Automatically move linked PDF files to general file directory

[kbarros]

There is an option to set Library properties -> General file directory. Once set, this shows up in the .bib file as:

@Comment{jabref-meta: fileDirectory:[mydir];}

However, this option does not seem to be respected when linking a PDF. I can't drag-and-drop (that's issue 4947), but I can right-click and select Attach file. When attaching this way, it will not move the PDF file to the target directory [mydir].

JabRef 5.0-dev--snapshot--2019-05-01--master--f1b4b5be3
Mac OS X 10.14.4 x86_64
Java 1.8.0_212

[matthiasgeiger]

I think there is a misunderstanding about this feature. Existing files already stored elsewhere are not automatically moved to the set file directory (but there should be a manual action in the right click menu to do this).
The main file dir is however used for the "Autolink" feature and when files are directly downloaded by JabRef.

// Edit: As I'm now at a PC here's the respective screenshot:

[kbarros]

Hi, thanks for your response.

This feature seems to work differently in JabRef 4. Previously, I could "drag-and-drop" the PDF file and it would do three things: (1) Rename the file as "[bibkey] - [title].pdf", (2) move the file to the "General file directory", and (3) link it with the entry.

In JabRef 5, it does only (1) and (3); and step (2) requires an additional (and unintuitive) action.

It would be very helpful if JabRef 5 would move the file, consistent with the JabRef 4 behavior.

[kbarros]

Let me also say: I'm super grateful for all the work you and others do on this project. JabRef has been my tool of choice bibtex manager for a long time. Version 5 is shaping up to be a huge upgrade. It is fantastic that we have such a mature, functional, cross-platform bibtex manager

With this feature and a few other fixes (PDF drag and drop; integration with Mac Finder; order by column; avoid pasting twice) I don't think there is much to miss from JabRef 4!

[Siedlerchr]

The current development version now has a setting to define the default action for drag and drop.
In addtion, it supports the use of modifiers.

We would like to ask you to use a development build from https://builds.jabref.org/master and report back if it works for you. Please remember to make a backup of your library before trying-out this version.

[amine-aboufirass]

is it possible to deactivate the autolink behavior altogether?