In the past 24 hours, I updated to the latest version of DEVONthink and also updated to Mac OS 26.5. (It’s likely that I was just one minor update behind in each case, I as I run updates regularly.) Since then, when I drag a file into an external folder (in the Finder) that’s indexed by DEVONthink, the file does not show up in the appropriate database. I have specific reasons for preferring to index some Finder folders, rather than dealing with these materials solely within DEVONthink. I’ve been using DEVONthink in this way for several years. All of the files previously indexed are still present. Everything was working fine yesterday, when I added several files in this manner. I have restarted my Mac multiple times (due to other issues–sigh!). Is anyone else experiencing this problem, or are there any suggestions? Thanks! --David
Does File > Update Indexed Items add the file as expected? Is anything logged to Window > Log?
Thanks for the question. When I manually “Update Indexed Items,” a new item I added does appear as expected. The Log shows a couple of missing files, which are probably items that I deleted or moved or renamed in the finder, but these aren’t related to the files that aren’t showing up.
Where’s the indexed folder located in the filesystem?
It’s in my Dropbox folder in my user folder.
Does it work in case of an indexed folder not located in iCloud Drive or Dropbox?
I created a test folder inside my user folder but not synced through iCloud or Dropbox. When I placed new files in the folder, they were immediately indexed and showed up in DEVONthink. So, I think you are on to something with this line of questioning.
Is Dropbox configured to keep these files “offline”. If online, maybe they have been removed by Dropbox to “help” you save disk space?
Good question! I keep all Dropbox files downloaded – same for iCloud – rather than using the feature to save space on the hard drive. The files that were not being automatically indexed were stored locally.
Since the files are offline (local drive) what if you turn off the Dropbox app? (I’m wondering if Dropbox is doing something to those files anyway on some sort of background/scheduled way) that interferes with what DEVONthink wants to do with them.
What’s in the problematic database’s Trash?
Hmm – I turned off Dropbox and did a test, and the file was indexed immediately. But when I turned Dropbox back on, everything continued to work normally. I’m a bit surprised if this made the difference, given that I had restarted my Mac twice. But perhaps. It’s also possible that running the database repair process and then emptying the trash in DEVONthink resolved the issue. But given that I was making multiple interventions, it’s hard to say. I will report back if the problem recurs. Thanks!
I strongly suspect this is the actual resolution.
Thanks – I will make a note about that!
You’re welcome. And if you haven’t or it’s been awhile, a refresher in the In & Out > Importing & Indexing section of the built-in Help and manual might be good. 