It would be awesome if the custom ordering were synced with the database, but it’s not. There’s a nice scripted workaround. Some unavoidable limitations remain, but nothing bad.
Check out the Prepend_Number script - DT is nearly the best outliner on the planet. Only one thing is needed - #35 by Demogorgon
I think that’s the one I use. It’s very handy but there’s still a limitation.
When a document’s name is changed, it’s changed for every replicated instance of the document.
That’s a good thing in general. However, imagine you create groups that serve as dossiers. Any individual document may be replicated into any number of dossier groups and you may want a different order in each group.
Anyway, turn on Unsorted ordering. Drag and drop to suit. Highlight all the documents you want to number and run the renumbering script. Now, sort by name comes up with your custom sort order and travels across sync to other devices.
I change workflows about as often as the younger set changes hashtags. I confess I don’t use that renumbering as often as I once did because of the way document names are global. Renumbering in one group affects the numeric scheme everywhere any of the renumbered documents are replicated. That’s not the script’s fault. The script is genius.
If I’m writing, either documentation or creative writing, certain concepts relate to multiple points in the work. Concepts like that go in notes in appropriate groups.
Sketches of points in the manuscript (the outline) go in notes in a single group. They are a great candidate for the renumbering scheme because I’m unlikely to replicate them anywhere.
Mapping concepts to relevant points is something I’m still not consistent on. One way is to use transclusions. In source view, the transclusion is a regular link. In preview, the content of the transclusion appears inline.
It’s also pretty easy to use a Keyboard Maestro macro to partner DT with MindNode or probably any outlining tool. In my case, I highlight a node in MindNode, switch to DT and select a document, and Keyboard Maestro can copy the DT item’s link into MindNode.
Many paths to enlightenment. DT is the medium. What you make of it is the message. (Insert faint ringing of finger cymbals.)