Backdate Yojimbo Import

When you use this script to import files into Yojimbo, the imported items are automatically assigned the creation and modification dates of the original file (Yojimbo normally records the date of import as the creation date for imported items). Now you can easily preserve the chronological relationship between imported files.

This script is based on the similar Backdate Yojimbo Items script I wrote a few days ago, which is better for isolated corrections than bulk backdating. The same warnings about unsupported database manipulations apply.

Download Script: BackdateYojimboImport.scpt.zip (13k)

Download Droplet: BackdateYojimboImport.app.zip (35k)

Both versions work exactly the same, except that you can drag files (or folders) onto the droplet icon to import them (or their contents). The droplet appears in the Dock when invoked, whereas the script version runs transparently. A good place to install the script is ~/Library/Scripts/Applications/Yojimbo/.

When you invoke the script, a file chooser will appear. You can select multiple files to import by Shift- or Command-clicking. (If you would rather select folders, look at the code. It is a trivial change.) The backdated timestamps will not appear in Yojimbo until you restart the application.

Posted on Wednesday, May 9th, 2007.

Backdate Yojimbo Items

An issue that has recently arisen on the Yojimbo mailing list is that imported items are considered created at the time of import. This is logical, but some people would prefer to retain the creation date of the original file. Enter “Backdate Items,” an AppleScript for Yojimbo that gives you the ability to change the creation date of existing items:

A word of warning: this script modifies Yojimbo’s database directly using sqlite3. This is quite certainly an unsupported way to manipulate your data. In fact, Apple clearly states that Core Data files like this should not be tinkered with:

While it is easy enough to look under the covers and see what is going on with the XML and SQLite data formats, you should never modify the data in these files yourself.

But I tinker. If you do, too, please back up your ~/Library/Application Support/Yojimbo/Database.sqlite file first. Consider yourself warned that this script could potentially mangle that database.

Download Backdate Yojimbo Items Script 1.2 (11k)

Install the script in ~/Library/Scripts/Applications/Yojimbo/. Usage:

1. Select some items in Yojimbo’s list pane.
2. Invoke the Backdate Items script.
3. Enter the desired date and time in any supported format.
4. Click “Creation” or “Creation & Modification” to reset the corresponding timestamps.
5. Changes will not be visible until you restart Yojimbo. You may backdate more than once before restarting Yojimbo, but don’t edit a backdated item until you’ve restarted Yojimbo or your changes may be lost.

Examine the script for more information about how it works. The SQLite Database Browser can also be used for this purpose, but you’ll have to manually convert dates to seconds since January 1, 2001 00:00:00 GMT (the NSDate epoch). With any luck, the option to preserve creation dates will eventually be added to Yojimbo’s import facility and this hack can be retired.

Posted on Monday, May 7th, 2007.

Import Yojimbo Note

This little AppleScript for ThisService provides an alternative to Yojimbo’s own “Import Text” service. It creates and opens a new note item containing the currently selected text. Text style is not preserved and the note window that is opened allows you to promptly edit the note’s name or tags.

Download Yojimbo Note Service (33k)

The unzipped service goes in ~/Library/Services/. You can assign a keyboard shortcut with Service Scrubber. Here is the actual AppleScript:

on process(_selection)
 tell application "Yojimbo"
  activate
  -- could display a dialog prompting user to name/tag note
  set _item to make new note item with contents _selection
  open location "x-yojimbo-item://" & (get id of _item)
 end tell
end process

Posted on Friday, May 4th, 2007.