I have 11 Open Indexed databases shown in the Sidebar. Usually, and on 10 of the 11, when I select a database in the Sidebar, the Database dropdown is at the top level of the list view followed by any and all file structures below. On one database only, the top level in the view starts with the first folder in the debase and does not show the database name as a dropdown. Why ? Is this a problem with that one database ??
A screenshot might help to understand the issue.
And what are you concerned about? I’m probably not awake enough to see a difference between the two screenshots (apart from groups and files, that is).
There is a dropdown group for the database in the list view on all but the one named “Financial”. Look at “Legal” in the list view … there is a collapsible drop down. This is true for all but “Financial”. How do I get that back ?
And … thanks for taking the time to help.
There is no “indexed databases” in DEVONthink. You can index folders from the Finder/file system in a database.
This is a folder. In list view folders/groups can be expanded and collapsed. A dropdown is something else. (I’m not trying to be pedantic – it makes communication easier when the terminology is clear)
In 10 of the 11 databases, you have indexed a single parent folder containing all the subfolders and files you want – like the folder “Legal”. It seems in the last database, you have indexed the different subfolders instead of the parent.
2 Likes
If I’m understanding you correctly, you’re confusing an indexed folder with the database itself – because you use the same name for the database and the folder.
Look at the icons. 
= Database 
= Group (an indexed folder is considered a group)
The item list shows the contents of a database. Your two screenshots show the root level of two different databases, containing some smart groups and indexed folders.
2 Likes
Welcome @gregoryyoung
I believe @troejgaard is correct in his assessment here, regarding the indexed Legal group versus individually indexed groups in the Financial database. He is also correct, those aren’t dropdowns but groups in the database. This is no different than what you see in the Finder.
However, I would ask why you’re indexing everything and have you read and understood the In & Out > Importing & Indexing section of the built-in Help and manual?
3 Likes
Now, it seems obvious after your replies. Yes, the Financial was not built like the others. Thank you for showing me what I am doing here.
Why am I indexing … well, when I leave my system to my heirs, they will want to look at a file structure in iCloud Drive and not have to deal with proprietary software. I would love to import the files directly into DT, but can’t afford to do that at my age. Now, they don’t even have to know of the existence of DT, much less learn what to do with it. And, I can still enjoy the search and smart access DT affords me. Does this make sense ?
Yes, it does and it’s good you had an appropriate reason for doing it. However, I still hope you read the aforementioned help resources.
I have, but I will re-read. Thanks.
You’re welcome 