Prevent iCloud Drive from removing specific folders

I'd like to use iCloud Drive to sync my documents + desktop.

However, many times it will remove projects while I'm still working on them (even small ones, like 10MB).

Is there some sort of flag that will tell macOS to sync a folder, but never remove it until I say so?

Mind that I wouldn't like to not sync a certain folder, I'd like to keep macOS from removing it to create purgeable space.

Solution 1:

As of macOS Sierra 10.12.4, it is not possible to flag individual folders to stay on your local drive at all times. This is an all-or-nothing toggle.

You may access it under  → System Preferences → iCloud → iCloud Drive Options… There, uncheck Optimize Mac Storage.

This will prevent your files/folders backed by iCloud from being purged automatically from the local storage.

Solution 2:

You can add '.nosync' to any file/folder name to prevent syncing. The element will only be saved in your local harddrive. (Works in Sierra, High Sierra, maybe other versions...not confirmed)