Using Compressed Files in DEVONthink

Compressed files, e.g. ZIP archives, can be stored in a database. However, they are not indexed and therefore only searchable by name. Also, you can’t decompress and access their contents in DEVONthink. So their actual usefulness in the database is limited to merely archiving. And be aware the compressed files also add to the amount of data the application needs to handle when syncing.

If you actually wanted to access the contents of such a file in your database, you should not use Data > Open. With imported files, they will decompress inside the database package, causing internal inconsistencies. Used on indexed files, your database will bloat with the decompressed data. Here are two safe options…

• In the Finder, do a Spotlight search for Archive Utility. This is the macOS’ application for handling file compression. Launch it and open the Settings. Set the Save expanded files to your Desktop, Documents, or Downloads folder. Note this will cause all compressed files to decompress to this location whether they’re in DEVONthink or not. With this change you can open compressed files in DEVONthink, e.g., using Data > Open and their contents will be unpacked to the location of your choice.
• Install a third-party utility for handling compressed files. Two popular apps are The Unarchiver and Keka. In either app you can set a preference to decompress to one of the previously mentioned locations. In DEVONthink you can then select a compressed file and choose Data > Open With instead of the Open command. That way, Apple’s built-in Archive Utility can still decompress archives outside your database and compressed files inside your database can be handled with the third-party tool.