Sync apps and app settings?

Question

Level 1

10 points

Sync apps and app settings?

Hello,

My brother just gave me a nice 21 inch iMac. This is the first time in my life when I'm presented with the opportunity to work with 2 computers (already own a macbook pro 13in) and I'm trying to figure out workflows where I have my essential app settings on both machines.

I'm just looking for input on your workflow? How do you operate on more than one machine? I can sync essential apps like 1Password, Keyboard Maestro and Typinator, but I'm wondering if I can sync other or all my apps and app settings on multiple machines.

BTW: I own unlimited storage on Spideroak but they warn against syncing the Library folder or apps.

Thanks for your input and support.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014), OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), HD: 1 TB

Posted on Sep 22, 2017 10:16 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Oct 15, 2017 2:44 PM in response to nimai_pandit

I'm looking for an answer to this question, too, and so far I've found Mackup. To anyone who says not to use it, let me know of an alternative, or negative consequences and I'll consider not using it. But OSes should begin making this easier, especially today when people are likely to own multiple computers.

Reply

Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,564 points

Sep 22, 2017 11:03 AM in response to nimai_pandit

Please refer to iCloud - Learn how to set up iCloud on all your devices. - Apple

However my first suggestion is the computer likely wasn't prepared properly before gifting it to you. My guess is none of the steps in What to do before you sell or give away your Mac - Apple Support were followed.

Reply

Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,564 points

Sep 22, 2017 11:14 AM in response to nimai_pandit

If the apps came from the Mac App store then yes they can be synced assuming both computers use the same AppleID. If they are third party apps that did not come from the Apple Store you cannot sync the applications folders.

Reply

Answer 4

nimai_pandit Author

Level 1

10 points

Sep 22, 2017 11:07 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thank you for your quick support, however, this doesn't address my question. I am aware of icloud and how to use it and syncing files is not an issue for me.

My question: can I sync the library folder? Can I sync my applications folder?

The reason I want to know: I want preferences in my apps to be the same. I use launchbar (for example) which is a very powerful tool, and I want to know if there is a way to ensure the preferences are the same on all machines.

Are you saying it's possible to put my application support files and apps in iCloud?

Thanks for your support……

Reply

Answer 5

Sep 23, 2017 3:48 AM in response to nimai_pandit

Bottomline is that if an app doesn't have support for syncing

data and settings across devices (like the ones you mentioned),

then it is not possible.

Reply