When I Migrate Docs from an old Document Library to a new one, does it copy metadata?

Question

I have a big document library with lots of column and data. I want to create a new library where I migrate them. Is there a way to copy over the files from old Document Library to new one and still have all the info from Columns values come over?

I am trying to do this in order to set off a workflow. Apparently, workflow goes into effect for each NEW file I am uploading and I would need to effect a manual change to each old file to enforce the workflow on them. Thoughts?

Answer 1

There are many options to migrate records (items or document) together with metadata (colums).

If possible in your case, the best is to save the original library as a template choosing the appropriate option to save also the content, then create the new library that will maintain all previous columns, metadata and also content type (if used).

If you have already created the new library and you cannot start from scratch, 1st you have to ensure that the destination library has the same columns (or you create the same), than you open both libraries using explore view and you copu (or cut) and paste: alternatively you can use move option for each document (more heavy job if you have many items)

If these 2 options are not feasible in your case, then think at powershell scripts and/or workflows, but keeping in mind that original copied documents will maintain their metadata, but these will be not visible in destination library if the destination library will not have the same columns

Hope this help to clarify the basics