[rogbar]

FWIW, I'm using PadSync (http://www.ecamm.com/mac/padsync/). Here's how it works ...

I have a few OmniOutliner documents I want to keep synced between my iPad and my Mac. These outlines were in my ~/Documents folder when I dragged them into PadSync, which works sort of like iTunes, except it automatically keeps files synced.

The OO docs I dragged from ~/Documents immediately showed up on my iPad.

When I edited the documents on the iPad and synced back to the Mac, the changed documents were not in ~/Documents ... they were in the ~/Application Support/PadSync folder (because that's where PadSync stores them). The original versions in my ~/Documents folder were un-changed.

Since Lion hides the Library folder, and I want easy access to these outlines on my Mac, I've gone into the Application Support/PadSync folder, created aliases, and moved those aliases into my ~/Documents folder. Now, when I want to access my documents on my Mac, I just go into my Documents folder and click on the aliases.

The nice thing about PadSync is that whenever I sync the iPad to the Mac, PadSync automatically copies the most recently-changed file onto the other device.

So if anyone's looking for easy syncing (until iCloud comes out), here's one way.

[santra]

Reviewing the many many threads written by people upset about the lack of sync—no Dropbox, no easy iDisk, vague promises for iCloud—rogbar's workaround makes me shudder that people are going to these lengths to get something OmniGroup should be providing.

We've had the ability to sync across ALL platforms with OmniFocus (yes, via Dropbox) for quite awhile now.

Why is it taking SO long to get this functionality into OmniOutliner? Is it characteristic of the fact that EVERYTHING about getting OmniOutliner onto the iPad has taken forever? I guess.

If anyone bothered to cull together all the separate threads written by people who want better sync, I think we'd all be surprised at the amount of interest and annoyance we're all going through.

Frankly, I can't believe that the top dozen new posts are mostly about what I consider to be tiny, inconsequential formatting and functionality issues WHEN WE DON'T EVEN HAVE AUTO BACKGROUND SYNC YET ON THIS APP YET.

Appalling beyond belief.

Edit: I can't believe I rushed to sync my iPad this morning when I saw there was a new OO update, praying Dropbox sync would finally be provided. So so naive of me. And please don't even get me started about security issues. Yes, they had a 4-hour password vulnerability months and months ago, but the lengths they went to investigate, email customers, nail down intrusion risks, provide support was far and away beyond some of the neglect over major issues I've seen from OmniGroup's programming dept. (as much as I generally love the support team here).

So I'll still be taking my Air AND iPad to work every day. iPad OO can't handle my 11,000 line KB outline for work anyway, so I guess it doesn't matter.

[Myrrh]

Until we get true sync added, I would suggest using the WebDAV option, which tends to be easy and fast. We actually have our own free server you can use (the OmniSync Server, which you may already be using for OmniFocus), and it will function as a WebDAV server to import/export files between the desktop and iPad apps.

Here is the link to sign up, if you are interested and don't already have an account:

<http://www.omnigroup.com/sync/>

All it takes to get set up is adding your email address, then following the instructions that will be sent to you via email. Once you have an account, simply open OmniOutliner on the iPad, tap the Import icon, choose Copy from WebDAV, and enter your info. The server location would be

https://sync.omnigroup.com/YOURUSERNAME/ (make sure to add the last backslash when entering this address anywhere)

To set up an OmniOutliner - specific folder on your Mac to hold your .oo3 documents, open a Finder window, click on Go/Connect to Server, and enter that same sync server address. You will then be able to click on either File/New Folder or chose the New Folder option from the gear drop-down in the Finder window. Name the new folder whatever you wish, add your .oo3 docs, and the next time you chose the Copy From WebDAV option in OO on the iPad, you will see your new folder full of documents to choose from.

Whew! That seems like a lot of work, but it really is easy to set up once you get your confirmation email from us.

We are also working on dedicated Syncing options, and of course we will be adding the new iCloud support once Apple makes it available. I truly hope this helps ease the frustration in the meantime. The Omni Sync Server should be a great, free, and easy option!

I hope this is helpful info. :)

[Cortig]

Originally Posted by Myrrh

We actually have our own free server you can use (the OmniSync Server, which you may already be using for OmniFocus), and it will function as a WebDAV server to import/export files between the desktop and iPad apps.

Do you know how much space we can use on there?
It shouldn't be an issue for OmniFocus sync, for Outliner can use some fairly alrge files…

Corentin

[DerekM]

At the moment there isn't a limit. We're monitoring such stats and will create a policy if needed.

[Cortig]

Originally Posted by DerekM

At the moment there isn't a limit. We're monitoring such stats and will create a policy if needed.

Thanks a million for letting me know Derek,


Corentin

[philippe@fanjere.com]

Hi

I read this post on using the Omni sync server with interest but I'm not sure how I can use this in off-line mode. I am assuming that I need to be connected to see my "sync" files. This is not a good solution as I will then have to manually copy my files to use off-line.

Do you have any advice on this?

Also, I would be happy to just use iTunes sync but it doesn't seem to work for bi-directional sync. Changes I make on the iPad version of OO are not reflected back on the Mac side.

[rogbar]

Is there an FAQ or some set of instructions on exactly how to use Omni Sync Server for OmniOutliner to keep outlines synced between a laptop and an iPad and iPhone? And a description of what OSS can and cannot do?

Thanks ...

[DerekM]

Omni Sync Server is just a regular WebDAV server. It's no different from using your iDisk to store files. OmniOutliner for iPad does not provide any additional capabilities like OmniFocus does for syncing. Any methods being used by others are of their own creation and you can probably search for some instructions in this forum.

We're currently working on iCloud support which will provide syncing for you.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by rogbar

Is there an FAQ or some set of instructions on exactly how to use Omni Sync Server for OmniOutliner to keep outlines synced between a laptop and an iPad and iPhone? And a description of what OSS can and cannot do?

Rogbar, check out Myrrh's post earlier in the thread I moved this post to. Hope this helps!