Bookdog

Name: Bookdog
Price: 22.95 $
Rating: 3.8 (7 reviews)

5.3.21

27 July 2012

Organize, verify, and sync bookmarks between multiple browsers.

Overview

Bookdog is the complete bookmarks manager for your Mac.

Bookdog manages the bookmarks you have in

Camino
del.icio.us
Google Bookmarks
OmniWeb
Opera
Netscape
Safari
Shiira 2.0 or later

Managing bookmarks includes

Sorting to your specifications
Keeping them sorted, by its built-in companion, Bookwatchdog
Detecting duplicates, to your specifications
Verifying bookmarks, fixing broken ones, advising on questionable ones
- Migrating bookmarks between browsers
- Migrates attributes such as descriptions, keywords
- Converts Tags to Hierarchy and back
Powerful searching
All capabilities extend to bookmarks on other networked Macs.
Can also create or read standalone or "backup" bookmarks files.

What's new in Bookdog

Version 5.3.21:

The only change is that this version is signed with our Developer ID, so that it can be installed in OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. Users who already have BookMacster 5.3.20 installed and working may skip this update, even if they update to OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. It is only needed if Bookdog is re-installed after OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.

130 Bookdog Reviews

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Ok I just realized checking the website that Bookdog will be left to die and replaced by Bookmacster... the way this new piece of software deals with collections seems to be better according to the developer.. I tried the beta.. and I found it more complicated than bookdog and definitely as ugly (I hate ugly interfaces.. especially these days that the MAc has becom so refined in ym view.., so I think I'll be changing once again.. as I have when I stopped using URL Manager Pro years ago... sometimes developers do weird things.. As far as I'm concerned the "Bookmark niche" is once again free for someone who develops a truly great product that synchs all my browsers or I'll do it with scripting.. Webbla looks good it seems but crashes on my system.. and all other offerings are outdated and no good. The singing chairs game has officially begun ;-)

Like (6)

Version 5.3.8

So either because this app hasn't been updated or because it wasn't intended to do it - it can't import Opera bookmarks and can't even see them. Only Firefox and Safari bookmarks can be imported.

Version 5.3.21

OMG omg, we get to go back to BookDog! Which has always been more than enough ... and which was sorely missed. Total bookmark fanatics can always use BookMacster--but this is a unique utility (unfortunately--there should be more bookmark managers for OS X.) Yes, the interface is ... strange ... and there could be a few less clicks, a built in sync-saver instead of having to open a file ... but right now, this is the best. (Please do not *think* of buying URLManager Pro.)

Like (1)

Version 5.3.21

I've been a VERY longtime BookDog user and supporter. SheepDog reports that iCloud sync and BookDog don't play well together, necessitating a side-grade over to their new app, BookMacster. Downloading and trying BookMacster, it seemed to work just fine. But I have to be honest here - seeing the BookMacster interface (a more lively and colorized implementation of the old BookDog interface) reminded me that this app is impossibly complex-looking and non-intuitive for such a simple task set. Maybe this is ingratitude after years of loyalty, but I just didnt want to spend $20 merely to sort my bookmarks - all I really need from BookDog. So I downloaded a free quick n' dirty utility that does it - and that's when I realized.... I guess the fact that SheepDog has been so attached to what has to be one of the worst app icons in the Mac OS world, while its not a crime to love an awful icon (and we have to give them some slack, it's obviously an icon of a beloved pet) this is evidence that they just don't put much stock in making user interfaces that are intuitive, and - dare I say it? - delight the eye. BookDog's interface looks like a Gannt chart for complex project management software, when a simple set of checkboxes could do the same thing faster, easier and more attractively. So, four stars for a great app that does sorting and a whole lot more (particularly, migrating bookmarks between various browser apps), but some points off for a needlessly counterintuitive interface.

Like (2)

Version 5.3.20

The Texas-sized spread of tabs almost made me forget how ugly the app's icon is. Or maybe it was the ugly icon that nearly distracted me from the GUI atrocities. This app works well enough, but it has the mangiest coat I've ever seen.

