iCloud Sync¶
Alcove uses CloudKit to keep your library in sync across all your Apple devices. Metadata — titles, ratings, tags, reading status, covers — syncs automatically. Book files sync separately and can be downloaded on demand.
How It Works¶
When you create a library with iCloud sync enabled, Alcove stores it in iCloud. Changes you make on one device — adding a book, updating a rating, changing tags — are pushed to your other devices automatically in the background.
Metadata and covers always sync. Book files (EPUBs, PDFs, etc.) are larger and handled separately: when a library first appears on a new device, it starts in Metadata Only mode, which means books show their title, cover, and metadata immediately, but the actual files are downloaded on demand when you open them. You can switch to downloading everything upfront using Download All Books in the Library menu or Library Manager.
Sync Status¶
The status bar at the bottom of the library window shows the current sync state.
| Icon | Description | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 |
Cloud with checkmark | Sync is up to date |
 |
Cloud with rotating arrows | Changes are syncing |
 |
Cloud with lightning bolt | Offline — no network connection |
 |
Cloud with exclamation mark | iCloud storage quota exceeded |
 |
Cloud with slash | This library is not synced with iCloud |
Cloud Badges on Books¶
A book that hasn't been downloaded to the current device shows a cloud badge on its cover. The book's metadata and cover art are already available, but the file itself isn't on this device yet.
To download a book: tap or click its cloud badge. The file downloads in the background; the badge disappears when it's ready to open.
To remove a local copy and return it to iCloud-only storage (freeing up local disk space): use the Book menu or context menu and choose Remove Download.
Mac Control-click the book and choose Remove Download, or use Book → Remove Download.
iPad Touch and hold the book and choose Remove Download from the context menu.
Download All Books¶
To download every book file in the current library to this device at once:
Mac Choose Library → Download All Books, or Control-click the library in the Library Manager and choose Download All Books.
iPad Tap the library name in the sidebar and tap Manage Libraries, then touch and hold the library and choose Download All Books.
Using Alcove Without iCloud¶
iCloud sync is optional. When creating a new library, uncheck Sync via iCloud to create a local-only library. All features work locally — changes won't appear on other devices.
You can have a mix of iCloud and local libraries. See Multiple Libraries.
Mac Multiple libraries can be open simultaneously, each in its own window.
iPad Only one library can be open at a time. Switch between libraries using the Library Manager.
Troubleshooting¶
Books aren't syncing
- Check that you're signed into iCloud on both devices
- Mac: System Settings → Apple ID
- iPad: Settings → [your name]
- Confirm iCloud Drive is enabled and not paused
- Try closing and reopening Alcove to trigger a fresh sync check
A book shows a cloud badge but won't download
- Check available storage space on the device
- Check your internet connection
- Try tapping or clicking the cloud badge again, or use the context menu and choose Download
"Quota exceeded" in the status bar
Your iCloud storage is full. Alcove cannot upload new books until space is freed. Free up space in: - Mac: System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Manage Storage - iPad: Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Manage Storage
Sync conflict
If the same book's metadata was changed on two devices while offline, Alcove keeps the most recent change when they reconnect. No data is lost.