I run DT3 on my laptop. I would like to test out DT4, but I am not willing to risk the database that I am currently using. But… I have an account and access to a Mac at my work, which currently does not have any form of DEVONthink on it.
Is it possible to create a duplicate of the database that I have here on my laptop and move it (say via thumb drive) to the Mac at work, where I could then install DT4 and play around with it there? Then there is no risk to my “real” database on my laptop, but I will be testing out DT4 with my currently existing documents.
I’ve tried searching the manual, but I don’t see a way to create a useable copy of my current database (I’m sorry if this is there, but I didn’t find it). Is it (could it be?) as simple as just dragging the database from my Databases folder onto the thumb drive and then from there onto the Mac at work?
Thanks!
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Assuming you’re importing not indexing files, the yes of course it’s that simple. It’s one of the benefits of importing and also why it’s the default behavior.
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I’m planning to do the same as tamara6, so thanks to you both for asking and answering.
One question: if I’m on a different Mac which hasn’t had DT installed before, do I still need to log on to a different Mac user account in order to safely use the DT4 beta? I usually run from the same Mac user account on both of my Macs.
You’re welcome.
No, there is no need for a second user account on a Mac that has never had DEVONthink installed. Figuratively, it already acts as a second account 
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Thank you, Bluefrog. I’m about to open the gate to the playground now. I’m glad I saw this beta announcement on a Friday. That way I can sooner play without stealing time from my boss.
You’re welcome!
And remember, as this is a beta we are hoping people will report actual issues, especially crashes/stalls, and give us constructive feedback.
Yes, of course. That’s my plan. I don’t mean to brag, but usually I’m pretty good at breaking things.
We hope you’re just as good at reporting too 
We appreciate your participation!
I must have done something wrong…
I installed DT4 on my computer at work
I copied my database from my laptop onto my thumbdrive, and then from the thumbdrive to the Databases folder on my computer at work. Then started DT4. But it does not see the database.
What have I done wrong (or, if you could point me to the stop in the manual where it says how to do this sort of thing - I’ve looked, but I don’t see it - that would be helpful, too)
The database is all imported things - I haven’t indexed anything. I’m a new user, so I can probably still find the 50 or so PDFs that I put in the database (and just re-create things), but I thought it would be easy to just copy from one computer to the other.
Thanks!
Just like in DEVONthink 3, DEVONthink doesn’t magically seek out databases to open. The only database DEVONthink will always open is the Global Inbox, as that’s a core component of the application.
Just double-click the database in the Finder to open it in DEVONthink.