# DEVONsphere

**URL:** https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/c/devonsphere/9.md

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## [About the DEVONsphere category](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/about-the-devonsphere-category/16)

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**Author:** [@system](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/system)\
**Replies:** 0

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Discuss DEVONsphere, our menu bar search. Get inspired and follow yet untrodden paths.

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## [Where should DevonSphere look?](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/where-should-devonsphere-look/87012)

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**Author:** [@kewms](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/kewms)\
**Replies:** 30\
**Last updated:** [May 29, 2026, 7:00pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/where-should-devonsphere-look/87012 "2026-05-29T19:00:23Z")

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DevonSphere’s See Also function is only surfacing documents from my DT databases. I’ve already got DT for that, and my understanding was that DS is intended to look at my whole system. Am I confused? (Version 1.9.9. Ye…

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## [Using Alfred or Keyboard Maestro to trigger search -- is it possible?](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/using-alfred-or-keyboard-maestro-to-trigger-search-is-it-possible/59915)

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**Author:** [@valente](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/valente)\
**Replies:** 11\
**Last updated:** [May 1, 2026, 5:21am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/using-alfred-or-keyboard-maestro-to-trigger-search-is-it-possible/59915 "2026-05-01T05:21:54Z")

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I’m trying out DEVONsphere and would like to know if its possible to use Alfred or Keyboard Maestro to trigger a search. – MJ

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## [Thanks for the 1.9.9 update!](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/thanks-for-the-1-9-9-update/86639)

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**Author:** [@davem](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/davem)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [April 28, 2026, 5:24pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/thanks-for-the-1-9-9-update/86639 "2026-04-28T17:24:10Z")

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It seems nimbler and less resource-demanding (after a freeze the first time I ran the update). Good to see it still has a place. It’s very neat to surface dimly-remembered DEVONthink documents as I work (but I wish you’…

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## [How to setup DevonSphere?](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/how-to-setup-devonsphere/75528)

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**Author:** [@tinksquared](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/tinksquared)\
**Replies:** 13\
**Last updated:** [March 15, 2026, 10:47am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/how-to-setup-devonsphere/75528 "2026-03-15T10:47:50Z")

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I’m feeling like an absolute moron here. I just purchased and installed DevonSphere Express. I see it in my Applications folder. But when I click on it, nothing happens. Since I can’t seem to open anything, I don’t h…

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## [DEVONsphere crazy power usage and potential memory leak - other apps don’t start](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-crazy-power-usage-and-potential-memory-leak-other-apps-don-t-start/86510)

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**Author:** [@Abdt](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/Abdt)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 12:36pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-crazy-power-usage-and-potential-memory-leak-other-apps-don-t-start/86510 "2026-03-06T12:36:46Z")

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Hi all, Starting few months back what was happening with my Mac was that I had to restart it after 2 days, max 3 (which is very frustrating). Before that this was not the case, I was running many stuff, 2-3 week maybe, …

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## [Can DEVONsphere index iptc metadata and image catalogs?](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/can-devonsphere-index-iptc-metadata-and-image-catalogs/85409)

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**Author:** [@fharvey](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/fharvey)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [January 27, 2026, 3:13pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/can-devonsphere-index-iptc-metadata-and-image-catalogs/85409 "2026-01-27T15:13:59Z")

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Hello, I’m evaluating DEVONsphere for my partner with a photography business. The goal I want to suggest is using DEVONsphere to index the metadata from over 20,000 images and, ideally, also index image catalogs by thei…

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## [More info on search syntax and searching in Devonthink](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/more-info-on-search-syntax-and-searching-in-devonthink/84418)

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**Author:** [@Abdt](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/Abdt)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [September 22, 2025, 6:43pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/more-info-on-search-syntax-and-searching-in-devonthink/84418 "2025-09-22T18:43:39Z")

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Hi, I’ve installed D/sphere to test and see if it will add value in my daily workflow. I’ve checked this as well I did some search in this forum. My question is: is there some place/document where whole search syn…

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## [DEVONsphere power consumption](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-power-consumption/85024)

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**Author:** [@tonytx05](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/tonytx05)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [September 16, 2025, 3:26pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-power-consumption/85024 "2025-09-16T15:26:09Z")

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Does DS take into consideration running on battery or low power mode when indexing is set to “Automatically”? My battery life seems to go to :poop: after installing DS.

