How do I transfer Adobe Lightroom Classic from a Intel MacBook to a MacBook Pro M1? (Apple Silicon)

[EskilMann]

I have bought a MacBook Pro 14" M1 Max (Apple Silicon). Until now I worked on a Intel MacBook Pro 2015. Do I migrate the existing Adobe Lightroom Classic to the new computer? I need to have my Lightroom Catalog with me to the new computer. Or do I simply install the new Apple Silicon version of Adobe Lightroom on the new computer? (and how can I then migrate the Catalog?)

[JohanElzenga]

There is no 'silicon version'. Lightroom Classic contains both Intel and Apple Silicon code. So you simply install Lightroom Classic on the new computer, like you would on any other computer. Then you will have to transfer your catalog and images too. 

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/how-move-lightroom-to-new-computer/

[Conrad_C]

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@EskilMann wrote:

Do I migrate the existing Adobe Lightroom Classic to the new computer?

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Normally it’s OK to use the Apple Migration Assistant. But this time, because you are moving from an Intel Mac to a Apple Silicon Mac, it’s much better to re-install your applications (including the non-Adobe ones), instead of migrating.

The reason is that because you were using an Intel Mac, some applications may not be properly set up for Apple Silicon — especially if they are older versions. Re-installing on your new Mac ensures that both the Lightroom Classic code and the code for other installed components are the latest, Apple Silicon native versions (when available…a few minor Creative Cloud components outside of Lightroom Classic might still be Intel code).

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@EskilMann wrote:

(and how can I then migrate the Catalog?)

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That part is relatively easy. On your old Mac, make a note of the path that leads to the folder containing your current Lightroom Classic catalog and its previews and other files. Set up the same path on your new Mac, and copy that folder to that location. The link Johan posted is a standard guide for this, and it also includes information on how to get all your settings and presets across too.

[ts7]

Thanks so much to you both for this advice! I have a follow-up question. I also just updated to the 14" MacBook Pro M1, and unfortunately already used the Apple Migration Assistant to transfer everything from my 2013 Intel MacBook Pro. I can open LR and LR Classic and see all my photos on the new laptop, but I do get an alert about needing to update, and another about Rosetta. What do I do now? In Creative Cloud, it still says I can install LR and LR Classic. Do I just do that? And would I delete the versions of the LR and LR Classic that I already migrated over before installing the new versions? Also, what about all the photos Migration Assistant already transferred? Would I still need to follow the directions from LR Queen above re: catalogs? Thx!

[ts7]

@Conrad_C @JohanElzenga any advice?

[JohanElzenga]

I believe some parts of Creative Cloud still need Rosetta. Just install it. It's very likely that you'll need it for some other older software on your computer anyway. @Sean McCormack There should be no need to reinstall. There are no "M1 and Intel versions" of Lightroom or Photoshop. They contain the code for both processors and automatically use the correct code. Just install the updates and you should be fine.

[Sean McCormack]

Cheers @JohanElzenga the Mac Studio has been sitting on my bed since the 7th. I haven't had time to even unbox it, let alone investigate migration! 

[ts7]

Thanks to you both!

[Sean McCormack]

The catalogs and photos should be fine. Uninstall the apps and reinstall them. You may need to uninstall Creative Cloud and download it fresh from Adobe.com to have a non Rosetta versions. It's all ahead of me as I finally plug in my Mac Studio.