A question - when you complete the project, do you export notes from Apple Notes to the folder?
I usually export and keep the notes in the project folder in the archive, but with Apple Notes I can only export notes one-by-one. If I select multiple notes, then AN only exports the first note.
I am currently using Bear which allows to export notes for each tag as independent files. But in case of Bear (or Obsidian) when copy pasting text into email, which I do a lot, the formatting isn’t carried forward correctly and have to spend a lot of time correcting the same
Devonthink has been very reliable for me. I have about 4 databases.
One reason why I reduced the number of databases and plan to do so further: I really use “replicated” files a lot, but it only works within a database so to avoid duplication of files, I consolidated my structure so related databases became top-level folders inside one database.
Maybe not the best way to use DT, or any tools like this, but I have never taken a liking to using tags. Replication allows me to get the benefit of tags while still using a hierarchical folder structure and avoiding duplicate data files.
I export the notes to an archive folder in Finder.
I import the notes into DEVONthink
On the iPad—Drag and Drop to Files (Bulk Export):
You can select multiple notes in the Notes app.
Touch and hold the selected notes, and without lifting your finger, use a second finger to switch to the Files app and drop the files there. If you have a keyboard, just drag the selected files to the destination folder in Finder.
On the Mac
I use the Exporter app, which exports all notes (including attachments). I export them to an archive folder in iCloud.
I use DEVONthink’s import Apple Notes feature. This works great and is fast and easy.
I’m humbled and blessed to hear that. Given my relative lack of technical expertise compared to most in this forum, I seldom get to provide real help. I feel just a little more like a “power user.” If and when we meet, I’ll take you up on the drinks! I’m not really a drinker, but I can make an exception.
I have three main repositories for storing all my digital information:
My File Cabinet (iCloud storage)
Financial Archive (local storage)
Writing (local storage)
Everything is indexed in DevonThink for easy access and searchability.
The Writing repository includes current writing projects, journaling, and notes. All writing occurs in Drafts, and upon completion, it is processed into markdown files. If I need to edit a markdown file, I do so in BBEdit.
With DevonThink, I have everything in one place, making it easy to find what I need.
Outside of DevonThink:
I have a few notes in Apple Notes that include images.
My 11ty site is on GitHub with a local repository.
However, I do a lot of writing in Markdown using the NotePlan app for my Daily Notes (and some other active Notes). Even though I have the Typora Markdown editor, which is well done and I like a lot, plain text files (which include any Markdown formatted documents outside of NotePlan) get opened in BBEdit.
DEVONthink is functionally very strong, but it takes more effort to keep it running than any other software I own. I couldn’t recommend it to anyone wanting an easy life. But if you’re happy to hold its hand half the time, it can be really good.
I don’t find it problematic to run on one device, but I often have to “fix” syncing between my MBP and iPad Pro. It can get tedious. I’m running the newest version of both, version 4.
I’m thinking of moving my research files to Finder and relegating DT to a utility, e.g., file conversion, OCR, and the like. I’ve made no decision, but I agree, DT, at least for me, requires “maintenance.” Of course, this could be a user problem.
That’s interesting. I’ve used DEVONthink for more than 20 years. It’s open whenever I’m working on my MBP. I suppose I’m deeply integrated with it, but that’s not something I think about. [1] I wonder why it would take a lot of effort to keep it running. Sorry to hear that.
Katie
But not DEVONthink to Go. I try to avoid that bloatmonster except when I need to travel with only a phone with me. ↩︎
I have changed note-taking systems many times over the decades, and my number one question is therefore always “How easy will it be to move all of my work to the next system when I eventually abandon this one?”
(The data also has to be easily available and updatable on all of my devices.)
I like Apple Notes but could never be sure of getting everything out of it, and so I use Obsidian.
I think folks are complaining about sync with ipad/iphone. Because of iOS limitations, can’t auto-sync everything automatically so it is a pain to open your iPad after weeks of not, and finding your DT contents is there, but only as stubs since the whole file content hasn’t been sync’d down.
I think there is a new release of DTTG, but haven’t looked to see what the new features are.
OTOH, DTTG can be installed on all your iOS devices with a single app store license/purchase.
I upgraded from OS 3 to OS 4. I was on beta with iOS. DTTG does not give me the opportunity to add my OS license. So I need to purchase the iOS for $20.00 USD. Thanks fine, but is it a yearly subscription for iOS? Thank you
DevonThink is my number one app and most indispensable. It only has to be as complicated as you make it. On the forum, I have found most of the time if I make it clear that I’m not super techy, most are very kind and helpful. While most of their user base likely consists of far more advanced use cases, I use the program to store records (taxes, medical, etc) with separate databases for genealogy and hobbies.
I can type anything I need to search up at the top and always find what I need instantly. And the ability to annotate everything? Pricelesss.
My current license will need to be renewed in July to continue receiving upgrades. Given the price, I don’t intend to renew it. I suspect I could go for a couple of years without upgrading, and DT would continue to work, but at some point, OS upgrades will require an update to DT for it to function properly, not to mention the need to upgrade for bug fixes and the like. Rather than pay for upgrades every year or so, I’ll just move my PDF research files into Finder and keep all future research files there. As indicated in my post above, I’ll probably relegate DT to a utility and use it in that limited capacity for as long as it works without upgrading. I’ll use Apple Notes for other types of notes, e.g., project notes.
The problem I’ve had with syncing DTTG is just a symptom of the main problem, which is errors in the database. The main databases routinely get errors in them, and that stops DTTG syncing, since it wouldn’t sync a database with an error in it. A Verify and Repair sometimes fixes it, other times not. If not I’d have to manually go find all the files that were causing problems and delete them from the database, or it would never sync.
The other problem is that the quick search box never worked for me, for reasons too long to go into, so I have to have a tonne of Smart Folders that I use instead, which is just tiresome. I just want a functioning search sometimes.
Then there’s the oddity of stuff in the Inbox not being pulled into DT. When I switched to DT4, I was changing all my Inbox shortcuts and I found there was like 40 items in my DT3 Inbox it hadn’t imported. Why? No idea.
I’ve used DT since about 2017, and this stuff has been a pretty consistent thing for me. I at one point had four databases in it, but that made things intolerable. I’ve pulled my personal files and library of work research materials and now use it as my general purpose filing system for work only, and it’s been a lot better since I simplified things.
If and when we meet, I’ll take you up on the drinks! I’m not really a drinker, but I can make an exception. 
