Find your Documents folder on a Mac

Why it happens

Each account on a Mac has its own home folder, with Documents, Desktop, Downloads and Pictures inside it. If Desktop & Documents Folders is turned on for iCloud, your Documents folder is stored in iCloud Drive, so it also appears there and on your other devices.

How to fix it

1. Click the Finder icon at the left end of the Dock to open a Finder window.

2. Choose Go > Documents from the menu bar, or press Shift-Command-O.

   Finder›Go›Documents

3. If you use iCloud for Desktop and Documents, you'll also find Documents under iCloud Drive in the sidebar. It's the same folder, not a copy.

Still not fixed?

1. If Documents is missing from the sidebar, choose Finder > Settings…, click Sidebar and tick Documents.

   Finder›Settings…›Sidebar

2. To check whether your Documents folder syncs with iCloud, look at Desktop & Documents Folders in iCloud Drive settings.

   Apple Account›iCloud›Drive›Desktop & Documents Folders

3. Can't find one file? Press Command-Space and type part of its name, or open Go > Recents in Finder to see what you used lately.

   Finder›Go›Recents

4. If Documents looks empty, check iCloud Drive first, then your Time Machine backup if you have one. If your files are gone and the disk shows errors, contact Apple Support or a repair shop.