Re-Import folder structure

DEVONthink
1

Hi,

I’m totally new here (including the tool) and I would like to run following scenario and do not see how to do it right.

  • I want to keep a folder structure outside of the tool as master (for the time being)
  • I want to import the data into the DT database but to update only those files that have changed
  • Tags / Metadata I have provided already should remain

The import is wanted since later on - when I’m a bit more experienced in DT I would like to have DT as master of the data and then the data should be already in the database.

The first time I did the import I created a database ‘Dokumente’ (documents) and there I used drag’n drop to move from the ‘inbox’ into the database.

Of course I do not want to have duplicates but this does happen when I repeat the drag’n drop on next import.

What I’m doing wrong? Please provide me also a link where I can read the detail

Best Regards,
Thomas

2

Indexing the external folder might be the best option, at least initially. See chapter In & Out > Importing & Indexing in DEVONthink’s help.

1 Like
3

Before you start indexing, you should not only read the chapter on it in the user manual but also use the forum’s search function to get an impression about the dos and don’ts of this method.

Spoiler: Indexing folders without having a full grasp of the method often leads to trouble.

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4

ok, it seems I have to use indexing for now. Is there a way later on to switch that to an import? What I mean is: when I apply tags and that sort of things I would like to keep them.

Anyway, thank you so far for your responses

5

Yes. The forum search is your friend.
Indexing means that the files stay outside DT, but the metadata (tags, etc.) are still inside it.

6

FWIW, here’s what I did.

  • Make a backup of my pre-existing data archive. Put it in a safe place.
  • Import the whole shebang into DT.
  • Never looked back.

If you want to maintain the data outside of DT, for either the short or the long term, indexing is indeed the way to do it. But honestly, unless the data fits one of the use cases for indexing – frequently modified by other software, for instance – it won’t be long before you wonder why you bothered.

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