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## [Why does DEVONsphere keep asking for permissions and freeze? The directories where I want it to search info are specified in Preferences](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/why-does-devonsphere-keep-asking-for-permissions-and-freeze-the-directories-where-i-want-it-to-search-info-are-specified-in-preferences/68291)

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**Author:** [@Vincenzo](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/Vincenzo)\
**Replies:** 21\
**Last updated:** [August 12, 2025, 11:21am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/why-does-devonsphere-keep-asking-for-permissions-and-freeze-the-directories-where-i-want-it-to-search-info-are-specified-in-preferences/68291 "2025-08-12T11:21:31Z")

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Why does DEVONsphere constantly keep asking for permissions and freeze (pops up dialogs behind the main Application window)? Also, there is no way to force-close the Application, but to kill it from Activity Monitor. T…

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## [DevonSphere won't launch from menubar](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-wont-launch-from-menubar/77158)

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**Author:** [@RandallLeeReetz](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/RandallLeeReetz)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [July 20, 2025, 1:30pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-wont-launch-from-menubar/77158 "2025-07-20T13:30:37Z")

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Spinning beachball whenever I put my cursor over the DevonSphere app icon in the menubar. Clicking on it does nothing. App is downloaded from Apple’s App Store. App is properly installed in the applications folder. Click…

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## [Does DEVONsphere Express 1.5.13 runs on macOS Sequoia?](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/does-devonsphere-express-1-5-13-runs-on-macos-sequoia/84345)

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**Author:** [@jcj2249](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/jcj2249)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [July 16, 2025, 6:42am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/does-devonsphere-express-1-5-13-runs-on-macos-sequoia/84345 "2025-07-16T06:42:23Z")

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Does DEVONsphere Express 1.5.13 runs on macOS Sequoia ?

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## [Multiple copies of files found in Express](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/multiple-copies-of-files-found-in-express/84301)

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**Author:** [@acka22](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/acka22)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [July 12, 2025, 9:56pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/multiple-copies-of-files-found-in-express/84301 "2025-07-12T21:56:15Z")

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I tried using DevonSphere Express to search for a PDF file. I had 2 questions. Multiple listings for the same file and the same location came up in the search results. I don’t see differences between the listings. When…

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## [Does Devonsphere work in DevonThink4?](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/does-devonsphere-work-in-devonthink4/83762)

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**Author:** [@tinksquared](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/tinksquared)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [June 4, 2025, 10:20am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/does-devonsphere-work-in-devonthink4/83762 "2025-06-04T10:20:06Z")

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I’d forgotten about Devonsphere, and just installed it again. It’s still indexing, so while I wait, does it work with the new V4?

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## [DEVONsphere licensing](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-licensing/83431)

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**Author:** [@jooz](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/jooz)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [May 14, 2025, 7:57am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-licensing/83431 "2025-05-14T07:57:19Z")

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Hi, is DEVONsphere moving to a similar model as DT in terms of updates etc. I.e. does it mean that I will need to buy new extension once the “Updates up to” date is reached? I do not think there is any hint on that (v…

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## [Trying Devonsphere](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/trying-devonsphere/83438)

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**Author:** [@Lear](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/Lear)\
**Replies:** 14\
**Last updated:** [May 10, 2025, 10:47am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/trying-devonsphere/83438 "2025-05-10T10:47:24Z")

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Is it possible to try Devonsphere? It’s asking me for a code, but I was under the impression it would for a time before requiring a registration code.

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## [Devonsphere Express download issue at Apple](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-express-download-issue-at-apple/82785)

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**Author:** [@gpauley](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/gpauley)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [April 7, 2025, 5:29am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-express-download-issue-at-apple/82785 "2025-04-07T05:29:23Z")

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I know no one here can speak for Apple, but does anyone know why Devonsphere Express is not downloadable from Apple? I paid for it but it says I cannot download it at this time. I have request help from Apple, but they a…

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## [iCloud & Google Drive index](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/icloud-google-drive-index/81954)

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**Author:** [@tischer.s](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/tischer.s)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [January 19, 2025, 3:47pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/icloud-google-drive-index/81954 "2025-01-19T15:47:58Z")

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Hi all, I would like to ask for an update, whether iCloud and Google Drive indexing will be available in the near future? Especially compared to other indexing apps, this is really needed to get most out of the app …

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## [DEVONsphere Future?](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-future/75547)

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**Author:** [@canion](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/canion)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [January 19, 2025, 10:44am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-future/75547 "2025-01-19T10:44:09Z")

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I’m trying DEVONsphere. I last tried it many, many years ago. I think this time around it will be more helpful, because processors are much faster now! However, the interface is a challenge. It has a dated look, and my…

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## [Cannot locate DS](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/cannot-locate-ds/81570)

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**Author:** [@smilingtiger](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/smilingtiger)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [December 16, 2024, 3:15am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/cannot-locate-ds/81570 "2024-12-16T03:15:09Z")

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The application is open but cannot locate it … Obviously I am missing something?

