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SPECIFICTION
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CrossLine

github.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.6 #5 of 31 in Outliner Software

What it is

CrossLine is a free, open-source outliner for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It arranges text as parent, child, and subtopic nodes that can be collapsed or expanded, and supports cross-links and Ted Nelson’s transclusion concept. CrossLine also works as a full-text database with a built-in search engine; Lucene can be added as an optional alternative when building the application. Navigation includes search, history, and back/forward controls, with backlinks supported. HTML and CLDX are listed export formats. Precompiled downloads cover Windows and Linux in x86 and x64 versions, plus Mac x64 and M1. The compressed executable can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges. The README says the Windows build runs on Windows 7 without a separate Microsoft runtime. On Mac, startup requires the context menu’s open command. The project links to a demo repository, provides source-build instructions using LeanQt, and directs support questions to GitHub issues or email. Licenses listed are GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0.

Spec sheet

What it does
CrossLine is an outliner with cross-link capabilities, transclusion, and a built-in full-text search engine.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Product
CrossLine is an outliner with cross-link capabilities, in the tradition of Ecco Pro.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platforms
The project lists precompiled downloads for Windows x86 and x64, Linux x86 and x64, and Mac x64 and M1.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The author directs users to the GitHub issue list or to email for support, issues, and feature requests.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build toolkit
The current version uses LeanQt instead of the modified Qt4 toolkit, and the README provides instructions for building from source.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Demo
The project links to a demo repository with instructions for using CrossLine.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The compressed single-file executable can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Licensing
The repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Linux downloads
Precompiled downloads are offered for Linux x86 and x64.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mac downloads
Precompiled downloads are offered for Mac x64 and Mac M1.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mac startup note
On Mac, the application must be started through the context menu's “open” command; the README also notes terminal and menu behavior.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Optional search integration
Lucene can be integrated as an option in addition to the built-in full-text search engine.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Organization
It organizes text into nodes arranged in parent–child topic and subtopic relationships, with outlines that can be collapsed or expanded.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Outlines
Outlines are organized as parent–child topic and subtopic nodes that users can collapse or expand.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Portable executable
The download is a compressed single-file executable that can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Search
CrossLine is a full-text database with a built-in search engine.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Search option
Lucene can be integrated as an optional alternative to the built-in Fts engine when building the application.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Target use
The project describes CrossLine as an outliner in the tradition of Ecco Pro and references Ted Nelson's concept of transclusion.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Transclusion
It implements the concept of transclusion proposed by Ted Nelson.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Windows compatibility
The README says the Windows executable runs on Windows 7 and does not require a separate Microsoft runtime.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Windows downloads
Precompiled downloads are offered for Windows x86 and x64.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

CrossLine Free No price or usage limits stated Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every CrossLine plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source under GPL licenses
  • Portable executable needs no installation or special privileges
  • Supports cross-links, transclusion, and backlinks
  • Built-in full-text search with optional Lucene
  • Offers Windows, Linux, and Mac downloads

Limits

  • Mac startup requires the context menu’s open command
  • Lucene requires building the application
  • No usage limits are stated

Who it suits

CrossLine suits users who want a portable, open-source outliner with linked topics, transclusion, and full-text search. It is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Verdict

CrossLine focuses on structured notes, linking, and searchable text in a portable package. Its platform-specific downloads and optional build-time Lucene integration are key practical details.

Where Specifiction places it

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