I’ve set up a system in a Scriv project so that when I complete an interview transcript file within a dedicated folder, it will sync to a particular folder within DevonThink (primarily so that its contents are available to my DT searches).
I’ve done this by…
Marking those completed files with a uniquely coloured/named label, and making a Collection with that label as the search filter.
Using File/Sync/with External Folder… I sync that Collection with a specific folder in my desktop (main) Mac’s Finder.
Finally, I Index that folder in Devonthink.
That all works well until the “with External Folder” checkbox becomes unchecked of its own volition. It seems from this post…
The thread you linked has a very detailed technical explanation of what’s going on:
What is your ultimate goal? It’s possible to index an entire Scrivener project in DevonThink. That will allow DT to search the contents, but won’t allow DT to add (Scrivener) item-level metadata.
In my own work, I simply use DT and Scrivener side-by-side, with DT as my main research repository. That is, in this case, I might put the interview transcript directly into DT, and then bookmark a DT item link in Scrivener.
I must admit I started on the “detailed technical explanation” and found it somewhat heavy going.
My goal is to find out if there’s any advantage in having Scriv and DT working together in some form. The simplest way to use them is of course as two individual and complementary apps—as you say, side by side. And that’s largely how I use them.
(I should explain that Scriv has been the perfect writing tool for my non-fiction books for about 12 years now, whereas DT is a newcomer, less than a year old for me. I’d been toying with the idea of using it for some time, but as my latest project is the most research-heavy I’ve ever done, I figured the time was right. I’m glad I did, and it was.)
At the current stage in this project, I use Scriv almost exclusively for my interview notes, questions, transcripts, and so on—because this is “writing” and Scriv is the best app for that (and by now it’s second nature to use). Everything else, under the blanket term “research”, goes in DT: book extracts, periodical cuttings, directory snips, and all the rest. When I get to the actual writing stage of my book, then Scriv will naturally be the app for that.
The question I asked at the top here came from my sense that, nonetheless, it would be useful to have the interview transcripts, at least, accessible to DT’s excellent search skills. I’m intrigued by your comment that it’s possible to index an entire Scrivener project in DT. Maybe I should give that a go? Presumably that’s effectively a two-way link?
Scriv and DT do seem such happy bedfellows, but this all comes from that sense that they might be even happier if they moved a little closer.
Me, I keep 99% of my “research stuff”, i.e. stuff that does not get put into the Scrivener project as a deliverable, in DEVONthink. Scrivener holds only the stuff that gets into the final document. DEVONthink holds everything else, regardless that there is the “Research” folder in Scrivener.
One or more windows holding Scrivener. One or more windows holding DEVONthink.
Yes, certainly can Index (not import) Scrivener project into DEVONthink, but in my world I don’t see a need since all the stuff in support of my Scrivener project is already Imported into DEVONthink. Beyond the text and graphics of my writing, Scrivener holds a lot of so-called “meta-data” inside the project package which allows it to do its magic. No need for any of that hocus-pocus-but-essential information getting into DEVONthink.
I don’t know what you mean by a two-way link, but I would advise trying to modify/edit Scrivener stuff inside DEVONthink.
I don’t consider Scriv quite as exclusively as you: each to their own, of course (and that’s one of the values of this forum: seeing how others work, and sometimes finding good tips in the process).
Scriv is my go-to app for anything that I think of as “writing”, because it’s the best equipped by far. As an example, those interview transcripts of mine are, for me, better edited in Scriv than anywhere else. Yes, I make the final versions of a book in Scriv, of course, but more stuff creeps in along the way—other versions, ideas, lists, and so on.
You mention Scriv’s “ so-called ‘meta-data’ ”. Why so-called? And what is it/are they?
My ‘two-way link” comment was a mistake … nonetheless, I’m assuming you meant to say you’d advise NOT to modify etc?
Oh well, I’m still trying to find the right balance between Scriv and DT. Anyone else here wrestling similarly?
a further problem can spring when one uses two computer (imac and macbook, for instance…);
is it safe to go through all the sync stuff via Dropbox as Scrivener and DT suggest?
Keywords, Labels, Status, any custom fields that you create. None of that will be visible in other software. (Actually, I think the Export commands allow you to include it as text, but you can’t edit it outside of Scrivener and bring it back in.)
Just to be clear, indexing a project in DT gives DT access to the Mac OS “QuickLook” preview of the project. It won’t be editable, and if you try to open it DT will launch Scrivener. That may or may not meet your needs.
Read DT’s documentation carefully regarding synchronization of indexed files. I don’t use that capability myself, but I know there are some caveats that don’t apply to imported files.
(As a side note, DT’s forums are full of very helpful people, some of whom also post here.)
Yes indexed files that Scrivener integration most likely will be attempted has their own complexities as documented in the DEVONthink documentation. That is why I do not index Scrivener files onto DEVONthink. More complicated if documentation not adhered to or understood. and no benefits for me. And using some random AI machine for advice, well, not my cup of tea as they say. MacOS is my integration tool.