Dynalist
dynalist.io
What it is
Dynalist is an outlining app for capturing ideas and developing them into plans, projects, brainstorms, or notes. Users can nest outline items and documents without a stated depth limit, turn lists into checklists, and add dates that can be filtered by date and time. Tags, sorting, and links between items help organize content; search, flat search, item finder, bookmarks, and folding provide navigation options. Dynalist supports Markdown, backlinks, and real-time collaboration, and exports content as formatted HTML, plain text, or OPML. File attachments can be up to 50 MB. Offline work is available through the desktop app. The Free plan costs nothing and includes unlimited items and documents, five bookmarks, and community support. Pro adds unlimited bookmarks, Google Calendar integration, daily backups to Dropbox or Google Drive, and priority email support. The pricing note lists a 14-day trial and an annual starting rate of $7.99/user/mo; Pro is also listed at $9.99 a month billed monthly. Dynalist runs on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- Dynalist is an outlining application for capturing ideas and organizing tasks in nested lists.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Purpose
- Dynalist describes itself as an outlining app for capturing, fleshing out, and realizing ideas.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Platforms
- Download options are listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile, and the site describes a browser extension for clipping and capture.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- API
- The public API uses JSON POST requests with a secret token and includes file listing, document reading/editing, inbox capture, preferences and uploads.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apidocs.dynalist.io
- Integrations
- The Pro plan includes Google Calendar integration, and Pro users can back up daily to Dropbox or Google Drive.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Security
- Dynalist says passwords are encrypted, stored data has physical/electronic/procedural safeguards, and transmissions use SSL encryption.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Support
- The Free plan includes community support, while Pro includes priority email support.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Founded
- Independent company directories identify Dynalist as founded in 2015 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cbinsights.com
- API limits
- API documentation specifies endpoint rate limits, including 30 requests per minute for document reads and 2 per minute for uploads.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apidocs.dynalist.io
- API upload restriction
- File-upload API access is Pro-only and has quota-exceeded and rate-limit errors.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apidocs.dynalist.io
- Attachments
- Files up to 50 MB can be uploaded to a list.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Browser extension
- Dynalist provides a browser clipper for capturing web content into Dynalist.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Checklists
- Any list can be converted into a checklist.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Collaboration
- Documents support collaborative access with configurable permissions and public links that visitors can view without accounts.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Company facts
- Crunchbase lists Dynalist as a private Toronto, Ontario company with 11–50 employees and founders Erica Xu and Shida Li.Read 15 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
- Data ownership
- The privacy policy states that users own the data they put into Dynalist.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Documentation and support
- The help center lists guides for getting started, lists, sharing, import/export, accounts, customization, productivity, Pro, privacy/security and troubleshooting.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.dynalist.io
- Due dates
- Items can receive dates and be filtered by date and time.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Export and backups
- Documents export to OPML, plain text or formatted text, and Pro can send daily backups to Dropbox or Google Drive.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Export formats
- Dynalist supports exporting content as formatted HTML, plain text, or OPML.Read 29 Sep 2026 · help.dynalist.io
- File attachments
- The features page says users can upload file attachments up to 50 MB in size.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Formatting
- Markdown formatting supports bold, italics, code, images, links and LaTeX.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Free-plan limit
- The Free plan includes five bookmarks; Pro includes unlimited bookmarks.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Google Calendar
- Dates in Dynalist can synchronize with Google Calendar.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Hierarchical outlines
- Dynalist lets users nest outline items and documents without a stated depth limit.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Infinite nesting
- Lists can be nested without a stated depth limit, allowing large structures to fit in one outline.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Intended uses
- Dynalist describes use cases including getting things done, managing projects, planning and brainstorming, and taking notes.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Limit: collaboration and mobile
- Capterra reviewers report that collaboration/sharing could be stronger, image handling is limited, reminders are missing and the iPad sidebar is inadequate.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
- Limit: reminders and headings