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## [Soon after start, DevonSphere freezes](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/soon-after-start-devonsphere-freezes/81355)

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**Author:** [@Kai108](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/Kai108)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [December 10, 2024, 2:05am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/soon-after-start-devonsphere-freezes/81355 "2024-12-10T02:05:39Z")

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1-2 Minutes after starting, DevonSphere express freezes (spinning ball; no activity in ActivityMonitor). It’s in /Applications, no extra categories or locations specified. After removing pictures, music, movies it at le…

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## [Is AppleMail indexing possible?](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/is-applemail-indexing-possible/81458)

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**Author:** [@peter999](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/peter999)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [December 3, 2024, 3:01pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/is-applemail-indexing-possible/81458 "2024-12-03T15:01:01Z")

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Is there a way to get DEVONsphere to index Apple emails? Maybe to add mail’s “hidden folder” to the folder index list? Or is it just mot possible anymore?

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## [How to get Alphabetical sort for Devonsphere results](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/how-to-get-alphabetical-sort-for-devonsphere-results/81247)

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**Author:** [@dspady](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/dspady)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [November 13, 2024, 5:58pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/how-to-get-alphabetical-sort-for-devonsphere-results/81247 "2024-11-13T17:58:57Z")

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Is it possible for the results from a Devonsphere search to be sorted alphabetically. Sometimes i know roughly what a relevant file is titled, but not exactly, so I search. An alphabetical sort would help in reviewing …

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## [Bought DevonSphere Express though Apple's app store but ...](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/bought-devonsphere-express-though-apples-app-store-but/23224)

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**Author:** [@mjanneh](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/mjanneh)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 7:30pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/bought-devonsphere-express-though-apples-app-store-but/23224 "2024-02-22T19:30:42Z")

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Hi I have bought DevonShpere Express through Apples App Store, but when I try to start the program it asks for a license …? I have DevonThink Pro, DevonNote, DevonAgentExpress and a non-working DevonSphere - the last t…

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## [Devonthink or devonsphere if I only use the search features?](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonthink-or-devonsphere-if-i-only-use-the-search-features/65837)

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**Author:** [@papy](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/papy)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [October 27, 2023, 12:45pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonthink-or-devonsphere-if-i-only-use-the-search-features/65837 "2023-10-27T12:45:20Z")

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Hello, I’m trying Devonthink and I love it, but I realized that what I end up doing is just throwing files in a few databases (one per very broad topic) without ever grouping them (because they’re already somewhat sorte…

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## ["devonspherebot" CPU use high and often](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonspherebot-cpu-use-high-and-often/73502)

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**Author:** [@BabblingBafoon](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/BabblingBafoon)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [September 25, 2023, 5:02am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonspherebot-cpu-use-high-and-often/73502 "2023-09-25T05:02:10Z")

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After reading the little I could find, and monitoring the process, I get that “devonspherebot” kicks off to reindex whenever the file system signifies a change, but the process seems to use nearly all of a full core (90+…

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## [DEVONsphere and Firefox](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-and-firefox/76587)

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**Author:** [@awado](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/awado)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [August 15, 2023, 7:31pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-and-firefox/76587 "2023-08-15T19:31:33Z")

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Hi there! Does DS Express work with Firefox? I can’t make any input into the adressbar. As soon as I try to type any adress or search term, DS tries to prevent that. I can also see a brief flashing of the “edit” menu. L…

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## [Searching in DEVONSphere, but opening file in DEVONthink](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/searching-in-devonsphere-but-opening-file-in-devonthink/54394)

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**Author:** [@AHaghgoo](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/AHaghgoo)\
**Replies:** 15\
**Last updated:** [July 19, 2023, 2:40am UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/searching-in-devonsphere-but-opening-file-in-devonthink/54394 "2023-07-19T02:40:50Z")

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Hi, I’m wondering if there is a way to show the file in DEVONthink when searching for a particular file? I’m not wanting to open the file, but merely to show it, i.e. “Reveal in Finder” keyboard short (cmd+enter) when s…

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## [Devonsphere does not priorize exact file names (or phrases searched for) in results](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-does-not-priorize-exact-file-names-or-phrases-searched-for-in-results/75750)

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**Author:** [@dspady](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/dspady)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [May 19, 2023, 5:05pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/devonsphere-does-not-priorize-exact-file-names-or-phrases-searched-for-in-results/75750 "2023-05-19T17:05:13Z")

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When I use devonsphere to search my file folder for a particular file name, it usually finds it, but often the file is well down a list of other possible files, and sometimes is not even seen unless I broaden the relevan…

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## [Should I reinstall or is there a way to kind of start back at the beginning?](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/should-i-reinstall-or-is-there-a-way-to-kind-of-start-back-at-the-beginning/75656)

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**Author:** [@NorthStar](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/u/NorthStar)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [May 8, 2023, 4:24pm UTC](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/t/should-i-reinstall-or-is-there-a-way-to-kind-of-start-back-at-the-beginning/75656 "2023-05-08T16:24:39Z")

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Another thing I did with DEVENsphere, before I realized I wasn’t supposed to… Is that I set it to search literally all of my drives. My intention there is to try and find obscure things that I haven’t remembered in years…

[Next page](https://discourse.devontechnologies.com/c/devonsphere/9.md?page=1)