Moving data from HSF+ to APFS

I’m getting a new 2017 iMac with an SSD drive. I’m assuming that it will come with High Sierra and be formatted as APFS (it’s currently being shipped).

I also have an older 2014 iMac with a Fusion drive (upgraded progressively to High Sierra), which I assume has the HSF+ format. How do I move files and data from the old Mac to the new given this anticipated difference in file format? Does this preclude moving files / data via a flash drive? If so, is Migration Assistant my only option? If so, how do I avoid moving OS/system files? I’m anticipating that the various OSX updates I have done will have produced a lot of junk that I assume will do no good for a pristine new system.

Thanks for any advice.

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)

Posted on Dec 16, 2017 8:14 PM

Posted on Dec 16, 2017 8:36 PM

Just as would have always done. Files and folders can be transferred between disks of either format. Nothing special is required. If you don't wish to use Migration Assistant then connect the two computers by Ethernet via your home network's router and transfer across the network connection. You can also use your Time Machine backup and select what you want to transfer by restoration. Please visit Pondini's Time Machine FAQ for help with Time Machine. This is an extensive site with most everything you may need for using Time Machine. You will not find a better resource for Time Machine in one location. Due to the passing of James Pondini, the site is no longer being updated. Therefore, some of the information may be a little outdated.

Copy the files and folders you want to an external USB 3.0 drive then connect this drive to the new computer to restore the files and folders.

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