Can you copy specific data from a TM backup?

[MrMister111]

I have a backup of iMac using Time Machine. If I got a new iMac or MacBook, I’d prefer to start afresh but need some of the documents etc.

So rather than restoring from a TM backup can I just plug it in after and just navigate the actual folders of the TM backup and pick and copy out what I need?

Also some of the folders I noticed on the TM when missing are locked, as they are for other users on it. Is there a way to get into these somehow if I needed to get some files on the new Mac?

Thanks

 

[casperes1996]

Yes.
I don't know about locked folders. Would assume you could just chown them.

 

[Brian33]

can I just plug it in after and just navigate the actual folders of the TM backup and pick and copy out what I need?

Yes.

files...are locked, as they are for other users on it. Is there a way to get into these somehow if I needed to get some files on the new Mac?

I think the files are looking that way because they are owned by a user different from the one you're currently logged in as. Assuming your TM backup is on an external drive, there's an easy way around this: when you plug the drive into your new machine, just ensure that the drive is set to "Ignore ownership on this volume" (that is, the box is checked). Get there by Right-click on drive-->Get Info, then look at the very bottom of the Info window.

Once that is set, any user can copy any file off of the external drive.