Hygienic beta testing
I'd like to try out the 8.2 beta on my M1 Mac. I've never run 2 versions of Max on the same machine, so I'm wondering what process I should follow to make sure that my existing Max 8.1 work isn't messed up.
If I open a patch that I'm working on in Max 8.1 in 8.2, and then save it, will I still be able to open it in 8.1, or should I duplicate anything I want to open in 8.2 and work on the copy?
Will anything else in the Documents/Max 8 folder be altered irrevocably by running the beta?
What about files in Application Support/Cycling '74?
Anything else I should be aware of?
Thanks.
David
Hi David,
I generally just either rename the first version of Max, or choose 'keep both' when installing, then rename the new app. Renaming the .app bundle shouldn't affect anything.
Max 8.2 should generally be backwards compatible, though of course some new features will not work in older versions.
~/Documents/Max 8 should not be affected by running two versions.
~/Library/Application Support/Cycling '74/Max 8 will get modified by opening Max 8.2, but again, it should not negatively affect running Max 8.1.x later. There are a few preferences that will of course not work.
To be safe, when testing beta software, I do recommend that people keep backup copies of their work in case something goes awry.
Thanks for testing, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.