and only based upon a Third Party Reporting

That being, the Owner of the problematic computer

To reiterate " Without either you or I having Direct and Physical Access to your friends computer

It will vey difficult to diagnose where the problems is, exactly "

Read up on what iCloud is, does and does Not do

How iCloud keeps information up to date across all your devices - Apple Support (CA)

You are welcome

Does this seem to solve the issue

Please do, when time permits 👍