Transfer edited photos from one old installation to a new computer

Question

Hello community.
I need help with transitioning my LrC from one computer to another. Since on the old one there was a bit of a mess, I want to use this as a fresh start with a clean an stringent folder structure on a new external SSD
 
Setup:Old computer:

iMac 3,1 GHz Intel Core i5
Lightroom Classic 9.4
no support for Canons RAW .cr3 format
Files saved all over the place on multiple external HDs

New computer:

Macbook Pro 2,8 Ghz Intel Core i7
Lightroom Classic 12.5.1
one new big external SSD as designated storage space

Question:

How can I export the files (including the edits that were made on the files) to the new computer.
Since the RAW files are stored on the new SSD - how would you handle the exported final JPEGs?

Bill Sprague · Answer

Your question suggests that you might not fully understand how the Lightroom Classic system works. Please consider reading about the catalog and file management system.

If it were me, I would get the (free) e-book from the Lightroomqueen on how to move to a new computer. (https://www.lightroomqueen.com/members/free-membership/moving-free-ebook/)

The first step will be to copy the folder with the catalog in it to the new computer. Then add the new SSD to Lightroom. Then update to the newest version using the creative cloud app.

For the image files, plug each of your multiple drives, one at a time, and use Lightroom to move the files to the new SSD. Do not move them using Finder.

I don't understand your second question. Basically, if the RAWs are not in the Lightroom catalog, you will have to "Import" them. Remeber that in Lightroom "Import" only means registering where they are.

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