- G2 reviewers request reminders/notifications, better backup/restore and more heading-style options.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Linking and organization
- The app supports tags, sorting, and links between items in Dynalist.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Mobile availability
- The download page links to mobile apps and the product has official iOS and Android listings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Notable news
- The official changelog records the public API launch in July 2018 and major feature updates through June 2020.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Offline desktop
- The desktop application is intended to work offline.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Offline use
- The Windows desktop app is described as usable offline, and the features page also lists offline work through the desktop app.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Praise: outlining workflow
- Capterra reviewers highlight fast nested lists, keyboard shortcuts, tagging, search and simple interfaces.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
- Praise: simplicity and speed
- G2 reviewers repeatedly praise Dynalist as lightweight, easy to understand, fast and free of unnecessary complexity.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Privacy and security
- The privacy policy says passwords are protected by encryption and data transmissions use SSL encryption.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Public-sharing warning
- Documents marked public can be read and collected by anyone who can access them.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Rating on Apple App Store
- 3.9 out of 5 from 124 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Rating on Capterra
- 4.7 out of 5 from 35 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
- Rating on Chrome Web Store
- 4.7 out of 5 from 7 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · chromewebstore.google.com
- Rating on G2
- 4.9 out of 5 from 5 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Rating on GetApp
- 4.7 out of 5 from 35 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
- Rating on Google Play
- 4.4 out of 5 from 994 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Recurring dates
- The product supports repeating dates for recurring tasks.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Search and navigation
- Quick Finder opens files or bookmarks by keyboard, while Item Finder jumps to individual items.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Supported downloads
- Official downloads are provided for Windows, macOS, and 32-bit and 64-bit Linux; the Windows installer shown is 102 MB.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Tags and links
- Tags group and filter items, and cross-links connect locations anywhere in Dynalist.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Task features
- Users can turn lists into checklists and add dates that can be filtered by date and time.Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
- Terms limitation
- Paid accounts renew automatically, cancellations do not receive refunds, and Dynalist reserves the right to suspend or end services without notice.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
- Themes and CSS
- Dynalist offers multiple themes and Pro custom CSS that applies across platforms.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
Plans and prices
Free Free Unlimited items & documents · move item · internal linking · Markdown · dates · tags · checklist · sharing/collaboration · import/export · 5 bookmarks · community support Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
Pro $9.99 a month billed monthly Includes everything in Free · Google Calendar integration · Unlimited bookmarks · Priority email support Read 29 Sep 2026 · dynalist.io
Pro monthly $9.99 a month $9.99 billed monthly Everything in Free · Google Calendar · inbox capture · tag pane · recurring dates · unlimited bookmarks · attachments · version history · daily Dropbox/Google Drive backup · item finder · custom shortcuts · custom mobile toolbar · custom CSS · custom date format · priority email support Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
Pro annual $95.88 a year $95.88 per year ($7.99/month), billed annually Everything in Free · Google Calendar · inbox capture · tag pane · recurring dates · unlimited bookmarks · attachments · version history · daily Dropbox/Google Drive backup · item finder · custom shortcuts · custom mobile toolbar · custom CSS · custom date format · priority email support Read 15 Oct 2026 · dynalist.io
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Outline nesting has no stated depth limit
- Supports Markdown, backlinks, and real-time collaboration
- Exports HTML, plain text, and OPML
- Desktop app supports offline work
- Free plan includes unlimited items and documents
Limits
- Free plan includes only five bookmarks
- Attachments are limited to 50 MB
- Annual starting rate and monthly Pro price are listed differently
Who it suits
Dynalist suits people who organize ideas as outlines, checklists, notes, or plans. It may also suit users who want cross-device access, collaboration, and desktop offline work.
Dynalist in depth
Read the full write-up
Dynalist is an outlining app for turning ideas into structured notes and tasks. It suits people who want one flexible hierarchy for planning, projects, and note-taking. Its unlimited items and documents on Free make it easy to start, though key conveniences such as calendar integration require Pro.
Overview
Dynalist organizes information as nested items and documents, with no stated limit on nesting depth. Checklists, dated items, tags, sorting, and links let an outline do more than hold notes: it can also track work and connect related material. Search, flat search, item finder, folding, and bookmarks offer several ways to move through larger collections.
