DEVONthink

DEVONthink is a document management and knowledge management software designed to assist users in collecting, organizing, and analyzing various types of documents and data. According to the vendor, this software is suitable for individuals, small businesses, and larger organizations, and is utilized by professionals in a variety of fields such as researchers, academics, legal professionals, writers, authors, and knowledge workers.

Key Features

Document Organization: Users can collect, organize, edit, and annotate various types of documents using DEVONthink. The software also offers the ability to automatically analyze, connect, and file documents, as well as view and edit multiple documents without the need for additional applications. Additionally, users can read web pages as if they were local documents.

Data Import and Categorization: DEVONthink allows users to import data of any kind from various sources. The vendor claims that smart rules can be utilized to automatically file, rename, or process documents, while categorization is based on previous filing patterns. Users can retrieve data using fast and flexible search options, find similar documents using keywords and the See Also function, and filter the database by dates, marks, tags, or geolocation.

Smart Groups and Reminders: The software offers smart groups that present related data based on saved searches. Users can also set reminders to ensure important tasks are not forgotten and add interesting materials to the reading list.

Data Organization Tools: According to the vendor, DEVONthink provides users with tools to quickly organize documents using tags. The software offers editors optimized for plain text, rich text, and Markdown, as well as the ability to insert manual or automatic cross-references and add annotations to any documents. Users can enrich data with custom metadata, imprint PDFs and images with customizable stamps, add Bates Numbers to PDFs and images, and work in two full-screen modes for focused work. Additionally, users have the option to store documents in self-contained databases or add references to external files, encrypt databases for maximum privacy, and clip data from other apps or write notes and add them to the inbox.

Data Accessibility and Integration: DEVONthink allows users to add links to documents in other apps and export documents in their original file formats. The built-in web interface (Server edition only) enables co-workers to access databases, browse, search, and organize data through a web browser. Users can securely sync data between Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices, and utilize DEVONthink To Go on iOS devices to view, edit, and organize data on the go. The software can also be integrated with other software using AppleScript and smart templates.

Automation and Workflow Enhancement: According to the vendor, users can add web feeds to automatically import new articles, download and archive complete websites, and utilize smart rules and reminders to automate recurring tasks. DEVONthink can also be integrated with other apps using Shortcuts, and users have the ability to automate workflows with predefined steps and actions.

Scanning and OCR: DEVONthink offers the functionality to scan paper documents and make them searchable. The software supports various scanners and scanner integration, and users can import email and archive complete websites. OCR technology is available to make scans searchable.

Custom Metadata and Imprinting: Users can add custom metadata to documents for specific needs and create and use custom imprints for PDFs and images.

Email Archiving: DEVONthink allows users to archive email correspondence from different email applications. Archived messages are stored in their original file format, and users can view and search archived emails within the software.

Web Interface (Server edition only): The vendor states that users can share databases on the local network with teammates and enable browsing, searching, and organizing of databases through a web browser. Individual user permissions can be set for each database.