linux machine migration

[yuhao-pi]

If I change to a new Mac and install orbstack on the new Mac, can I just copy the linux machine under the orbstack volume on the original machine to the new Mac and use it properly?

[kdrag0n]

No. Use tar to copy ~/.orbstack/data.

It's very important that you use tar instead of cp or other tools.

[moonpost]

I have just done that from my old mac trashcan to my newer mac studio. not seeing my data in images / volumes / containers? any ideas why or how to fix?

[kdrag0n]

The data location has changed. See https://docs.orbstack.dev/faq#orbstack-folder

[dfallman]

I'm trying this now. Doing a tar -czvf ~/orbstack_backup.tar.gz ~/Library/Group\ Containers/HUAQ24HBR6.dev.orbstack/data to save the linux machine to be migrated to a new mac. It's taking a long time, is that to be expected?

As in, it's been running for about an hour and the resulting file is just up to ~5GB

Edit: this didn't work. I don't recommend anyone to try this anymore as the file that's generated when you try to un-tar will eat up all space on your machine. You'll basically have to reboot and delete. Use the built-in export/import (see below)

[kdrag0n]

OrbStack supports importing/exporting machines now, so you should just use that.

[dfallman]

@kdrag0n that sounds great, is there a doc? I can't figure out how this is done in the app. This is a linux machine, not a docker container.

Edit: Worked it out, it's just a little unclear how you export in the app as it's not as far as I can see a menu option. Instead, to export, you'll need to right click on a machine and select Export. Then copy that file over and click on the Import button in the UI. Perhaps this should be added to the menus as well for future releases?