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Prepare a project for another Mac

Collect the edit, preserve source context, and verify the destination.

The project

Use an edit with original video, music, titles, and any derived media you rely on. Your goal is an inspectable project folder that can be opened from another location, rather than a loose collection of files that happens to work on your current Mac.

1. Clean up the working state

Save the project and resolve pending drafts. Create a named version of the handoff edit. Inspect Project Status for missing originals or mismatched derived representations before collecting anything.

Confirm which sequences and media the recipient needs. A final movie and an editable project are different deliverables.

2. Collect into a project folder

Choose Collect Media into a Project Folder (⌥⌘K). Select a destination with adequate free space and keep the resulting folder structure together. Include required source credits and relevant usage information.

Do not assume a stock license permits redistributing original files publicly. Use a handoff arrangement appropriate to the media rights.

3. Open from the new location

Open the collected project at the destination and inspect media status. Play representative edits and verify titles, captions, and sound. Check required fonts on the receiving Mac instead of assuming a substitute will preserve line wrapping.

Keep your original working copy until the destination check succeeds.

4. Leave a clear handoff note

Record the app build, intended sequence, canvas, frame rate, approved version name, and any known limitations. Identify the expected final movie and subtitle languages.

Review your result

Make a short export from the collected project and compare it with the approved reference. Correct missing dependencies before transferring responsibility. The recipient should be able to understand what to open and what “correct” looks like.

Keep exploring

Collecting a portable projectNamed versions and comparisonRelinking missing originals