Send renamed files to DEVONthink automatically

Use NameQuick as the filename step before DEVONthink. NameQuick reads each file, proposes a clean name, lets you review the preview, and then a Rule can move the approved file into DEVONthink's Global Inbox.

This does not add a dedicated DEVONthink connector. It uses the local folder DEVONthink already imports from, so the document reaches DEVONthink with the final NameQuick filename.

What this setup does#

This setup is useful when scans, PDFs, invoices, contracts, research downloads, or client files first land in Finder and only then belong in DEVONthink. NameQuick handles the readable filename before the file is stored in DEVONthink.

Use it when you want to:

• Rename files with AI, OCR, templates, or a custom prompt before import
• Keep the approved filename visible in Finder, DEVONthink, backups, and shared folders
• Send matching files into DEVONthink automatically after the rename
• Keep DEVONthink as the long-term document system

It does not choose a DEVONthink database or group for you. Files arrive in the Global Inbox, and detailed filing still happens inside DEVONthink.

Find DEVONthink's Global Inbox#

DEVONthink imports files that appear in its Global Inbox folder. On most Macs, that folder is in one of these locations:

~/Library/Application Support/DEVONthink/Inbox
~/Library/Application Support/DEVONthink 3/Inbox

If you do not see the Library folder in Finder, open the Go menu and hold Option. The Library item will appear.

Select the folder named Inbox. Do not select the database package file named Inbox.dtBase2.

DEVONthink can also place an Inbox shortcut in Finder through DEVONthink > Install Add-Ons. If you use that shortcut, select the actual Inbox folder when NameQuick asks for the destination.

Create the NameQuick Rule#

1. Open the Rules section in NameQuick.
2. Create a new Rule for the files that should go to DEVONthink.
3. Set tight conditions, such as Extension is PDF, Parent folder is Scans, or Filename contains Invoice.
4. Set the Rule to run After Rename so DEVONthink receives the approved filename.
5. Add a Move into folder action.
6. Choose DEVONthink's Inbox folder as the destination.
7. Keep preview review on until the rule has processed a few real files correctly.

The important part is the timing. Rename first, move second. That gives DEVONthink the final filename instead of the scanner name or download name.

Use it with Watch Folders#

For recurring intake, pair the Rule with Watch Folders. A Watch Folder can monitor your scanner output, Downloads folder, or shared intake folder. The Rule then moves matching files into DEVONthink after NameQuick has renamed them.

Start narrow. Test with one file type and one source folder before adding broader conditions. If a folder contains unrelated files, add a condition that prevents screenshots, exports, app downloads, or temporary files from being moved into DEVONthink.

Keep routing in NameQuick#

You do not need a separate folder routing app for this setup. Keep the rename and move in one NameQuick Rule so preview, undo, and routing stay together.

A clean setup is:

1. Scanner, browser, or another source saves files into an intake folder.
2. NameQuick renames the files from content, OCR text, or templates.
3. A NameQuick Rule moves the approved results into DEVONthink's Global Inbox.

If files already arrive from another app, leave that app as the intake source and let NameQuick handle the filename plus the final DEVONthink move.

Limits to know#

This setup sends files to the Global Inbox, not to a specific DEVONthink database, group, tag set, or smart group. Use DEVONthink's own tools after import if you need detailed filing.

Finder tags may travel with files in normal Finder moves, but tag behavior can depend on the destination, database settings, and how DEVONthink imports the file. Test tags with your own setup before relying on them inside DEVONthink.

A first-class Send to DEVONthink action that targets a chosen database or group is under consideration. If that would save you time, tell us what you need at support@namequick.app.

FAQ#

Does this send files directly to a DEVONthink database?#

No. It moves files into DEVONthink's Global Inbox folder. DEVONthink then imports them. Choose the database or group inside DEVONthink afterward.

Which DEVONthink folder should I choose?#

Choose the folder named Inbox under DEVONthink's Application Support folder. Do not choose Inbox.dtBase2; that is a database package, not the folder NameQuick should move files into.

Does DEVONthink need to be open?#

Usually no. Files can be moved into the Global Inbox while DEVONthink is closed, then imported when DEVONthink next runs. Test this once on your Mac because DEVONthink settings and versions can differ.

Will DEVONthink keep the NameQuick filename?#

Yes, as long as the Rule runs After Rename. The file reaches the Global Inbox with the approved NameQuick name already applied.

Does this replace DEVONthink filing rules?#

No. NameQuick is best for reading files, creating useful filenames, and handing approved files to DEVONthink. DEVONthink is still the place for database organization, groups, smart groups, and long-term document management.