Feature Request: Attachment links

[DejaJeff]

Currently in DJOA it is possible to attach files to records, such as contacts. When this is done, DJOA makes a copy of the file and stores it in the app's "/files
Attachments/" folder.

Recommend that for attachments the option be presented to the user, to either attach the file (as is done now), or create a link to the file.

Rationale: If the original file in question is periodically edited/updated at the user's original storage location, then a link option would be more useful rather than having to be continually updating the DJOA record (delete and re-attach) after the updating file.

When feeling a record, tapping a file link should open the system file picker, or whatever is default on the users device, to open/edit it.

Favorable consideration appreciated.

[Thomas]

Jeff,

So to clarify you just want it to show the internal path to the attachment? IE Android\Data\etc\something.pdf instead of just showing the attachment?

[DejaJeff]

Jeff,

So to clarify you just want it to show the internal path to the attachment? IE Android\Data\etc\something.pdf instead of just showing the attachment?

Yes Thomas,

Preferably a link you can tap on from the record view, so that you can open it wherever that path is. Basically a link to wherever it is on the device.

Jeff

[Thomas]

And you would want it to launch the File Explorer to this folder vs just opening the file thats attached to the record.?

[DejaJeff]

And you would want it to launch the File Explorer to this folder vs just opening the file thats attached to the record.?

Actually, I think it would be ideal to open the file.

[Thomas]

Jeff,

The Path is going to be a little too geeky since it is several folders deep (where android requires apps to install), if it just showed the attachment name that was tappable would that be enough? IE "something.pdf" in the standard blue hyperlink that you can tap to open the file?

[DejaJeff]

Jeff,

if it just showed the attachment name that was tappable would that be enough? IE "something.pdf" in the standard blue hyperlink that you can tap to open the file?

Yes!

So, in summary, when editing a record the user could attached a file in the current manner.

The alternative new option would be for the user to be able to create a link to a file somewhere in the device's file system. When viewing the saved record, the user could just tap the link to open the file. Agree that the tappable link could only be displayed as the file name, and not the entire path.

[Thomas]

Jeff,

Hmm when you add the Attachment, this is currently how it works, although it does show a little icon for the file type. We could add an option to remove this? We do show an Image if it is an image, but the file name is below it. We could remove the preview and just show the name.

[DejaJeff]

Jeff,

Hmm when you add the Attachment, this is currently how it works, although it does show a little icon for the file type. We could add an option to remove this? We do show an Image if it is an image, but the file name is below it. We could remove the preview and just show the name.

We might not be communicating

Just to be clear, currently when you add an attachment, DJOA copies the file to the app's "/files/Attachments/" folder. Tapping on the attachment in record view mode opens that copy of the file to view or edit.

What I'm asking for is an option to alternatively create a clickable link to a file somewhere else in the file system. A link to the original file chosen, versus to a copy of it.

[Thomas]

Ah gotcha. Thanks for the clarification. I will do some checking here, but I believe this would prevent the sync of the attachment back to the PC via DejaOffice unless we copy it, but it may be possible with some extra permissions.

[Sherrythere]

If I create a template and affiliate key individuals using that template is there a way to search or sort by specific template?

[DJOCTO]

Mr Sherry,

A template defines fields that are set when a record is created.

After the record is created - the template name is not a property of the record.

So there is no way to search for records by template because there is not any persistent property to search for.

As a part of the template, you can set a category, and then search by category. Depending on what other fields you set you may be able to create some good ways that pop up easily in a search.