Like (1)

Version 5.3.20

It's great to see that Sheep Systems is still updating Bookdog even though they have their newer app BookMacster out. I will stay with Bookdog as it (IMO) is better at what it and even BookMacster's intended functions are, less prone to problems (BookMacster is not only more complicated to setup and use; but ruined my bookmark structure (thankfully I had a backup available) so bad that I had to replace the file in Safari (my primary browser). What for me sets Bookdog apart from it's competition (and why partially I keep using it) is it's ability to verify sites still exist, sorting of bookmarks and keeping things organized between various browsers (I know the way it does this mayn't be as well designed (supposedly) as BookMacster; but I find Bookdog's implementation works better and has never (let me repeat that), never ruined my bookmark structure) effortlessly. If Sheep System's can take a single (though I doubt I'm the only one) customer's suggestion, do away with BookMacster, renew Bookdog and leave it that way. The foray into BookMacster was for a valid reason; but it (by user comments) isn't what users seem to want, whereas Bookdog is still going strong (due to user demand) well after it was officially shelved to be replaced by BookMacster.

Like (1)

Version 5.3.19

Aargl

04 August 2011

I think I have used it a long time ago for exporting my Camino bookmarks to Google Bookmarks, but it doesn't seem to work anymore: it pretends doing something, connecting and so on but in the end my Google bookmarks stay untouched... Though it seems to work to sync with the other browsers.

Version 5.3.16

1 answer(s)

Aargl

06 September 2013

I've neglected to correct this, but Google sync have been restored in a later version and works perfectly, though it's a very long process if you've got a few thousands bookmarks.

It just works on 10.4 thru 10.6. Admittedly, I don't try to deal with different folder hierarchies. Only thing missing is Chrome support. They want 20$ for an update including this... unlikely. @those wo are complaining about the ugly icon: you are aware you're free to change icons to whatever your heart desires, aren't you?

Like (2)

Version 5.3.15

1 answer(s)

Kitmos

25 January 2011

I agree that a $20 upgrade to a $23 program is absurd.

Like (3)

Uglyist icon ever...

Like (5)

Version 5.3.13

1 answer(s)

Cgc

10 September 2011

Ugliest program ever...at least it works well.

If you are just looking for something that will sort your bookmarks alphabetically, SafariSort is worth trying: http://www.sullysrants.com/2010/02/safari-bookmark-sorter-app-free/

Like (1)

Version 5.3.13

Xmarks does this for free, it works only with Firefox and Safari, though (but really, most people use those on the Mac anyway). I like the fact that it syncs my bookmarks between my Dell at work and my Macs at home. Why pay for something that is offered free elsewhere?

Like (4)

Version 5.3.13

8 answer(s)

Steven-Goodheart

19 April 2010

Xmarks is a great service, and works especially well in Firefox, where it originated, but Bookdog offers way more than mere synchronization, which anyone can see if you check out the feature list. The sorting ability is especially powerful and flexability, and gives you great control over which folders get sorted and on what criterion they are sorted. The "Watchdog" feature is also great. I also like how I can verify bookmarks and find and fix/eliminate broken links. As for migrating between browsers, where Bookdog excels over Xmarks is that it mirgrates descriptions and keywords while converting Tags to Hierarchy and back. Unless I missed it, Xmarks doesn't do that. I have no relationship to the developer, but I've been using shareware since 1985, and this is about the best $22+ I've ever spent on a program. I constantly use it and it never lets me down.

Like (6)

Version 5.3.13

ben-marko

19 April 2010

The only feature I can see that Bookdog has over Xmarks is that it can check bookmarks is the ability to fix/eliminate broken links. A good feature, but not enough to trump the price tag. Xmarks can do sorting as well, this is a simple process by witch you upload a new set that you have organized on your Mac (or you can go to the Xmarks webpage) I am sure most rarely bother to ensure if keywords and descriptions are correct, most probably don't bother using them. Plus Xmarks is free - and again, I am sure that most would prefer a free app to one that they have to pay for. If Bookdog really wants to justify a 22 dollaar price tag, then it will have to beef up it's features, and make sure that they are features no on else has. I've been using shareware (and freeware) for a long time myself. Anyone will tell you, free beats not free any day of the week. I constantly use Xmarks and it too has never let me down.

