Clean install apps or use Migration Assistant?

[carbontune]

I have a new iMac on order and need to migrate apps and data from my late 2012 Mac Mini onto it. I realise that I can use Migration Assistant to accomplish this but the idea of fresh installs appeals to me.

In particular I would like to take the opportunity to buy and install upgraded versions of my current apps onto the new machine - e.g. Photoshop Elements, CleanMyMac, etc.

As time is not an issue and I will have both Macs running at the same time for a while, would a clean install of apps work and then I can just copy my data/libraries over?

 

[Lunder89]

If you go to the Library folder in your homefolder and then "Application support", you should be able to find the folders you need to copy here. These are the folders that contain all the preference files specific to your user. Common settings are in the Library folder in your harddrive. (Often named Macintosh HD)

To open your homefolders Library folder: Click the desktop, pull down the "Go" menu and hold down OPTION on the keyboard, the Library folder will then be shown in the list.

For App Store apps, you folders you need to copy are in your homefolder > Library > Containers

If all application can copy their settings I am unsure of. I am mostly concerned about Photoshop. But if you Google migration or move to new computer for the most important apps, you can find additional info about which files are needed for each app.

I have never once used the Migration Assistent, I like to sit down and install and copy all my software and stuff on to a new Mac. For me, it is sort of a ritual. I often nuke-and-pave when new a new version of macOS comes out. I feel like it is a more efficient way to get rid of system garbage.

But that is just my preference. I won't talk your out of setting things up manually, if you have the skill to do so. (Meaning you know you can do it, without loosing anything important)

 

[chscag]

I have a new iMac on order and need to migrate apps and data from my late 2012 Mac Mini onto it. I realise that I can use Migration Assistant to accomplish this but the idea of fresh installs appeals to me.

In particular I would like to take the opportunity to buy and install upgraded versions of my current apps onto the new machine - e.g. Photoshop Elements, CleanMyMac, etc.

As time is not an issue and I will have both Macs running at the same time for a while, would a clean install of apps work and then I can just copy my data/libraries over?

I use Time Machine and the MI to move from one Mac to another. The key to doing that is not to create an account on the new Mac first. Attach your latest Time Machine backup to the new Mac and let the Migration take place. Fast and easy. You can always update your apps on the new Mac. I've been doing that for years and have never run into a problem. Some folks like the fresh install approach - your choice of course.

 

[carbontune]

I did a clean install and networked the Mac mini together with my iMac. I then just browsed the Mac mini from the iMac to copy files over. I created an identical account on my iMac so there were no authentication issues and everything from iCloud, including Keychain, appeared on my iMac. I did install all my apps from scratch and installed newer of some of them during the process.

I've got my massive flight sim app (X-Plane 11) and my iTunes library on my external drive.

The process was unnervingly simple!