Customizing iCloud folder structure for subject-based organization on macOS and iOS

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Customizing iCloud folder structure for subject-based organization on macOS and iOS

Per the attached image, iCloud on macOS and iOS seems to be designed to store documents by application (eg., Number, Pages). That's really of no use to me. I want to set up a subject-based folder structure (eg., School, Work, Vacation).

I know that I can create new folders, but to keep everything organized I have to remember to periodically move documents from the application folders into the subject folders (in case a document got saved to the wrong place). Plus I still have to see the application folders, which are just clutter on the screen.

I don't suppose there is anyway to tell iCloud to not use application folders?

[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Change iCloud folder structure?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Aug 22, 2025 9:51 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 22, 2025 10:17 AM in response to PommePourMoi

I see that I have a Preview folder in my iCloud folder, but it's empty and I don't use it. So I just deleted it. I don't have any of those others. If you don't like them, delete them. Well, you ought to look and see if there are support files in them, I suppose. If an app insists on needing one of these, it'll make a new one. Where you put your files is up to you. You may need to assign a default location in an app, but they often just use the last place you put something.

Keep in mind that iCloud Drive is just a folder. The only thing special about it is that it is copied to iCloud Drive at iCloud.com.

See this:

Understanding iCloud Drive - Apple Community

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