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The DEVONtechnologies Blog

Articles in the category Tips

December 7, 2021

How to Add Plain Text Extensions

Icon of unknown file type.

Plain text files are at the very core of many things in the computing world. Markdown and HTML, system logs, delimited files for tabular data… the list goes on an on. DEVONthink supports many plain text file types, but there may be types DEVONthink doesn’t recognize. Here’s how to add new plain text extensions that can then be viewed and edited in DEVONthink. (more)

November 30, 2021

How to Relocate Indexed Files

Path dropdown menu in the Generic Info inspector.

There are two ways to get data into DEVONthink, importing and indexing. Importing copies files into your databases. Indexing allows you to keep your files in their locations in the Finder but still be used in your databases. Moving indexed files can cause them to appear as missing in the database. Here’s how to successfully handle such a move. (more)

November 16, 2021

Using Hidden Preferences

Hidden preferences in the integrated help.

DEVONthink is well known for being a highly configurable application with an abundance of preferences options. However, not all preferences are as broadly needed but may be useful to a smaller but still substantial group. To address this, DEVONthink has some hidden preferences available. (more)

November 9, 2021

Using DEVONthink To Go for Capture

Database properties popover in DEVONthink To Go.

We have had some requests from people that want to use DEVONthink To Go only for capturing data, not for carrying databases around with them. They just want to capture, sync, then clean out the mobile database. Our sync is a mirroring sync, so this isn’t possible on its own. However, it is possible if you’re refiling the items on another device. (more)

November 2, 2021

Using a Custom Markdown Stylesheet

Screenshot showing CSS stylesheet code.

When it comes to aesthetics, what looks good to one may not look good to another. This is certainly the case when creating Markdown documents. If you have a preferred look, you can specify a default stylesheet that will apply to the rendered view of all your Markdown documents in DEVONthink. (more)

October 26, 2021

Exploring the View Options

DEVONthink To Go's view options menu.

When browsing through your databases in DEVONthink To Go, sorting and seeing information about the individual items is often needed. The View options have controls for sorting and filtering the items, as well as what information is displayed for each. Here is a brief explanation of each section of the View options. (more)

October 19, 2021

Understanding the Tag Options

Screenshot of three tag variants in DEVONthink's item list.

The Database Properties popover in DEVONthink has, among many other things, controls for per-database tagging behavior. Here’s what those options do. (more)

October 12, 2021

Understanding Database Properties

Screenshot of the database properties popover.

As you work with a DEVONthink database, filling it with all manner of files and groups, you may wonder, “How many PDFs do I have in this database?”, “How large is this database getting?”, or “Where is this database located?”. You can find this information — and some per-database controls — in the database properties popover. (more)

October 5, 2021

How to Use JavaScript for Automation

Example JavaScript code automating DEVONthink.

For most of us, automation on the Mac means AppleScript. What few people know is that it’s also possible to automate applications with JavaScript. Here’s a tip to get you started. (more)

September 28, 2021

Using Temporary Databases in DEVONthink

Database in trash can.

When it comes to peoples’ databases in DEVONthink and DEVONthink To Go, there often is an almost austere sense they are permanent, inviolable structures. However, as easily as they can be created they can also be deleted or archived. Here are some ideas why you may want to create temporary databases. (more)