Creative Cloud desktop app FAQ

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Find answers to some common questions about the Creative Cloud desktop app.

With the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app, you can easily transfer files between your computer and Creative Cloud online storage, and sync files on multiple devices. This page answers common questions about Creative Cloud desktop app's requirements and working with files.

What operating systems does Creative Cloud desktop app support?

The Creative Cloud desktop app has the following recommended requirements for Windows and Mac operating systems:

Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1903 or later for AMD, Intel, and ARM processors
macOS Catalina (version 10.15) and later | Mac computers with Apple Silicon
Internet connection

Can I install the Creative Cloud desktop app on more than two computers with the same account?

There is no limit to the number of computers that can have the Creative Cloud desktop app installed using the same account.

But your individual Creative Cloud license lets you install your Creative Cloud app on more than one computer, activate (sign in) on two, and use them on only one computer at a time.

How do I quit the Creative Cloud desktop app?

Depending on your version of the Creative Cloud desktop app, do one of the following to quit the app:

a) Windows: In the File menu, select Exit Creative Cloud. Or, press Ctrl+W. Then, select Quit to confirm.

b) macOS: Select Creative Cloud > Quit Creative Cloud. Or, press Cmd+Q. Then, select Quit to confirm.

a) Select the three vertical dots icon in the upper right.

b) Select Quit.

Quit the Creative Cloud desktop application

To relaunch Creative Cloud desktop app, find it in the following locations:

macOS: Choose Go > Applications > Adobe Creative Cloud > Adobe Creative Cloud.

Windows 8 and 7: Choose Start > Programs > Adobe Creative Cloud.

Windows 10: Choose Start > Adobe Creative Cloud.

Note:

Relaunching the Creative Cloud desktop app refreshes the list of available updates and installed applications.

Creative Cloud desktop app starts automatically the next time you log in. You can turn off this option in the app's preferences.

I get an error while trying to sign in via the Creative Cloud desktop app, how can I resolve this error?

If you experience issues while signing in via the Creative Cloud desktop app, you can choose to sign in using your browser. For example, if your Adobe account is part of a company or school account, you may experience sign-in issues (via the Creative Cloud desktop app), if your organization has set up single sign-on (SSO) such as Microsoft azure.

To sign in using your browser, in the Creative Cloud desktop app, choose Help > Sign in using your browser.

After you've signed in using your browser, go back to the Creative Cloud desktop app. you will be signed in automatically.

What types of files can I upload and preview on Creative Cloud?

On Creative Cloud, you can preview many creative file types directly in a web browser on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. These file types include PSD, AI, INDD, JPG, PDF, GIF, PNG, Photoshop Touch, Ideas, and others.

Is there a file size limit?

You can upload files up to 20 GB in the Creative Cloud Files folder. If you attempt to upload anything larger, you may see some unexpected errors.

You can upload files up to 1 GB in the Synced files section of your Creative Cloud website. If you attempt to upload anything larger, you may see some unexpected upload failures.

Is there a limit to the number of files I can store?

In addition to your storage quota, you cannot sync or store more than the following number of assets and folders:

350,000 files
150,000 folders

This doesn't include the files, folders, or sub-folders shared with you by others. Also note that files and folders you haven't deleted permanently still count toward your cloud storage.

What if I exceed my cloud storage?

The Creative Cloud desktop app syncs up to 1-GB overflow from any device. After that, new files do not sync, and you're notified that you are over quota. A red exclamation point indicates files that can't be synced. You can still move, rename, or delete files.

Ensure that your deleted files aren't using valuable storage by deleting them permanently. At the same time, you also have the option to upgrade your storage.

When files are moved in the local Creative Cloud Files folder, do they still exist locally? Are they available when disconnected?

When you move files in the local Creative Cloud Files folder and the Creative Cloud desktop app is running, the files automatically sync to Creative Cloud. When you look at these files in the Finder or Windows Explorer, you can see their status. Files currently syncing have blue arrows, and files synced to Creative Cloud have a green check mark.

If you don't have an Internet connection, syncing automatically pauses and resumes when the connection is restored. While you are disconnected, you have complete access to these files for editing. The menu and tray icons change status to let you know when you are connected or disconnected, and if sync is active.

What happens if I delete files from my Creative Cloud Files folder?

File deletions sync to Creative Cloud and any other devices linked to the account. Files deleted from the Creative Cloud Files folder are first placed in the Deleted section of the Creative Cloud website.

Your quota counts files you haven't deleted permanently. So, it is necessary to delete files permanently to free up storage space.

In what order do files sync?

Files in the Creative Cloud Files folder sync alphabetically, by directory.

Can I sync between two Creative Cloud accounts?

You can collaborate with other users and share a folder from your Creative Cloud account with specified Creative Cloud users. All invited users can then work cooperatively with the assets in the shared folder. Collaborators can view, edit, rename, move, or delete contents of the shared folder. For more information, see Collaborate on folders and libraries.

Can I change the default location of the Creative Cloud Files folder?

Yes, you can change the location of the Creative Cloud Files folder through the Creative Cloud desktop app.

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app. (Select the icon in your Windows taskbar or the macOS menu bar.)
Select the Cloud activity icon in the upper right, and then select the gear icon to open Preferences.
Select the icon next to Folder Location, and select a new folder location.
Once prompted, select Move to confirm the location change.
Once the location updates, select Done to close Preferences.

When I save an edited file, does it upload only what I've changed?

When you make changes to a file, the entire file syncs again.

How can I check the progress of files queued for syncing?

Clicking the Creative Cloud desktop app icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar icon (Mac) displays the current progress for any queued files. It also gives an estimated time remaining for the syncing process to complete. Items with a green check mark on their thumbnail in the Creative Cloud Files folder have finished syncing. New files or files that have been edited have an icon with blue arrows to indicate that they are currently pending a sync.

If you're on the latest version of Creative Cloud desktop app, select the Cloud activity icon in the upper right. It displays the progress of files queued for syncing.