Copy local Mail folders from one Mac to another?

[zqbobs]

I've recently changed my desktop from a 2017 iMac running Ventura 13.7.1 to a 2024 MacBook Air running Sonoma 14.7.1. I did not use Migration Assistant because the Air had already been in use for a few months, and I didn't want to lose Sonoma and disrupt what was working on the Air.

On the iMac, I used local folders to organize emails within Mail ("On My Mac") for years. I still have the iMac - is there a simple way to copy those folders intact over to the Air and continue using them within Mail? Where are they stored in Ventura/Sonoma?

Thanks!

 

[Fishrrman]

Get an external USB drive. Even a USB flashdrive would work, IF there is sufficient space.

Connect it to the OLD Mac.

Go to:
home/library

In "library" locate the folder named "Mail". Copy it to the external USB drive.

Now, connect the USB drive to the NEW Mac.

Open the Mail.app. From the File menu choose "import mailboxes..."

You should see a dialog that looks something like this:

I'd try the default setting of "Apple Mail" first, and click "continue".

You'll now be asked to "point the way" towards the mail you want to import.
Select the "Mail" folder on the external drive.

It's been some time since I did this, but I believe all the mailboxes on from the OLD Mac will get imported into a new folder (probably named something like "imported mail") in your "on my Mac" area.

If successful, you'll probably still have some work, moving and arranging folders and mail files around. One has to do, what one has to do.

Let us know if this works.

 

[chown33]

The Mail app can export or import bulk emails in MBOX format.

Import or export mailboxes in Mail on Mac

Use Mail on your Mac to import emails and mailboxes in Apple Mail or mbox format and to export mailboxes in mbox format.

support.apple.com

After exporting, you can use a USB drive, an SD card, or File Sharing to transfer them to the new Mac.

Set up file sharing on Mac

Share the files and folders on your Mac with others on your network. Share your entire Mac or allow specific users access to certain folders.

support.apple.com

With the right cable, you could also use Target Disk Mode on the originating unit.

Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode

You can connect two Mac computers using a USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt cable, then transfer files.

support.apple.com

 

[FreakinEurekan]

is there a simple way

There is a way, like @chown33 described. It's not "simple" in that each mailbox is imported into a separate file, and when imported needs to be re-named and re-organized to the way you had it.

The "Simple" way is drag them all to IMAP.

 

[zqbobs]

Thank you all! The steps laid out by Fishrrman worked as expected, with a little further organization to do (but it appears to be not much). 7GB and 18,000 messages of email history - great!

I did not try the individual folder export or the IMAP approach (?), but with dozens and dozens of folders and subfolders, I think the [iMac copy->USB->import MBA] process seems to have done it. Will post if any problems are found.