How GDrive Files On-Demand Works 1 How GDrive Files On-Demand Works: Instead of downloading all files to your hard drive, this feature allows files to appear in your File Explorer/Finder, but they are only downloaded when you actually need them (i.e., when you open them). 2 Icons: You will usually see different icons next to files to indicate their status: A cloud icon: The file is only in the cloud and does not take up local space. An icon with a green check mark: The file has been downloaded and is available offline. 3 Freeing Up Space: You can right-click on a file or folder that has been downloaded and choose the "Free Up Space" (or "Make Available Online Only") option. This will delete the local copy of the file, freeing up space on your hard drive while still allowing it to be accessed from the cloud.