Automatic import of new folders

[pmcabinet]

I'm working through the trial version of iMatch to evaluate before buying; the software is very good. But I'm having a problem with importing folders automatically from Windows Explorer (as used to happen with 'watched folders' in Picasa).

I commonly download images from my phone to a new folder created in Explorer (in my 'Pictures' folder); the new folder is usually named simply with the date of download. I believe I have enabled the necessary processes for iMatch to pick up the new folder and add it to the database - but nothing seems to happen. I have enabled everything (!) under 'Indexing' in preferences and set 'Only for local folders' under 'Background Processing'. With my 'Pictures' folder selected in iMatch, the properties panel says 'No' against 'Rescan needed'; clicking on it doesn't seem to initiate a rescan.

I can of course drag and drop to the folder tree in iMatch, but I won't always have time to do that immediately. And if I forget later then the folder never gets added to iMatch.

Clearly I must be missing something basic, but I'm stumped for now! What might (not) be happening here?

[Mario]

IMatch by default monitors folders you have added to the database. Adding new files, updating files already indexed, flagging files no longer existing etc.
It does not, however, add new folders you create somewhere. There is a good chance you don't want to, especially if you have a typical photographer's, PJ's or institutional workflow.

If you want to add new folders to your IMatch database, you do this manually.
If you add new folder below a folder already indexed in IMatch, just rescan the parent folder manually (click it, then Shift+F5). Or use the corresponding right-click context menu entry.
This way, IMatch does not accidentally at your 50K files temporary folder hierarchy without asking

Under Edit > Preferences > Indexing you can enable the advanced folder monitoring, which does what you need (I guess). Like, adding new sub-folders you create in Windows Explorer or some other software.
See Indexing, especially for potential side effects you may encounter - depending on your workflow and the other software you use.

Keep in mind that your DAM is usually what controls your files and folders. Most pro-grade DAM's like IMatch just move all your files into a database (removing them from the Windows file system), taking over full control over your files. IMatch does not do this. It manages your files where they are. But it still needs some control over the process, in oder to keep things managed and in good shape.

[pmcabinet]

Thank you Mario, for taking the time to explain this. Indeed, one of the best features of iMatch is that it doesn't take control of the Windows file system.

I understand that iMatch is designed primarily to have new files and folders added manually to the database; fair enough. But having enabled advanced folder monitoring I see that my new folders have now been picked up by the iMatch scan and added to the database - that is, as you say, what I wanted. But you mention I might not want to do this because of 'potential side effects'; what might these side effects be?

I will be using iMatch for organising my catalogue of observations from nature and, inter alia, uploading images to the iNaturalist organisation website; can you see problems arising if I continue to enable folder monitoring? Does it mean I could get all sorts of stuff on the database that I don't really want?

I'm immensely impressed by the range and power of this software and am keen to get a thorough knowledge of it. Sorry to be a pain!

[Mario]

The potential side effects are listed under the Advanced file system monitoring option in the Indexing help topic.
Take special care when are in the habit of moving  or rename files outside of IMatch when you enable this option. Or when you use software which does this. It may cause IMatch losing track of your files, because of the way some applications work and how Windows file system modification messages work.

In most scenarios, you're good. But creating new folders in IMatch (and then placing files in these folders in other applications) is a more robust workflow.
IMatch has very powerful file and folder management functions (see File Management in IMatch) and Working with Files more info.

If you use these, IMatch can keep the database in synch with the changes you do to the Windows file system automatically.

[pmcabinet]

Thank you for that - I've noted your suggestions and will study the file management process. At present, I don't know about 'creating new folders in IMatch (and then placing files in these folders in other applications)' but will look into it. It sounds sensible; I guess it just takes a while (I haven't used any professional DAM software before) to work out the procedures that best suit my particular purpose.

Thanks for your patience!

[Mario]

Click folder, press <Ins> to create a new child folder.
Right-click a folder for a wide range of additional commands, including a command to create an entire folder hierarchy.