How to transfer apps to new Mac?

[Raven]

Over the past few months, I've posted problems here that were due to my 27" iMac Intel 1 TB HD getting full. It was got to the point where it wouldn't work at all or even boot up properly. I couldn't even use Apple mail anymore.
I had cloned and stored all my graphic working files on two EHDs. I transferred 150 GB of files to my EHD hoping it would give me some HD room to continue to work on several design projects. My OS is still 10.14.6. I have to stay at that for a few months to continue to use my Adobe CS6 apps. I am slowly learning and moving to Affinity apps so I can buy a new iMac & new OS.
I called Apple Care and they were helpful. We had to use Disk Utility to erase the old HD and restore it. Now at least I have 150 GB of HD space to keep working.

BUT, how do I transfer my 3 Adobe apps and a few others from my EHD to my restored iMac? Do I just drag the apps over or is there a special migration process? I can transfer any working files from the EHD to the iMac as I need it, but I need my Adobe CS6 apps to open them on the iMac.

And how do I get my 20,000 emails and email folders back to the iMac? I don't even know where they are! Your good advice would get me back on track.

[jchuzi]

My best suggestion is to launch Migration Assistant (Applications/Utilities) and follow the prompts.

[Raven]

jchuzi, If I do that will it add old OS files, my Adobe apps and work files as well, and totally fill up my HD where it was before? When Apple Care helped me restore the OS, I ended up with 150 GB of extra HD space. Which is good. How can I prevent certain non Apple apps, fonts, etc from being reloaded? I just don't want to end up with an overloaded HD and the same problem as before.

[jchuzi]

I have no way to test this, but I believe that you can specify what Migration Assistant imports. You should be able to cancel if your choices look bad.

[Xairbusdriver]

First, I don't have recent experience using Migration Assistant, it's been several years; last time I bought a new Mac. However, I suspect MA will not be helpful in this case.

Based on the Apple Support and Forum pages I see, MA is designed for OS transfers/updating. It only offers a catch-all "Other Files & Folders" opition for stuff that is not important OS files.

You want to transfer only a limited number of items, correct?

As I understand it, you want to "I transfer my 3 Adobe apps and a few others". I'd suggest just using the standard 'drag-n-drop' copying. The problem I would fear is that Adobe won't allow/like that method.

Sources:
Apple Support: Use Migration Assistant (see images on that page)
Apple Community: Can I transfer only specific files or folders through migration assistant?

[Raven]

Thanks XAirbusdriver.
I will try the drag and drop approach. I do know that Adobe adds other elements to the OS including specific Adobe fonts that are plunked into other folders. I simply don't want to drag everything that I had cloned on my EHD to prevent filling up my iMac HD and ending up with the same problem I had before.

[Raven]

A late end to this issue:
Bought a MacBook Air 2025 so I could continue to use email and take over from my 2012 MacBook Pro. Love it! Very fast!.
Saved all my work files on EHD to access them when needed. Saved my current work files on a USB drive and then transferred to the Air. Was able to download all non Apple apps except for the Adobe CS6 apps. Didn't know that would happen. So, I keep my old iMac as a storage device for old designs files. Now learning how to use Affinity apps to do new work.

What to do with my old 15" MBPro? Can I update OS and sell it?

[Xairbusdriver]

Search the webs using something like like "Sell my laptop". I sold an old iPad for cash.

You will probably find a site that has you fill out a form describing your device and it's physical condition. Be honest. After that, they may offer you a price. If you choose to accept the offer, you will only be paid after they receive the device to confirm it works (if you claimed it does) and it's condition.

They may decide that your description was not accurate. They may then offer you a reduced price. You then have to choose between accepting the new price or pay to have the device shipped back to you.

Be sure to understand the whole process.

[jchuzi]

If selling it is not in the cards, Apple offers a recycling program wherein they pay for shipping it back to them.

[Raven]

Thank you both. I'll try selling it locally.