# File Management

> Manage and secure content files on macOS Devices using Applivery — distribute files via Policies and ensure organizational security.

Source: https://docs.applivery.com/en/device-management/apple/macos/policies/file-management/  •  Last updated: 2026-03-27

**Key topics:** macOS file management, Mobile Device Management (MDM), Applivery, macOS

---

**TL;DR:** Securely distribute and manage content files on macOS devices using Applivery by adding files to policies, selecting file types, and configuring scope and location.

As businesses grow, so does the need to manage and secure data on Devices. Managing content files on macOS Devices is vital to maintaining productivity and security within an organization. 

File management in macOS allows you to upload files defining their location and attributes, assigning them to the system, all users, or the current user. With this configuration, you can distribute books, set up a wallpaper, or deploy certificates.

:::warning
To use this feature, ensure that the **Applivery macOS Agent** is enabled. You can learn more about it [here](https://docs.applivery.com/en/device-management/apple/apple-policies/agent/).
:::

**Adding a File to a Policy**

Once in the [**Applivery Dashboard**](https://dashboard.applivery.io/), go to any of your **Policies** 1 or [create a new one](https://docs.applivery.com/en/device-management/general-settings/create-device-policies/). From the left-hand menu, click on the **Resources** 2 section, then click the **\+ Add Resource** button 3.

![add resource](https://docs.applivery.com/int/_r2/media/09ac0a4e-3ad8-478f-9f15-3474973eec71/ade63557-2f89-45f2-b3ee-3fc13d6b5ab4.png)

**Select the File type**

A modal view will be displayed, allowing you to select the type of file you want to add to the Policy:

-   **Books**: in `.epub` or `.pdf` format.
    
-   **Certificates**: in `.p12`, `.pem` or `.der` format.
    
-   **Images**: in `.png` or `.jpg` format.

**Upload the File**

You can choose to upload the selected file either from the Resources section or from your Device.

Next, you can select both the **Scope** and the **Location** where the file will be saved. Once you choose the scope, in the Location field, you can either use the recommended location or define it yourself:

-   **Primary user**: The file will be saved for the current user and will be only accessible to them. The recommended path will be `~/AppliveryAssets`.
    
-   **All users**: The file will be saved in a shared folder accessible to all users. The recommended path will be `/Users/Shared/AppliveryAssets`.
    
-   **System**: The file will be stored in a protected path accessible only by root. The recommended path will be `/var/root/AppliveryAssets`.

:::info
File checks are performed every 10 minutes. If the file is not found, has changed in size, or has different attributes, it will be re-downloaded, overwriting the previous version.
:::