Move Imovie Library To New Mac

The Mac line comes with a program called Migration Assistant, which makes it super easy to move data across your computers or even from a Time Machine backup. You can connect two devices using Thunderbolt, FireWire, Ethernet, or even just using the same Wi-Fi network if you don't have the required cable. Migrating your old data to your new computer will make it possible for you to start working on your brand new Mac without missing a beat.

Managing iMovie Libraries and Files iMovie version 10 uses a new system for storing clips and projects. It is very easy to be able to create and use multiple iMovie libraries and move items between them. You can store archived projects in libraries, and even spread your projects across multiple hard drives. This guide will show you how to move an iMovie project to another Mac or to an external hard drive. This is especially useful if your Mac hard drive is small and you prefer to store your iMovie projects externally. Or, for example, if you got a new Macbook and want to transfer only specific iMovie projects to it.

If you are new to Mac, you can also migrate your old PC data.

Before you start

  • Update your software - If your old Mac is running OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or earlier, you will need to update your software first.
  • Name your old Mac - If you haven't done so already, make sure your old Mac has a name. Open System Preferences > Sharing > and enter a name in the Computer Name field.
  • Connect your old and new computers to a power source - Both devices need to be plugged into a power source to ensure that you don't run out of juice in the middle of the migration process.
  • Get your Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet cable ready - Direct connection is the fastest way to migrate your data from your old Mac to your new. If you don't have the required cable, you can use your local Wi-Fi network instead, but the process will be slower.

How to migrate your old Mac's data to your new Mac

Start with your old Mac

Move
  1. Connect the Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet cable from your old Mac to your new Mac.
    • If you are using local Wi-Fi, make sure both Macs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Open your new Mac

Export Imovie Library

  1. Launch a Finder window by clicking on the Finder icon in your Dock.

  2. Click on Applications in the sidebar.

    Source: iMore

  3. Double-click on the Utilities folder.

  4. Double-click on Migration Assistant.

    Source: iMore

  5. Click Continue.
  6. Enter your administrator password if prompted.

  7. Click OK.

    Source: iMore

  8. Click From a Mac... when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.

  9. Click Continue.

    Source: iMore

Go back to your old Mac

  1. Launch a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in your Dock.

  2. Click on Applications in the sidebar.

    Source: iMore

  3. Double-click on the Utilities folder.

  4. Double-click on Migration Assistant.

    Source: iMore

  5. Click Continue.
  6. Enter your administrator password if prompted.

  7. Click OK.

    Source: iMore

  8. Click To a new Mac... when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.

  9. Click Continue.

    Source: iMore

Go back to your new Mac

  1. Migration Assistant will be looking for a source. Select your old Mac (if you are using a Time Machine backup, select your Time Machine hard drive).

  2. Click Continue.

    • A security code will display on the screen.

    Source: iMore

Go back to your old Mac

  1. Confirm that the code on your old Mac is the same as the one on your new Mac.

  2. Click Continue.

    Source: iMore

Go back to your new Mac

  1. Select the files, settings, apps, and other information you want to transfer to your new Mac.

  2. Click Continue.

    Source: iMore

This will probably take a while, so grab a cup of coffee and watch your favorite movie while the process takes place.

When you're done

Imovie Library Location

Your new Mac should have all of the data that you selected to transfer. If you migrated everything, your new Mac will look almost exactly like your old one.

If you are planning on selling your old Mac, don't forget to clean it before transferring to its new owner.

Questions?

Let us know in the comments below!

Updated December 2019: Current through macOS Catalina.

Move Imovie Library To New Mac

MacBook Pro

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Money well spent

You can save the cost of a MacBook Air by buying a refurbished Mac Pro

Apple's current Mac Pro is now available as a refurbished item from apple.com.