Hi all
was wondering if capturing from a scan app directly to global inbox is possible?currently the location of DEVONthink as a folder location is grayed out in my scanner app ( Simple Scan • Quick Scanner App - App Store ), here is a screenshot
is this a DEVONthink limitation or an issue with the scan app?
thx alot
Z
ahh cool didnt think about that 
I dont see any support for that in he DEVONthink shortcuts? is that an option ie, to create specific shortcuts for specific scans such as reimbursement scan, Fuel scan etc?
thx!
Z
also got a response from the developer of simple scan:
Greg Pierce (Agile Tortoise)
Mar 3, 2026, 19:22 CSTThere are two levels of support for the Files app that a host app can provide. DEVONthink only supports “file” level access. So you can use the “File” export option in Simple Scan to save to a specific file destination in their provider, but you have to browse to that location each time. They do not support “Folder” access - so it’s not possible to bookmark a folder to save to…which is what is required to setup a custom destination. Hopefully that makes sense.
I have a number of users who setup destinations to a provider that does support folder-level access, like iCloud Drive or Dropbox, then have an automation, usually on a Mac, that watches that folder and moves the files to DEVONthink. That might be an option to simplify the process.
so it seems its a DEVONthink limitation?
Z
DEVONthink To Go uses a real database and a suitable internal folder structure. The folder-picking feature was implemented by Apple half-heartedly and requires a simple files-in-folder structure. Abstracted file systems such as DEVONthink To Go or some virtual file systems don’t have that and Apple opted against making folder-picking also possible for abstracted file systems.
thx @eboehnisch ! understood.
in that case what do you guys recommend as a workflow to quick capture different document to the DEVONthink inbox on the move?
i was initialy thinking apple shortcuts but i dont see a scan option? is the only way to open the app, go to inbox and choose scan? this also does not allow to differentiate between different scan types such as a work reimbursement scan, Fuel scan etc
thx!
Z
this also does not allow to differentiate between different scan types such as a work reimbursement scan, Fuel scan etc
Is this a behavior or something set up in your scanning app?
You could do it at the desktop end. Scan on iphone/ipad using the scan app which (hopefully) saves to an iCloud folder for the app. On the desktop, attach a folder action to the iCloud folder that imports any scan into DT Global inbox (and then removes them from the iCloud folder to stop multiple imports of the same item).
thx @BLUEFROG not sure im following the question fully but if i do then yeah the app allows you to setup different scenarios and outputs, ie reimbursement, pdf, inbox folder on icloud and this a widget or shortcuts launches the scan and puts the resulting pdf in the correct folder.
I was thinking that since i moved all my capture/document processing to DEVONthink a weeks ago (and super happy i finally did so!) i could also do the same with my mobile capture of documents and scans (i often travel from work and thus have to scan and file receipts multiple times a day on the go). Was hoping i could do it all with DEVONthink when on ios into the global inbox (or a specific folder based on the scan type)
Also: if not is there a way to create a shortcut/widget to quick scan into the DEVONthink inbox?
thx
Z
I use Shortcuts, here’s a quick and dirty example, it requires Toolbox Pro also as I find I can’t do anything with the native Shortcuts Scan action. Here’s a link to it: Shortcuts
thx so much @bdtrigg for this , its super helpful and very close to what im trying to achive!
i managed to almost get it to work but im stuck onhow to link the clipboard to DEVONthink create file?
ie i cane seem to get the clipboard with the scan now do be used as the create type file (and this i get an error when i run the shortcut). any clue?
thx again!
Z
Open the Create Item action and post a screen capture.
sure @BLUEFROG here it is
What @BLUEFROG said. (Plus I didn’t know about the UTI thing.) When you select file type, ‘File’ will appear as the first line option below; here you will choose the PDF that was output from the ‘Make PDF’ step of the Shortcut (see screenshot)
Don’t cross the streams… I guess we did 
ahh gotcha!
i got tripped by the selecting the file since a normal press would open a file browser (had to long press to choose variable)
thx alot both!
Z
You’re welcome.
To scan to DEVONthink inbox from SimpleScan, choose On my iPhone, then DEVONthink. DEVONthink To Go sweeps any files you put there into the global inbox.
@cornchip thats amazing as well thx so much!
Z
