I am migrating to a newer version of Media Encoder on my MAC (14.9 Build 48 to 24.6.1). Need help with migrating / backing up ALL settings presets etc.

Question

I am migrating to a newer version of Adobe Media Encoder on my MAC (14.9 Build 48 to 24.6.1). I want to backup /migrate ALL Settings, Presets, workspaces, keyboard shortcuts, plugins, templates, scripts etc. I found a few steps from a google search but want to check with an expert to make sure I am not missing any other files/folders that I should migrate over. Also, since I am migrating from an old version to new version ensure that I am copying over only the files needed to ensure a smooth transition to newer version. Thank you in advance!

Here’s the steps I found:

1. ~/Documents/Adobe/Adobe Media Encoder/[Old_Version]/

This is the single most critical folder for Media Encoder. This directory holds your actual, custom-created Encoding and Ingest Presets (like custom YouTube, ProRes, or client-specific export configurations). [1, 2]

What to copy: Look for a folder simply named Presets. Inside, you will see a collection of .epr files.
Note: If you have ever used Adobe's Cloud Sync feature, your presets might be tucked one layer deeper inside a folder named after your Adobe ID email. Copy those .epr files out.
Where to put it: Paste those .epr files directly into the Presets folder of your new version directory (e.g., migrating from 17.0 to 24.0). [1, 2]

2. ~/Library/Preferences/Adobe/Adobe Media Encoder/[Old_Version]/

Just like the other apps, this hidden system folder tracks your UI Workspaces, App Options, and Keyboard Layouts. [1]

What to copy: Copy the Layouts folder if you have customized the arrangement of your Queue, Preset Browser, and Encoding panels.
What to ignore: Leave the core preference text files behind. It is always best to let the new version of Media Encoder generate a fresh preference profile so your hardware acceleration and GPU render settings target your Mac’s hardware correctly. [1]

Kevin-Monahan · Answer

Hi again @melissag57222326,I did a little digging and I think you're on the right track. Overall, I'd be a little conservative with what you copy over. Since you're jumping from AME 14.9 to 24.6.1, I'd migrate your user-created assets but let the newer version generate its own preference files.Here's what I'd recommend:1. Custom Presets~/Documents/Adobe/Adobe Media Encoder//This is the most important folder. It contains your custom Encoding and Ingest Presets (.epr files).Copy the Presets folder (or just the .eprfiles).If you previously used Adobe's sync feature, also check for a folder named after your Adobe ID, as your presets may be stored there.Copy those presets into the corresponding Presets folder for the new version.2. Workspaces / Layouts~/Library/Preferences/Adobe/Adobe Media Encoder//This folder contains your custom workspace layouts.I'd copy the Layouts folder if you've customized your workspace.I would not copy the entire preferences folder. Let AME 24 create fresh preferences so it can configure hardware acceleration, GPU settings, and other version-specific options correctly.A few other things I'd checkBesides the two locations above, I'd also verify whether you have any:Custom keyboard shortcutsWatch folders (if you use them)Third-party plugins (I'd generally reinstall these rather than copy them)Custom scriptsCustom templatesCustom LUTs, if you've installed any outside the applicationOne thing I would definitely avoid copying is the media cache or the main preference files. Those are better rebuilt by the new version.Your migration plan looks solid overall. The only thing I'd add is a quick check for any custom plugins or scripts before uninstalling the old version, just so nothing gets left behind.Hope that helps, and let us know how the migration goes!Thanks,Kevin

1. Custom Presets

2. Workspaces / Layouts

A few other things I'd check

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