Setting up Adobe CC on a second computer

[F.Quill]

Looking for any key points or advice from the kind folks here who know how to do everything!

I am looking at adding a MacBook Pro.   Currently using an older model iMac which will be retired - but only temporariIy.  For that haitus, however, the MacBook Pro (M4) will be the new computer work-home, for a few weeks.  Ideally, I would like Adobe CC, and all of the Adobe Apps (mainly LrC, PS, InDesign & Illustrator) and my Adobe Cloud contents to be functioning properly on the new MacBook Pro.  My work/files are all on an External HardDrive.  I only have the basic cloud storage plan and am not going to use it or rely on it for this setup, at this time.

Because I am used to working exclusively on an iMac, so far, I suspect that there may be a lot of things that work differently or set up differently on a MacBook Pro and I would like to be informed and prepared ahead of time, especially because this laptop will eventuall become the "other" computer and I will be back to using an iMac, for most of my work most of the time.

Is Step One setting up my Adobe CC account on the new device?

• Guessing that just requires that I log-in to Adobe?

• Any advice or best practice tips?

• Key points to watch for that might cause problems?

Would the resource from LR Queen - Missing FAQ - be the best place to find more steps to follow to ensure that Lightroom Classic will migrate and run my lrcat properly?

Even a few basic tips will be appreciated to help me make the move a bit smoother - fingers crossed!

Thank-you!

Current:  5K iMac 3.4 GHzQuad-Core Intel i5 - 16GB Memory (Ventura no longer supports LrC updates)

Looking at moving to:  MacBook Pro 10 core CPU, 10 core GPU, 16 core neral with 24 GB Unified

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

It should not be too difficult to set up your new Mac, especially because your files are on an external hard disk.

You can install CC apps on 2 machines, just download the CC app and log in with your current account.

Be careful with the application versions you install, if you want to go back later to your older machine (but. maybe I misunderstood that), if you install newer versions than are currently on your Imac, you may run into problems once you get back to your older machine with files saved in a newer version.

So before using the apps, make sure that they are the same versions by installing the older ones. 

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/download-install-apps/creative-cloud-apps/install-prev...

And since you mentioned Lightroom:

https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/kb/supported-versions.html?x-product=Helpx%2F1.0.0&x-produ...

[F.Quill]

Thank-you!  This is all very helpful.  I will make sure to set up the same versions of apps that I am currently using.  That is solid advice!  And I will check out the link you so kindly provided for the Lightroom Classic supported versions and read up before starting this.   (2018 or 2019 was the last time I upgraded anything and was happy to forget everything I had to do then!)

I spent some time here reading posts from other folks moving to new devices and having issues.  Don't want to be one of those so I am planning ahead.  Wish me luck!

In your experience, is this a situation where using the Adobe cloud would have made this transition a lot easier?

Just curious.  

[Ton Frederiks]

I certainly whish you luck. I don't think using the Adobe Clud would have made it easier in my opinion. Having my files on my machine and proper backupped feels more secure for me. Besides that the Adobe Cloud is not meant for storing your files but more and more for collaboration and commenting.

[F.Quill]

That is good to have confirmed and extremely helpful to not have it nagging in the back of my mind.  

Had a quick look through the links - all solid referential information.  Thank-you, again!

As the day is getting on, while all of my Adobe-related work has been the focus of my concerns for the new set-up,  it appears that may actually end up being the least of concerns.  But that's the digital era.  😊

[F.Quill]

Just popped back in to say how much I appreciate your solid advice regarding installing the same versions, for all of the Adobe apps that I am used to, on the new device.  Makes perfect sense and from reading strings from other related topics and posts in this community, it appears that Apple's lastest OS Tahoe (even with one update) is causing lots of user issues.   "Clickers" beware!   (We all want that newest version but it may help to wait for "dot" updates before clicking that button.) 

[Tarun Saini]

Hi @F.Quill,

Thanks for sharing your experience! You make a great point about keeping Adobe app versions consistent—it really helps avoid unexpected issues.

Also, you’re absolutely right about waiting for those “dot” updates before upgrading macOS. For anyone considering an update, it’s always a good idea to check Adobe’s official compatibility notes first to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Regards,

Tarun

[kglad · Accepted solution]

you can install the cc desktop app from here https://creative.adobe.com/products/creative-cloud on as many (mac and/or win) computers as you own and use it to install all (or some, if you want) of your cc subscription programs.

the only (insignificant for internet connected computers) limitation is that you can sign-in (and therefore start your adobe programs) on, at most, two computers without signing-out. because you can sign out from either (or both) signed-in computers using a 3rd computer, this could not (imo) be easier.

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/using/install-apps-number-of-computers.html#:~:text=Activat....

also, migrate no adobe executables.  properly install them as described here.

[F.Quill]

Awesome!  Thank-you for the info and links.   I will read all before starting the process.  This move and upgrade is long overdue but so out-of-my-scope.  I appreciate being better prepared and informed ahead of time.  Excellent advice regarding properly installing the executables!  

Have a great day!

[kglad]

and i agree with @Ton Frederiks regarding my files.  i trust no online service with my files.  i'll use online storage for convenience when it suits me, but certainly never with a file i don't want public (eg, my financial info).

[F.Quill]

Terrific!  You have given me some great links, tips, and solid advice.  The links are great - covers a lot of just what I need to know.  One more thing I can now check off my preparedness list. ✔︎  Thank-you, again!

[kglad]

you're very welcome.