Plain English guide

Cloud Storage vs File Transfer

These two tools are often confused. They do different jobs — and many creators end up needing both.

What cloud storage is (in simple terms)

Cloud storage is where your files live long-term. Think of it as your digital filing cabinet that syncs across devices.

  • Stores your full library
  • Syncs files across computers
  • Often includes version history and recovery

What file transfer tools do

File transfer tools are for sending files, not storing them forever. They’re built for speed, delivery, and client experience.

  • Send large files quickly
  • Links expire after delivery
  • Password protection and download limits

When you need cloud storage

  • You work with multi-TB libraries
  • You switch between devices
  • You need backups and recovery

When you need file transfer

  • You send projects to clients
  • You don’t want clients browsing your entire storage
  • You want clean delivery links

Most creators need both

A common setup:

  • Cloud storage for your master files
  • File transfer for client delivery

If storage is your main concern, start with the Cloud Storage Advisor. If delivery is the pain point, explore file transfer tools.