how to upgrade macbook pro hard drive mid 2010

(Can I do this without CCC? Using Disk Utility?) Make current (preferably bootable) backups for the HDD currently in the machine. (Do I have to do this? Will I be able to clean install OS from Recovery in a backup?) Make bootable installers for El Capitan and High Sierra This is my working plan, with questions inserted: I am prepared to remake the backups in a better way if using CCC is to be avoided. I have been warned (by a couple of very helpful, pro greybeards on iFixit) against cloning from a CCC bootable clone to move my data and instead to install the SSD, clean install High Sierra (for the sake of the APFS) and then run Migration Assistant from the current (by then removed) HDD via USB. I have a Crucial MX500 SSD and a new HD cable to install in the MBP. I have been slogging through what feels like 20% of the internet today trying to wrap my head around all the steps in this process.

I have two identical HDD bootable clones made with CCC. I need to cross a few different chasms here: from El Capitan to High Sierra from HDD to SSD from HFS+ to APFS. I have a series of questions pertaining to the general sequence of actions I need to take as well as what those specific actions are and how they are best performed. I am attempting to upgrade a 13' mid 2010 MBP running El Capitan. Greetings - first post, relatively new to forums in general, thanks for being patient with me!

How to upgrade macbook pro hard drive mid 2010