I have a database where I want all the folders and files to be external on the disk. The database is created yeasr ago using “Index files and folders” but something changed that I can’t figure out.
It use to be, when I create a new Group in devonthink it creates a new folder in the Filesystem.
If i created a new folder or file directly in the files system it would show up in the Database as a new groups reflection the same structure as in the files system.
Now when I create a new folder it never shows up i Devonthink, even when i do “Update Items”
If I drag then folder into devonthink, it copy the files to internal
If i create a new group it becomes internal.
Where can I change this behavior so everthing stays as external files on the disk?
I suspect you are creating new folders/groups as siblings in the hierarchy to a parent indexed folder. What you want only works if new folders are created inside an already indexed folder structure. Indexing is not a database setting.
From the manual, under Appendix > Keyboard Shortcuts:
Dragging items from the Finder to DEVONthink with ⌥⌘ pressed indexes the item.
You create that group where exactly “in Devonthink”? Screenshots might help understand what you’re doing. In general, of course, creating a new group, does just that – create a new group, not a folder. But doing so inside an indexed group/folder should of course create a new folder as well. Inside the indexed one.
Thanks for your reply, the screenshot issue that it’s a database including customer names, but in the data I right-click at the top of the DT database where all the other “Group/Folder” are indexed from the files system, but new ones becomes internal.
That screenshot is not helpful. But if you create a new group at the top level of the database, it is of course not created in an indexed folder – the database is not indexed, only folders are. Create the new group in an indexed folder instead.
I have a database called: [1. Project].
This database have index af file structure called on my Disk:
[1. Project (folder)] but I dont see this top folder in DT I only see the below folder
[Customer 1]
[Customer 2]
[Customer 3]
and below customer are so other folders such as meeting, orders etc
It may well be that your database has the same name as a folder on your disk. But that is of no importance. And as long as you don’t provide meaningful screenshots (you can redact the customer names etc, but one needs at least to see which groups are indexed!), there’s little one can say.
But if you create a group at the top-level of your database, it will never correspond to a folder on the disk – which one would that even be? In this case, it’s just a logical construct in DT. Move it to an indexed folder/group, and it becomes a folder inside that one on disk.
Thanks for your comments, and I think I undertsnad what you mean, so the best way, when I need a new “root” folder, is to create the folder in the file system, and then drag it into the database using ⌥⌘ and from there it should be OK.
I just did some tests, and it worked they way I expected.
[1. Project (folder)] but I dont see this top folder in DT I only see the below folder
That isn’t a folder. It’s a database.
so the best way, when I need a new “root” folder, is to create the folder in the file system, and then drag it into the database using ⌥⌘ and from there it should be OK.
Or you can use File > Index Files and Folders and choose a new parent folder in the Finder.
Chrillek basically explained in more words what I already said. Maybe I wasn’t as clear as I thought – if you don’t understand what I’m saying, please say so instead of ignoring it
Maybe it would be useful for you to (re)read the In & Out > Importing & Indexing section of the manual.
yes and no, some files are shared with clients externally via OneDrive/SharePoint, most don’t so it’s a mix. I am a long time Evernote user, since 2008, moved to DT in 2020, and liked that I actually can “see” my files in the OS, but, most of the files is for me only, and thererfor could be internal.
thanks.
