The Workflow Plan: Copy Libraries from El Capitan > Sierra

Alchroma wrote:

I would not expect any dramas going from Sierra to Mojave.

Al, Thanks for the comments, they are very useful and also confirm some of what has been written. The application has changed and improved over the years and it has been difficult to stay abreast of all the changes since 10.0.2.

Copying a Library is safer than moving.

I agree. Don't ask me why!

Yesterday was a struggle. Read through numerous articles (kb's, FC User Guide, etc.). Found this in "Move a Final Cut Pro Library", Published Nov 12, 2020, HT208805 that caused me to re-format the external drive to ensure the right boxes were checked so it was done correctly.

The first few Libraries (small ones) were Copied without any issues but the next two, big ones have issues with missing Project files. Really want to find a smooth workflow but due to the age of the Libraries, or the condition they were left in, the short plan is to Copy those that have no issues and deal with the problem ones as time allows.

Thanks again for commenting.

Al,

Thanks for all the numerous details.

Speaking of details, I like the saying “The devil is in the details”.

Q: "If some files are missing after the Copy: Did you Consolidate beforehand?"

Answer: Yes. Every time. (also Consolidate and deleted generated files). Also checked to ensure the newly Copied Library is working correctly. 

"Managed Media Libraries can be copied IMO with less to go wrong."

Helpful observation!

And a helpful troubleshooting comment you made:

"Another thing to consider is that copying can be done at a Project,  Event or Library level  depending on what is selected in the FCPro Browser. "

Another thing to consider is that copying can be done at a Project, Event or Library level depending on what is selected in the FCPro Browser.

You may be able to isolate a problem PROJECT this way copying one Project at a time.

This is a good “nugget”! (one of several, BTW) There have been some Library issues I've encountered and this will be a good procedure to use.

As an aside, not connected with the original post, what has taken me so long I’ve been working on Copying other files, such as thousands of pictures from iPhonto ’11 in order to move them a newer system. I’m not a photographer and most of these are not my own; however, some individuals feel the need to save them all. Not using iPhoto to migrate and instead just captured the individual files. Quite a few duplicates and, surprisingly, some different photos with the same exact file name. Hsve to sort though all these. Lots of file management.

Plan to take the photo files, bypass Sierra then straight to, say, Catalina or Big Sur. To avoid problems in the future, will also save them in a separate File Folder for future use protection. This has been a lot of work, hence, the time lag to reply.