How to transfer files and apps to new iMac from MacBook Pro

Since I only want specific apps and files on the new Mac what is the best way to transfer from one to the other, old to new. I want to keep the operating system that is on the new one which is older than the one on my old Macbook Pro. Transferring to a 2015-2017 iMac from a 2015-2017 Macbook Pro, thanks,

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