Indexed database for accessing files while on the go?

DEVONthink
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1

Hi,

I’d like to have a DTP database that reflects the contents of a folder on my computer’s internal flash drive. Normally, that would seem to be an indexed database, wouldn’t it? However, I’d like for the contents of the DTP database (and thus the contents of the local folder) to be accessible wherever I am, while on the go.

Is this possible?

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For “on the go” access I use an iPad and the DTTG app
The Devonthink database (indexed) is auto-sync’d between my devices

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But what if the computer with the actual files isn’t online when one needs them? Can DTG have a database with the actual files that is synced to the original indexed database?

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You can’t have it both ways. Either you index your files on your flash drive and have the drive available when on the go (and I doubt that DTTG can use it in the same way as DT can – so iPad or iPhone won’t help you there).

Or you create a (minimal) database containing these files (i.e. import them into it) and sync only this database with your mobile device.

Perhaps it’s also possible to put the files in a cloud location (Dropbox, iCloud etc.) and index that one. I think the DT manual has some paragraphs on that.

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5

A database can contain indexed folders/files, it’s not the database itself that is considered indexed.

And yes, you can sync the content of indexed files. See In & Out > Sync > Indexing and Sync in the manual.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to share your reasoning. There might be a better configuration.

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6

Yes, thats what the sync process does
It ensures each device has an up-to-date database copy

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To quote the DT help:

You are not syncing with our mobile application, DEVONthink To Go. Note it does not support indexed items. Also, if you are using the Download Files: On demand option in DEVONthink To Go, you could never download the contents since the contents are not present in the sync location.

To me, that sounds as if DTTG does not sync indexed items, ever. While a Mac can do it, if the files are in the same “location” on both systems, possibly a cloud folder.

Edit Ok, that was stupid, because I skipped the important part. Thanks to @DTLow and @troejgaard!

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Indexed files are included in the sync process, and can be accessed with DTTG
The database and files are not visible in the Files app,
and can only be accessed with the DTTG app

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9

You need to read it in context.

In the Show Info for a sync location in Settings > Sync there is an option Synchronize contents of indexed items. Unchecking this will sync only the metadata for the files, not the contents. However, you should only disable this option if:

  • …
  • You are not syncing with our mobile application, DEVONthink To Go. DEVONthink To Go does not support indexed items.

DTTG can’t index files itself. But the content of files indexed on a mac sync fine (as long as you keep the option checked).

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