Is it OK/safe to "sync" desktop and laptop by saving "Backup file" to one, then restoring to the oth

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Using Quicken for Mac 2015 on two computers with OS Sierra:  Want to "sync" Q files between 27" iMac and 12" MacBook Retina.  Am saving "Backup file" to iMac desktop then restoring from same Q file on laptop via iCloud.  (Method is suggested by Q, but between computer and "Device" not necessarily between 2 computers.). Seems to work OK

NotACPA

Why not just use a USB/Thumb drive?  MUCH easier ... only a 1 time charge at most.

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NotACPA - QW HBRP 2019 said:

Why not just use a USB/Thumb drive?  MUCH easier ... only a 1 time charge at most.

That same Q backup file appears automatically on both desktops via iCloud.  Pretty easy to just select >file>restore from backup.  My concern:  The file is getting there via the cloud which seems to be not recommended.  Thx for the reply.

John_in_NC

NotACPA - QW HBRP 2019 said:

Why not just use a USB/Thumb drive?  MUCH easier ... only a 1 time charge at most.

You can safely move files between machines via iCloud in the manner you describe. I personally use this method as I find it easier than keeping a flash drive around in my travels.

You might read some references about saving to iCloud not being a good idea; that is in regards to storing your working file (i.e. not a backup) on iCloud.) Backups on iCloud are fine.

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NotACPA - QW HBRP 2019 said:

Why not just use a USB/Thumb drive?  MUCH easier ... only a 1 time charge at most.

Thank you John.  Your remarks make perfect sense and are what I had hoped to have confirmed.  What do you do with the new backup file once it serves its purpose? 

John_in_NC

NotACPA - QW HBRP 2019 said:

Why not just use a USB/Thumb drive?  MUCH easier ... only a 1 time charge at most.

Tip: a backup file is nothing more than a copy of your file that has been compressed ("zipped") by the MacOS.

When you move your backup file to the destination machine, you can change the file extension from .quickenbackup to .zip, and opening that will result in an uncompressed original file.

Basically, backups are the same as the original files; the file extensions are what triggers Quicken to do different things like restore, etc. 

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NotACPA - QW HBRP 2019 said:

Why not just use a USB/Thumb drive?  MUCH easier ... only a 1 time charge at most.

So, can I merely trash these backup files once they've served their purpose?  Ie, once I've restored to the new computer from the common backup file?

John_in_NC

NotACPA - QW HBRP 2019 said:

Why not just use a USB/Thumb drive?  MUCH easier ... only a 1 time charge at most.

If you restore the files, then yes, you can trash the backups.