migrating data to new MacBook Pro 14" - M1 Pro

Not that article, that is for something different.

You need to reading this article instead:

Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

Hi wheel64,

If you only want to transfer certain documents and files, then you're correct; the Migration Assistant app is intended for migrating categories of data (such as entire user accounts, applications and their data, etc.)

That said, there should be nothing preventing application files from running on another computer. That's why Migration Assistant exists, to ensure everything is done in a clean manner and your apps work as they did before. The only thing that could possibly cause issues (as far as I'm aware) are app licenses, if the app developer even implements such a system (a notable example is Microsoft Office). Nonetheless, there should be no need to re-install your apps fresh.

Also, the Library folders can hold quite a bit of useful data:

• The system-wide Library folder contains system-wide preferences, components of third-party apps that run system-wide, as well as certain system-wide app data.

• The per-user Library folder contains all of your user account preferences and your Apple ID settings. It also holds data stored inside of your apps.

If you use Setup Assistant at first run, or Migration Assistant later, you get a variant of this dialog box.

So just select User files and be done.

+1

It is completely possible to just transfer over your user account and leave the old apps and system data behind.