Opening attachments in Devonthink? Or Using Script?

[Nhaps]

Is there a way to open attachments in DevonThink rather than Adobe or Skim? I was not able to do this. If it is not possible, then I was wondering if there is a script that can accomplish this. One idea would be to use a script to place (one or many) DevonThink file links directly onto the URL of their BE references. This way I could quickly open the DevonThink file from within the reference window. I found one script that takes me directly from a page in DT to Skim, but not the other way around.

[Jon]

If DTP is in the dock, you should be able to drag the PDF proxy icon in the PDF toolbar to it and open it in DTP. Please try it.

Jon
Sonny Software

[Nhaps]

This could be called a partial link, dragging to icon is quicker than finding it in DT. But it does not work, as DT thinks it is an attachment being linked rather than a file to be opened. Whe I drag it an attachment window pops up.

[Jon]

I just dragged the pdf proxy icon (in Bookends) onto the icon of DTP in the dock (the application, not a file) and it added that PDF to its database and displayed it in the lower pane. That seems to be what you want, no? Opening the PDF in DTP?

Jon
Sonny Software

[Nhaps]

Not exactly, your suggestion adds a copy of the PDF from BE to DT, which is not what I want. What I meant by "link" is just a shortcut to the corresponding file in DT (I have only one folder where I keep my files for BE, which are indexed in DT). What I have in mind is to save time by clicking on a link within a BE reference that will take me to the same file in DT. I often have to find the same reference in DT because there is the only place I can generate a page link, to be pasted onto my notes. Let me know if this explanation helps.

[Jon]

Bookends and DTP don't know what a corresponding reference is. They maintain independent databases. They communicate with one another, and can import references/attachments from one to the other, but they are independent apps with independent databases. So no, you can't treat them as if they contain identical content and can ask DTP to open the same PDF that Bookends has attached to one of it's references (without adding a copy of that PDF to the DTP database).

Jon
Sonny Software

[Nhaps]

Thanks for the clarification. I think what I have in mind requires another workflow then, one that includes some scripting and/or the use of Alfred.

[NilsMS]

Thanks for the clarification. I think what I have in mind requires another workflow then, one that includes some scripting and/or the use of Alfred.

You might want to look at this thread: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3454

I have adapted the script there a little bit more and just posted an update. I suppose it should also work with indexed files (I keep all my files within DTPO). The script can indeed be invoked by Alfred.

Cheers,

Nils

[Nhaps]

Excellent, Nils! Thank you for this timely update (lack of update to the thread above is what prompted me to start this one). DT links are now posted on User20. For this link to work in a customized view one must add User20 field to Summary view, but it is already active in All Fields.