What is the Difference between iCloud and iCloud Drive?

iCloud vs iCloud Drive
iCloud vs iCloud Drive

Before we go to the steps of how to move files from one folder to another in iCloud Drive, first of all, we are going to figure out the differences between iCloud and iCloud Drive which can make the following methods clearer.

iCloud is a cloud storage and computing service that offers various features to Apple device users. It provides automatic backup and synchronization of data such as photos, videos, contacts, calendars, notes, and device settings across multiple Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even Windows computers.

iCloud Drive is a specific feature within the iCloud service that focuses primarily on file storage and synchronization. It enables users to store files of various types in the cloud, including images, videos, presentations, spreadsheets, and more. These files can be accessed and synced across all Apple devices that are signed into the same iCloud account.

In summary, iCloud Drive is one of iCloud's features which is mainly used to store files. Except for iCloud Drive, iCloud has more features like Find My, iCloud Keychain, iCloud Photos, and iCloud Mail. In the next section, we will introduce how to transfer files from one folder to another in iCloud to you.

How to Create Folders in iCloud Drive

For some new users who are not familiar with iCloud Drive, this section will tell you where is iCloud Drive and how to create a new folder in iCloud Drive.

On iPhone/iPad

Step 1: Open the Files app on your iPhone and enter iCloud Drive.

Step 2: Tap on the 3-dot icon in the upper-right corner and choose "New Folder". Then there will be a new folder on iCloud Drive.

Create a New Folder in the File App
Create a New Folder in the File App

On Mac

Step 1: Open Finder on your Mac desktop.

Step 2: Click iCloud Drive in the left sidebar, right-click the files on iCloud Drive, and select "New Folder". Now, you can rename your new folder.

Create a New Folder on Mac
Create a New Folder on Mac

On Windows PC

Step 1: Enter iCloud.com and choose iCloud Drive.

Step 2: Tap on the new-folder-adding icon in the upper-left bar and a new folder will appear on this interface.

Create a New Folder on the iCloud Web
Create a New Folder on the iCloud Web

How to Move Files from One Folder to Another in iCloud Drive [Same Account]

This section will tell you how to transfer files from one folder to another in iCloud Drive on iPhone/iPad, Mac, and iCloud.com. Before following the following steps, make sure that you turn on your iCloud on the devices and don't make your iCloud Drive not sync.

On iPhone/iPad

Step 1: Open the folder where your desired files are in the File app.

Step 2: Click the 3-dot icon, choose "Select", and select the files that you want to move.

Choose Select in the Menu
Choose Select in the Menu

Step 3: Tap on the folder-shaped icon, choose another folder, and click "Move" in the upper-right corner. Then you finish the actions to transfer files from one folder to another in iCloud Drive.

Choose the File-shaped Icon
Choose the File-shaped Icon

On Mac

Now we can answer the question "Can you drag and drop into iCloud Drive" since you can migrate files from one folder to another in iCloud Drive by dragging and dropping on Mac.

Step 1: Enter iCloud Drive in Finder.

Step 2: Open the folder and select files. Then copy these files by right-clicking them and choosing "Copy". Then paste them to the folder you want to move these files into.

Click Copy in the Menu
Click Copy in the Menu

Note: You can also transfer files from your computer to iCloud Drive by dragging and dropping.

On iCloud.com

Step 1: Enter iCloud.com and open iCloud Drive.

Step 2: Click the folder which you want to move files from and select files. Then drag these files to the "iCloud Drive" button in the lower-left corner.

Drag the Files to the iCloud Drive Button
Drag the Files to the iCloud Drive Button

Step 3: Back to the main interface of iCloud Drive, drag those files again, and drop them into the folders you want to save them.

How to Move Files from One Folder to Another in iCloud Drive [Different Accounts]

If you want to move files from one folder to another between different iCloud accounts, MultCloud Cloud Transfer will be your best choice. You can add the 2 iCloud Drive accounts to MultCloud and utilize the Cloud Transfer function to automate the file transfer task. With MultCloud, you can manage all the files on the 2 accounts in one place and transfer files without downloading and uploading.

Step 1: Enter the MultCloud's website and sign up for a free account.

Step 2: Add your iCloud Drive account by clicking "Add Cloud" in the left bar and choosing the iCloud Drive icon. To let MultCloud access your files, you need to enter the Apple ID and password in the pop-up window and go through the two-factor authentication to verify.

Add iCloud Drive
Add iCloud Drive

Step 3: Click "Cloud Transfer" and select which folder you want to transfer from/to in the boxes. Then click "Transfer Now" to initiate the transfer process.

Transfer File between iCloud Drive Accounts
Transfer File between iCloud Drive Accounts

Notes:

  • You can get 5 GB of free traffic for file transfer every month. If you have a lot of files that need to be moved to another folder, you can upgrade your plan to get more traffic.
  • If you want to regularly transfer files from one iCloud account to another, you can use the "Schedule" feature to realize it. You can make the process run once a day/week/month.

Conclusion

This post offers several easy solutions on how to move files from one folder to another in iCloud Drive. Whether you use what device, you can find a way out. Besides, using MultCloud to move files between folders is no doubt a good way since it is capable on any device and can transfer files in a simple and fast way.

What’s more, as a cloud-management service, MultCloud surely has more functions like Cloud Sync, Cloud Backup, Team Transfer, Email Sync, Share, and Remote Migration. When you are eager to transfer one business cloud to another like moving files from Google Shared Drive to OneDrive for Business, you can use Team Transfer. It can help you auto-match the personal cloud drives by the account names.

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