I had thought of it as a general repositary and indexed lots… ( ok should have read more first)
I think I want to organise it now by generic area - perhaps “issues & environment” “woodwork” “theatre” - where the topics may have multiple interactions within a db - but not need to link across DT “databases”
is there somewhere i can find the parent folder of everything i’ve indexed?
I’d be very happy to de-index evrything and just keep the files / notes / links ive actively
I’m not sure what you’re asking here. The parent folder would be wherever in the Finder you indexed from. For example, if you indexed a folder on your desktop, it remains there, hence it’s easy for you to locate.
If you want to convert from indexing to importing, select the indexed group in your database and choose Data > Move Into Database. This will move the items into the internal structure of the database, moving them from their original location in the Finder.
I have the general inbox and a DT database “current” that are a total mess
as I understand it? if i delete an indexed file in DT I also delete from my filing system.
i do not want that!
I want to remove all the currently indexed files from DT (and start again) - in a way that doesnt destroy my files
I gather “parent folder” is the incorrect term - but when I was searching DT forums it said if you delete the “parent folder” in dt it breaks the links, but if you delete a sub-folder it deletes the files - not the outcome I want!
i would like to get to a clean outcome - which I would define as:
items I had explicitly saved to DT remaining in DT
files i had indexed - not propertly understandfing the linkage - no longer linked to DT
You need to look at what you indexed.
Was it e.g., a folder on your desktop? That’s the indexed parent and you’d see the correlating indexed group in your database.
PS: You should take some time to read and understand the In & Out > Importing & Indexing section of the built-in Help and manual.
If you delete an indexed location in Devonthink with the move to trash command, nothing much happens. Your indexed files are untouched and you can restore the indexed location from the trash.
When you empty the trash any time it contains indexed files, you get options to delete only in the database, files and folders (delete indexed files and folders), files (leave the folders in the Finder, erase the files), and a nice safe cancel button.
If you choose the only in database option, the indexed location disappears in Devonthink, remaining in perfect shape in the Finder.
Backups are never a bad idea, of course.
Edited to add:
I am running DT 3.9.14 because I’m still running ten year old Macs. When I upgrade my hardware I’ll be able to catch up to modern times.
Truthfully, I still like my old Macs. The hand crank windows remind me of simpler times.
yes - I’ve now read it and realised i’ve “cocked it up”
I really really wish I could do what you say - i didn’t note what I indexed
should I just abandon DT and lose all the bookmarks and notes i logged? or is there a way of untagling where I am? ( the former would be prfereable to losing my files)