Syncing question (imported database with indexed database)

DEVONthink Tips
1

I use the reference manager software Sente to store my academic PDF references. When syncing between two computers, Sente allows one to either:

  1. keep attachments (such as PDFs) inside a packaged file as a single bundle/database on the local computer
    -or-
  2. keep the PDF files outside of the database/bundle in nested folders on the local computer

Sente.jpg

This option can be different on each synced computer. For example, on my laptop, I could have all PDFs stored within the packaged file/bundle, whereas on my desktop, I could have all of the PDFs stored in nested folders. Yet, I can still sync the two computers when new files are added/deleted.

Could there be an option to have one computer (which syncs with a WebDAV server) have PDFs/files within a DT database and another computer (which syncs with the same server) have the files outside the DT database in nested folders?

Ideally, I would like to have a database with files contained inside the database on my laptop synced with my desktop, which has the files in nested folders outside of the database. Is this possible? Thanks.

2

For DEVONthink, that option does not exist at this time.

What is the advantage?

3

The main advantage would be that I could keep all files contained within a database on my laptop. When using a laptop, this would allow me to place the database inside an encrypted disk image for more security, as the laptop is more vulnerable to physical theft. Even if using FileVault 2, a laptop could be vulnerable if accidentally left logged in with files open.

With a desktop, I am less concerned about the unit being physically stolen. If so, the computer would have to be unplugged, making FileVault 2 more useful to prevent unwanted access to data. With the desktop, I could have the original file folder structure preserved and available for use outside the database. Seems like it should be possible based on the way Sente sync works.

4

Maybe, but for now that’s not the way DEVONthink sync works :frowning:

Since security is important, it might be best to import all your files into the database package so all instances of your database would be the same regardless of hardware locale.