What's the best way to copy DT3 databases to a new device?

DEVONthink
1

I purchased a new macbook, and setting up a sync with a new device is always a headache.

I copied databases to an external HDD, from which I copy them to my new MacBook.
And I tried to set up CloudKit sync, and I have failed.

The first attempt gave me lots of duplicates in databases.
The second attempt, which took a long long time due to iCloud throttling, gave me endless .manifest missing of database error messages.

I would appreciate comments and suggestions.

2

If you copied the databases to the new machine, that job is done.

And I tried to set up CloudKit sync, and I have failed.

In what way - the following statements?

The first attempt gave me lots of duplicates in databases.

You would only get duplicates if you had sync conflicts and Preferences > Sync > Conflicts set to Duplicate documents.

The second attempt, which took a long long time due to iCloud throttling, gave me endless .manifest missing of database error messages.

iCloud throttling and reliability is not something we can resolve.

In DEVONthink’s Preferences > Sync, select the sync location, Control-click the database in the database’s list on the right, hold the Option key, and choose Verify Database Thoroughly. Results will be reported in Window > Log.

If the Log window shows errors, Control-click the database in the sync location, and choose Clean Database. After the clean has been reported successfully in the Log window, enable it for syncing again.

PS: If you don’t need a remote sync method, we suggest you use a Bonjour sync on your local network.

1 Like
3

I’ll try what you suggest. Thanks.
Would you recommend me having the identical databases on both devices before setting up a cloudkit sync,
or set up and verify the databases on one device and, for a new device, download the databases from CloudKit sync location?

4

Would you recommend me having the identical databases on both devices before setting up a cloudkit sync,
or set up and verify the databases on one device and, for a new device, download the databases from CloudKit sync location?

Either option could be used but again, do you need to use a remote sync option? Just having an iCloud account does not make it optimal.

5

Yes I need it because I am using two devices in different places and my databases should stay synced.

6

Like a desktop Mac in both locations?

7

I have my iMac at home, and I use my macbook mostly at the office, occasionally at a coffee shop or at church, etc.

8

With the portable Mac, your situation doesn’t necessarily require a remote sync option.

It’s a good idea to start your sync exploration with this question, “Do I need a remote sync option?” Consider these things…

  • Do you have a colleague, assistant, significant other, etc. that needs frequent updates to synced data?
  • Are you using a shallow sync, i.e., Download Files: On demand in DEVONthink To Go?

If the answer is no to either question, a local sync on your network is suggested. Beyond that, you have to accept the inherent weaknesses in remote sync options. This is laid out in more detail here…

So while we are supportive of making choices, we also try to suggest options that lead to less friction for all of you :slight_smile:

9

Thanks for the reply.
Since I also use DTTG, CloudKit seems to be the only possible option for my workflows.

10

Only if you’re using a shallow sync, as I mentioned earlier.

11

Yes, I use a shallow sync for DTTG since the storage of my iPad can’t contain large databases.