iCloud & iCloud Photos · iCloud Drive basics
Does iCloud back up my Mac's apps?
Short answer: No — iCloud doesn't store your Mac's apps. Re-download App Store apps from your purchases and others from their makers; some apps sync their settings or documents through iCloud. Use Migration Assistant to move everything to a new Mac.
No. iCloud doesn't keep copies of your Mac's apps. Apps from the App Store can be downloaded again any time from your purchases; apps from elsewhere come back from their makers' websites or installers. Some apps keep their settings or documents in iCloud, which return when you sign in again.
To move everything — apps, settings and files — to a new Mac, use Migration Assistant with a Time Machine backup or the old Mac. Apps Storage Studio moved stay on your external drive — see Backups for protecting everything.