Where Are DEVONthink Databases Stored?
DEVONthink keeps databases where you create them, usually ~/Databases, with the global inbox in Application Support.
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DEVONthink stores each database as a .dtBase2 package in the folder you chose at creation. The developer recommends ~/Databases in your home folder. That spot stays out of iCloud Drive and fits normal Time Machine backups.
The global inbox lives apart from your databases at ~/Library/Application Support/DEVONthink 3/Inbox.dtBase2 (version 4 uses its own folder name in the same area). Search Spotlight for kind:database dtBase2 if you lost track of a file. Never keep a live database in Dropbox or iCloud Drive.
Where DEVONthink stores this, by platform
~/Databases
Default recommendation for .dtBase2 files. Move them with Finder while DEVONthink is closed. Keep them on local or fast wired storage, not a cloud synced folder.
~/Library/Application Support/DEVONthink 3/Inbox.dtBase2
Global inbox database. Version 4 uses a matching DEVONthink folder in the same parent. Back this up with the rest of Application Support.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a lost DEVONthink database?
Use Spotlight with kind:database dtBase2 to list every database on the Mac. Check ~/Databases first, then external drives. Open the result by double clicking once you confirm the path.
Can I store a DEVONthink database in iCloud Drive?
No. DEVONthink blocks databases in cloud synced folders because sync conflicts corrupt them. Keep the .dtBase2 file local and use DEVONthink sync (Bonjour, WebDAV, Dropbox sync store) to move data between devices.
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