Cloud-managed folders can contain local files, online-only placeholders, and content being synchronized. These states affect size calculation, comparison, and deletion.
Online-only placeholders
A placeholder may show a name and logical size without exposing full local contents. Duplicate or similar-file analysis can require downloading it first.
Use the cloud service’s normal command to make required files available offline, then rescan.
Understand deletion
Deleting a file from a synchronized folder can remove it from the cloud and other devices. It is not always equivalent to removing only the local download.
Use the provider’s “remove download” or storage-optimization command when you want to keep the cloud file but reclaim local space.
Wait for synchronization
Do not reorganize or remove large groups while sync reports errors or incomplete uploads. Confirm important files are fully uploaded and available from another trusted device or the web service.
Duplicates in cloud folders
Conflict copies and separate shared folders may be intentional. Review ownership, sharing, version history, and collaborators before removal.
Recovery
Cloud services may offer recently deleted items or version history, but retention is limited. Maintain an independent backup of irreplaceable data.