Using OneDrive (Mac)

Purpose 

This article covers the basics of using OneDrive on your Mac. The instructions include setting up the new OneDrive sync client on Mac, turning on finder integration (Mac), using OneDrive files On-Demand on Mac, managing your syncing sites (Mac). 

Explanation

Setup the New OneDrive Sync Client

• Download and Install OneDrive for Mac.

• Start OneDrive Setup and follow one of the methods below.

Method 1

If you’re not signed in to OneDrive with any account, start OneDrive to connect a work or school account.

• Start OneDrive by pressing cmd + Space to launch a Spotlight query and type "OneDrive".
  • This starts OneDrive Setup.
• Enter your work or school account and select Sign in to set up your account.

Method 2

If you already have a personal account signed in to OneDrive, you’ll want to add a work or school account in OneDrive Preferences.

• Click the OneDrive cloud icon up in your Menu bar > three dots icon (...) > Preferences.

• Click the Account tab and select Add an Account to start OneDrive Setup.

• Enter your work or school account and select Sign in.

Helpful Tips

There are a few points of OneDrive Setup that are helpful to watch for:

• This is your OneDrive folder screen. Select Choose OneDrive Folder Location.

• Select a location where you would like to save your OneDrive files and select Choose this location.

• When you see the "This Is Your OneDrive Folder" screen, you’ll now see a path to the folder you selected. Select Next to continue.

• On the Sync Files from Your OneDrive screen, you can choose the folders you want to sync to your computer and select Next.
  • This conserves space on your computer and reduces the bandwidth needed for the sync processes.
• When you see "Your OneDrive Is Ready for You" the last thing to do is make sure you select the Check box next to "Open at login, so my files sync automatically".
  • This will ensure that OneDrive runs at login, and you always have the most up-to-date version of all your files.

• After you enable OneDrive to open at login, you’re done!
  • Select Open your OneDrive folder to see your files sync to your folder.
• You can find OneDrive in your Menu bar. You’ll have a cloud icon for every account you’ve connected to OneDrive.
  • You’ll have one cloud if you’re only syncing a work or school account.
  • One cloud if you’re syncing only a personal account.
  • You'll have two clouds if you’re syncing both.

• You’ll also see a folder in Finder called "OneDrive – The University of Texas at Dallas".

Turn on Finder Integration 

If you’re using OSX 10.10 or higher, get sync status directly from Finder by enabling Finder overlays in Settings.

• Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your Mac Desktop.
• Select System Preferences > Extensions in the top-level menu.

• Toggle on the OneDrive Finder Integration to enable Finder overlays.

• You’re all set! Open your OneDrive folder in Finder to see overlays on your files and folders.

Use OneDrive Files On-Demand 

OneDrive Files On-Demand helps you access all your files in OneDrive without having to download all of them and use storage space on your device.

• When you turn on Files On-Demand, you’ll see all your files in "Mac Finder" and get new information about each file.
• New files created online or on another device appear as online-only files, which don’t take up space on your device. When you’re connected to the Internet, you’ll be able to use online-only files like every other file on your device.

Manage Your Syncing Sites

You can manage your syncing sites in the Sync Client settings.

• Click the OneDrive icon in the menu bar.
• Select Preferences > Account tab.

• To change the folders you’re syncing, select Choose Folders for that location, then choose the folders you want to sync.
  • To stop syncing a site, select Stop Sync next to the site. (Copies of the files remain on your computer. You can delete them if you want.)