No matter which solution you use, it is recommended to go for professional software. EaseUS Todo PCTrans helps transfer your data, applications, and account settings from one PC to another with simple clicks. For just transferring one file or one program, the free version - EaseUS. Oct 20, 2011 Transfer Mac Apps from One Mac to Another Oct 20, 2011 - 6 Comments With the addition of the Mac App Store, transferring applications from one Mac to another is made extraordinarily simple and can be done entirely through the App Store itself.
But it’s not Windows and the tools you would use to migrate a Windows workstation do not apply here. What you need to know is that when an Active Directory user logs onto a Mac, a local profile is created and associated with the network user via a UID. The local profile and settings are stored in the /Users/sourceUsername directory.
Migration Assistant makes it super easy to move data from your old Mac to your new one, either directly or from a Time Machine backup. You can connect two Macs with Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet, or even just using the same Wi-Fi network if you don't have one of these cables. Migrating your old data to your new computer will make it possible for you to start working on your brand new Mac without missing a beat.
If you are new to Mac, you can also migrate your old PC data.
Before you start
- Update your software - If your old Mac is running OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or earlier, you will need to update your software first.
- Name your old Mac - If you haven't done so already, make sure your old Mac has a name. Open System Preferences > Sharing > and enter a name in the Computer Name field.
- Connect your old and new computers to a power source - Both devices need to be plugged into a power source to ensure that you don't run out of juice in the middle of the migration process.
- Get your Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet cable ready - Direct connection is the fastest way to migrate your data from your old Mac to your new. If you don't have the required cable, you can use your local Wi-Fi network instead, but the process will be slower.
How to migrate your old Mac's data to your new Mac
Start with your old Mac
- Connect the Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet cable from your old Mac to your new Mac.
- If you are using local Wi-Fi, make sure both Macs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open your new Mac
- Launch a Finder window by clicking on the Finder icon in your Dock.
- Click on Applications in the sidebar.Source: iMore
- Double-click on the Utilities folder.
- Double-click on Migration Assistant.Source: iMore
- Click Continue.
- Enter your administrator password if prompted.
- Click OK.Source: iMore
- Click From a Mac... when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
Go back to your old Mac
- Launch a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in your Dock.
- Click on Applications in the sidebar.Source: iMore
- Double-click on the Utilities folder.
- Double-click on Migration Assistant.Source: iMore
- Click Continue.
- Enter your administrator password if prompted.
- Click OK.Source: iMore
- Click To a new Mac... when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
Go back to your new Mac
- Migration Assistant will be looking for a source. Select your old Mac (if you are using a Time Machine backup, select your Time Machine hard drive).
- Click Continue.
- A security code will display on the screen.
Source: iMore
![Transfer programs from one mac to another Transfer programs from one mac to another](/uploads/1/2/6/3/126304184/981084131.jpg)
Go back to your old Mac
- Confirm that the code on your old Mac is the same as the one on your new Mac.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
Go back to your new Mac
- Select the files, settings, apps, and other information you want to transfer to your new Mac.
- Click Continue.Source: iMore
This will probably take a while, so grab a cup of coffee and watch your favorite movie while the process takes place.
When you're done
Your new Mac should have all of the data that you selected to transfer. If you migrated everything, your new Mac will look almost exactly like your old one.
If you are planning on selling your old Mac, don't forget to clean it before transferring to its new owner.
Questions?
Let us know in the comments below!
Updated May 2020: Up-to-date for macOS Catalina.
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Transfer Software From One Mac To Another
For Mac OS X 10.6 and earlier, you will need the OEM installer disc.
For Mac OS X 10.7 and later, you can use the recovery partition on the original drive. To make sure you have a functional recovery partition, restart your computer and immediately hold down the Command + R keys until the Apple logo appears. If your computer boots into a four-option menu then you have a functional recovery partition that can install the OS. If your computer boots normally to your desktop then you do not have a recovery partition.
If you’re using Mac OS X 10.7 and later and do not have a functional recovery partition, and your computer is found on this list (or is newer than what’s in the list), you can use the Internet Recovery feature built into your Mac. To make sure you have access to Internet Recovery, restart your computer and immediately hold down the Command + Option + R keys until you see a spinning globe logo. If your computer does not have an internet connection it will prompt you to connect to a wireless network. If your computer boots into a four-option menu then you have the ability to use Internet Recovery.
If you are unable to use Internet Recovery you can create a USB installer using DiskMaker X, in order to install a clean OS.
For Mac OS X 10.7 and later, you can use the recovery partition on the original drive. To make sure you have a functional recovery partition, restart your computer and immediately hold down the Command + R keys until the Apple logo appears. If your computer boots into a four-option menu then you have a functional recovery partition that can install the OS. If your computer boots normally to your desktop then you do not have a recovery partition.
If you’re using Mac OS X 10.7 and later and do not have a functional recovery partition, and your computer is found on this list (or is newer than what’s in the list), you can use the Internet Recovery feature built into your Mac. To make sure you have access to Internet Recovery, restart your computer and immediately hold down the Command + Option + R keys until you see a spinning globe logo. If your computer does not have an internet connection it will prompt you to connect to a wireless network. If your computer boots into a four-option menu then you have the ability to use Internet Recovery.
If you are unable to use Internet Recovery you can create a USB installer using DiskMaker X, in order to install a clean OS.