Like (2)

Version 5.3.13

Steven-Goodheart

19 April 2010

Hey Robert. I hear you. For you, Bookdog is not a sufficient value, since the only thing you value is syncing. For those of us who want to not only to sync, but also to: fix broken links (the one thing of merit in your eyes), keep our keywords and descriptions in sync (for many Firefox users who use keywords to organize thousands of bookmarks, this is no small feature; I spend a log of time tagging!), to always have our bookmarks sorted the way *we* want (Watchdog), and with the ability to have way, WAY more flexibility in the criterion of how the bookmarks are sorted, Bookdog far outshines Xmarks. Also, from my usage, it's so much faster and easier to syc my bookmarks locally on my machine, and not have to upload a new set every single time I make changes, which I find a real pain in the rear. (Plus, again, I just can't do the bookmark manipulation *in* Xmarks that I can while I'm in Bookdog.) So, different strokes for different folks. Again, I hear and appreciate that you don't see the value. I do, and Bookdog has saved me hours and hours of time. Also, I'm only taking time to reply because your statement "the only feauture I see that Bookdog has over Xmarks is that it can eliminate broken links" you seemed to be saying that in fact, that is the *only* actual feature Bookdog has over Xmarks, when in fact, that's the only one *you* see any value in at all. Big difference!

Like (5)

Version 5.3.13

ben-marko

19 April 2010

Syncing osn't the only thing I value...it is the fact that Bookdog charges for a feature at what seems to be a much higher price than it's apparent value. You speak of syncing like it is a manual process...when for both Xmarks and Bookdog it is largely automatic. If I need to delete a dead link, or reorganize some of the links, I simply do so and then hit "Syncronize Now" in my menubar. That simple. There is no labor involved in "manipulating" the bookmarks in Xmarks - since it is done within Safari to begin with - so it sounds like it is much less work than you do for Bookdog. You don't even need a live Internet connection to do it, since both will sync up when that Internet connection is reestablished. Bookdog just isn't offering anything in the way of features that could justify it's price ($22!). However if you are ok with that, then that's fine for you. So as you said...different strokes for different folks.

Like (1)

Version 5.3.13

Steven-Goodheart

20 April 2010

I hear you loud in clear, that, in your opinion, "Bookdog just isn't offering anything [for you] in the way of features that could justify it's price ($22!)." This only speaks to *your* experience, and says nothing of the value of these other features to *other* users. Thank goodness we can all choose in the free market to value software as we see fit! Since you see zero value, you don't have to buy it! Since it's a great value to me, I'm more than happy to pay $22, as have thousands of other happy users. You opinion that it's not worth $22 isn't an absolute, or definitive, as you keep seeming to imply, but simply that, your opinion. And again, I respect that. I hope that our back and forth will prompt people to look into Bookdog, (and yes, FREE Xmarks), for themselves. Both are great products, in my experience, and one is definitely worth paying for, in my experience, but not in yours. Not much more to say than that.

Like (5)

Version 5.3.13

ben-marko

20 April 2010

"Thousands" of happy users...um, that might be stretching it a bit. But if you are okay with paying for an app that charges so much for such a small difference, then that's okay, too. I prefer the free app, it has exactly the features that I need. For free.

Like (1)

Version 5.3.13

Steven-Goodheart

20 April 2010

I am very happy for you. Xmarks is clearly just what you need.

Like (3)

Version 5.3.13

Steven-Goodheart

23 October 2011

MacJunkee, Thanks for your kind words. I think it's important to be able to share views and to not lose sight of each other, so to speak, even when we may strongly disagree. Steve Steve

Bookdog

Overview

What's new in Bookdog

Bookdog Screenshots

130 Bookdog Reviews

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