On a mac the Finder is pretty good for what it does, but I am someone who makes a lot of files. I need more beef to my finder than what the current one does. Plus I would rather search a small search area, than the entire computer/websites that spotlight can do. So what was primarily a note taking and management software now has to be this super finder. Fortunately DevonThink 2.0 can do this.
The first thing to do is to create the databases that will hold your files. You could use just one database to hold all your files and folders, but using more files provides a level of organization. You can move records across databases, so there’s no need to worry.
I divide up my files into functional groups. I have a my writings database, a my files database, my 43 folders database, and my email database, and my pictures database. There is a central inbox that use for all of my captures. From this inbox I move the files to their locations.
If you have any kind of reasoning behind your files and filing system, Devonthink has a surprise for you. It can classify files for you based on your filing of files in the databases. It does a pretty good job, but sometimes even it cannot put a file in two places on once. For that you can put a replica of a file in another folder. Replicas are not copies of files, but more os a shortcut.
If you look in a devonthink database you may bet a surprise. Devonthink Databases are sparse bundles and can be opened by the finder. However you probably won’t find your files in this folder like structure. The folder structure you see in the interface is not the physical location of your files within the database. If you want to pull files out of a database, start the program and pull them out, from the UI into a finder window or desktop.
Devonthink makes a handy super finder. Download the trial copy today and try it out.
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