If you open DEVONthink and see an icon of a crossed pencil to the right of the database's name, the database has a file permissions issue. This makes the database readable, but not writeable, so you can't modify the contents in any way.

A permissions issue like this is uncommon but generally caused by three events, in order from most to least common: restoring from Apple's Migration Assistant, restoring from Time Machine, or an operating system or hardware error. Doing things like using Migration Assistant will not always cause a permissions issue, but if you have a crossed pencil icon and you've recently migrated to a new machine, this would be the likely cause.

The first thing you can try is to select the database in DEVONthink then choose File > Rebuild Database. Do not interrupt the process or let the machine power down while it's working.

If that doesn't resolve the issue, try this:

- Step 1: Close the database in DEVONthink.
- Step 2: Locate your database. If it's the Global Inbox, it's located in `~/Library/Application Support/DEVONthink`. For other databases, do a Spotlight search for `kind:database dtBase2`.
- Step 3: Select the database file and press `⌘︎`I to show the Info pane.
- Step 4: At the bottom, you'll see Sharing & Permissions. Click the lock icon to unlock it. You will be prompted to enter your administrative password. (This is the password you use to log into your account on your Mac.)
- Step 5: Make sure the account marked (Me) is set to Read & Write.
- Step 6: Click the Action menu and choose Apply to enclosed items, if it is available, then close the Info pane.
- Step 7: Double-click the database file to reopen it in DEVONthink.

If this does not resolve the issue, please contact our support team.