cedar23

Q: can I copy FCP X projects and events to a new iMac?

I have just taken delivery of a new iMac and do not want to use migration assistant when setting it up, I prefer to do a clean install and set it up fresh. I was planning on using target disk mode to copy selected folders and files across. I will download the Apps again from the App store including FCP X.

If I copy the FCP X libraries to the new computer will I be able to just open up my projects and continue as before or will there be weirdness with permissions etc? Whenever I have set up a new mac before I have copied the stuff I want to move onto an external hard drive and then on to the new computer therefore starting all clean and fresh but as I still have the old iMac for a week until I sell I could use migration assistant if I have to but would much prefer not to if possible.

I have not started up the new iMac yet as I know it is better to make a decision about migration assistant before setting up.

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015), OS X El Capitan (10.11.5), null

Posted on Jul 4, 2016 7:03 AM

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Q: can I copy FCP X projects and events to a new iMac?

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  • by Tom Wolsky,

    Tom Wolsky Tom Wolsky Jul 4, 2016 7:05 AM in response to cedar23
    Level 10 (118,107 points)
    Apple TV
    Jul 4, 2016 7:05 AM in response to cedar23
    If I copy the FCP X libraries to the new computer will I be able to just open up my projects and continue as before or will there be weirdness with permissions etc?

     

    This depends entirely on whether you are worked with managed media or external media. If it's managed media then there shouldn't be a problem. If it's external media, use target disk mode and do the copying and consolidation from inside FCP.

  • by cedar23,

    cedar23 cedar23 Jul 4, 2016 7:10 AM in response to Tom Wolsky
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Video
    Jul 4, 2016 7:10 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

    That was quick..! Thanks. I think all my media is managed but I will go through it all and check. I have some old projects and media I no longer need so a clean install gives me the opportunity to do some culling.

  • by Russ H,

    Russ H Russ H Jul 4, 2016 12:25 PM in response to cedar23
    Level 7 (21,770 points)
    Quicktime
    Jul 4, 2016 12:25 PM in response to cedar23

    Depends. If your media is stored in the library bundles, you shouldn't need to relink. If is external, you will have to (which is no big deal, unless you have many projects and libraries you need to relink). If you have custom effects in your projects, make sure you move the Motions Templates folder (in Movies) to your new Mac. I can't see how permission issues would occur – unless you were moving items items from Time Machine backups. Good luck.

     

    Russ