Where do files downloaded from the internet go by default?

Files downloaded from the internet are stored in the Downloads folder by default. This folder is a standard location across many operating systems, including macOS, making it easy for users to find recently downloaded files quickly. It is specifically designed for this purpose and helps in organizing files that are fetched from the web.

While options like Documents, Desktop, and iCloud Drive are also common locations where files can be saved, they are not the default destination for downloaded files. Documents is typically used for user-created or organized files, Desktop serves as a quick-access area for files you want to see immediately upon logging in, and iCloud Drive is used for cloud-based file storage synced across devices. Thus, when you download a file, the operating system automatically saves it in the Downloads folder to streamline access and organization.