How to automatically index (or import) new files in a given folder on Dropbox (or Icloud)

DEVONthink Tips
1

Hello all,

I have just started using DT and I apologize if my question has an easy answer (I did not find on in TCO).

I would like to use DT in conjunction with Notability in the following way :

  • I would take a note in Notability (using the apple pencil) then save the note as PDF and automatically synchronize it to a given folder in Dropbox
  • I would then like DT to automatically scan this Dropbox folder and add (through importing or indexing) this new note to a given group in DT.

No idea how to do that. I should probably mention that I don’t have a clue how to set up and apple script…

Many thanks for your help

Michel

2

You might want to check the chapter on scanning on the manual. It basically describes the same process:

  • index a folder into DT
  • set up a smart rule watching that folder that moves anything arriving there into your database.
3

It’s been years since I used or had Notability on my machine, but does it not make use of the standard macOS “Share” feature … create your note, then “share” the PDF direct to DEVONthink. I recall Notability makes it easy to create PDF’s of the note, and I suspect it’s easy to “share” with that macOS feature. I don’t think there is a need to involve Dropbox and any synching. Take a look at DEVONthink Manual, “in and out” chapter.

4

Many thanks for the reply. Actually, I was hoping to automate the whole process without the need to manually transfer the notability note to DT :

  • Notability (or Goodnotes) allow for an automatic synchronisation to a given folder in Dropbox
  • I am looking at ways to then automatically have DT inspect that folder and treat the given files…

I don’t know if this makes sense.

best

Michel

5

Don’t you still have to manually tell Notability to create the PDF, then it’s just clicking on the share button. Or save to the DEVONthink Global Inbox. See the chapter in the DEVONthink I was telling you about. DEVONthink “inspects” (using your word) that folder to then import. Read all about it in the DEVONthink Manual.

Yes, you can automate a process involving saving to a Dropbox folder, then getting Dropbox to sync to your local Dropbox folder, then get some process (Hazel) to move that file into the Global Inbox, then DEVONthink imports it and perhaps running a Smart Rule or something to put it into the Group you want … but all that complicated. Rube Goldberg Machine in my view. But yes, you can do it.

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6
  • I would take a note in Notability (using the apple pencil) then save the note as PDF and automatically synchronize it to a given folder in Dropbox

This sounds like a Notability question, not a DEVONtech one.

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Thank you all for your replies.

I agree with @rmschne that what I had in mind was probably overkill for the actual saving of notability notes to DT…will do it manually for the time being.

best

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