Default File Storage Location on Mac

Report · Aug 23, 2023

I'm hoping someone out there may have ran into this and provide a solution. I've tried many Google searches, but have come up empty handed.

I recently started using Adobe Creative Cloud after many years of not using it. I've had experience with it in the past, but have only recently needed to get back in. I'm mostly using Premiere Pro right now, though may have plans for other applications like Photoshop. But I am confused about how to change or modify the default file location for the application data (save files, projects, rendered previews, etc)

My issue is that I am using an iMac with an M1 chip. I only have a 500GB SSD, so I use iCloud drive as part of my Apple One subscription. I also use the iCloud Drive feature of "sync Desktop and Documents with iCloud Drive." Meaning that all files on my desktop and documents are uploaded to iCloud and then available across all my devices. This is a great feature for my digital life.

EXCEPT now that I'm using Adobe CC. Every application is defaulting to the documents folder for all data. Project files, rendered videos, etc. This is causing GBs worth of data to get uploaded unnessecarily to my iCloud Drive. Additionally, I think this might be slowing down my render and export times, as my computer is busy syncing with iCloud and rendering at the same time.

I know I can change individual file locations such as where the Project gets saved, or the scratch disks. But is there a way to permenantly change the default file location? I created a separate folder in my home director just for Adobe to use, but I can't get the programs to default to using that location instead of creating folders inside of Documents.

Any help or assistance on this would be greatly appreciated!

-Tony

Report · Sep 01, 2023

I don't think there is a way to do that. But I haven't thought about it too much recently. Mostly, what I do is I have different Premiere Pro project files saved as a template, complete with bins set up and everything. I just copy that project file into the folder I want my project to live in and rename it. Then, I open it up and get started with my edit.

I also use two plugins from "Knights of the Editing Table" to help me not have to think about stuff like this. I use Compass and Watchtower.

Report · Sep 01, 2023

Preferences - Media Cache
File - Project Manager

Make sure these locations are not set to your Documents location.

Report · Jul 16, 2024

Hi, Tony -- I have the same issue. Were you able to resolve your issue? I want to change the default save location to my OneDrive, but I do not see a setting to change the default drive that Adobe saves to.