Is it possible to collect all my (external) notes in Scrivener?
They are scattered among different apps, mainly txt or md…
I would like to use Scrivener as a sort of reservoire
absolutely. I would first think about your organization and even consider depending on the notes multiple projects as can bookmark between projects. Consider how you want to use metadata keywords (can assign multiple to a single document), custom metadata like subject tags (physics, math, chemistry, blogs, articles, presentations, etc). Spending time before starting will get a better result and make it easier to find your rearranged notes.
Tips.
Use distinct descriptive titles for documents you import. Titles are searchable and so descriptive and grouped title categories can be very helpful.
If you have pdf’s, images, videos consider organizing these on the computer and then adding to your project as shortcuts. Use the Menu command File > Import > Research files as shortcuts (if you move files after setting up you will break the link) Files imported this way will act like the file is in Scrivener, but you are manipulating a shortcut. The advantage is large files do not significantly increase the size of your scrivener projects.
Have a backup plan before you start and understand backing up in Scrivener. Programs like One drive can mess up Scrivener. Projects should be stored on your computer and not in the cloud unless use dropbox and this is set to save files locally. Look here at some articles I have on backing up which might be helpful. (my site has a search function as well) Backup Menu options — My Writing Journey
3 Likes
Thanks @GoalieDad but… you are a step further; I am not yet organising and classifying but simply (!) collecting…
What is the best way to collect notes (of different types) in Scrivener?
…before organising them
Do you mean importing documents?
If so, there are several ways to do this. If you already have a folder/file structure in Finder (Mac), you can transfer this structure.
If not, simply import the documents and organize them afterwards.
By the way, depending on how many “all my notes” are, Scrivener may be more or less suitable as a “reservoire”, If that means a database.
Again you decide, but I will give an example. I am a retired MD. I gathered lots of medical articles before all the databases became widespread. If I took all the articles and shoved them in a file cabinet, but with no organization, yes they are in one place, but are a useless mess. My argument is think at least in large terms of how you want to organize so can get inside in a way you can organize further later with less work. Starting with some organization and thought as you import will save a tremendous amount of time later. You can import anything into scrivener, only articles (which can contain images) are allowed in the draft folder. But pdf’s, images, web pages, excel documents, videos can be imported into the research folder on Scrivener.
1 Like