The format is adaptable, but readers looking primarily for a calendar-centered workflow should weigh the fact that Google Calendar integration is a Pro feature. Real-time collaboration and backlinks are supported, and Markdown support gives the content a familiar text-oriented format.
For broader category browsing, see Outliner Software and Outlining Software.
Key features
Flexible outlines: Nest items and documents without a stated depth limit, making the same structure usable for short lists or more involved plans.
Tasks and dates: Turn lists into checklists and filter dated items by date and time; useful for tracking work without abandoning the outline.
Organization and navigation: Tags, sorting, item links, backlinks, search, flat search, folding, and item finder help organize and retrieve material. Free bookmarks are capped at five.
Export and attachments: Export content as formatted HTML, plain text, or OPML, and upload attachments up to 50 MB.
Offline use and data: Offline work is supported through the desktop app. Dynalist says users own their data; its privacy policy says passwords and data transmissions are protected with encryption.
Collaboration: Real-time collaboration and Markdown support make it usable for shared, text-based work.
Pro integrations and backup: Pro adds Google Calendar integration and daily backups to Dropbox or Google Drive.
Pricing
Dynalist is freemium, with a 14-day trial and a Free plan at free. Free includes unlimited items and documents, five bookmarks, and community support. That generous content allowance suits people who want to build a substantial outline collection without a subscription, but the bookmark ceiling may matter to users who rely on saved navigation points.
Pro costs $9.99 a month, billed monthly, and includes everything in Free plus Google Calendar integration, unlimited bookmarks, and priority email support. It is the clearer fit for people who depend on calendar integration, need more than five bookmarks, or want priority support. The pricing note also gives a paid-from rate of 7.99/user/mo (annual); the stated Pro monthly plan is billed monthly. There is no stated seat quota to weigh, so teams should confirm fit before committing.
Platforms
Dynalist is available on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Offline access is supported through the desktop app, including the Windows desktop app. The platform range makes it a plausible option for readers switching between desktop and mobile, while offline use is specifically tied to the desktop app.
Who it's for
Dynalist is a strong fit for people who think in outlines and want the same tool to support task lists, project planning, brainstorming, and notes. Its depth-unlimited hierarchy and broad navigation options favor users who expect their material to grow. It is less compelling for someone who needs Google Calendar integration on the Free plan, or whose work depends on offline mobile use.
Pros and cons
Pro: Free allows unlimited items and documents, so the core outlining capacity is not constrained by a content quota.
Pro: Dates, checklists, links, backlinks, and multiple navigation modes support both action tracking and retrieval.
Pro: HTML, plain text, and OPML export provide several ways to take content elsewhere.
Con: Free bookmarks stop at five, while unlimited bookmarks are reserved for Pro.
Con: Google Calendar integration and daily cloud-drive backups are Pro benefits, not part of the Free plan.
Con: Offline use is tied to desktop apps, limiting its appeal for workflows that need offline access on mobile.
Alternatives
Workflowy is another freemium outlining option; its Basic plan is free forever and limits users to 100 nodes per month and 100 MB uploads, so consider it if those caps fit your use.
Logseq offers a free plan for personal use and a separate Sync Backer plan; choose it if that model better suits your needs.
Checkvist has a free plan with unlimited hierarchical lists and sharing and collaboration, so it is worth considering when shared lists are central.
Legend is a freemium option with a free plan capped at 10 Panes; compare it if that structure suits your workflow.
Tana is another freemium option, with free-plan limits including five meetings per month, one calendar, and 50 AI queries.
Tine is a free alternative.
Indenta is a free alternative.
outl is a free, MIT-licensed alternative with no paid tier.
Verdict
Choose Dynalist if you want a flexible, depth-unlimited outline that can hold both notes and dated tasks, with enough free capacity to keep unlimited items and documents. Look elsewhere if calendar integration, daily backups, or unlimited bookmarks need to come without upgrading from Free.
Verdict
Dynalist combines nested outlines with task dates, navigation tools, and several export formats. The Free plan covers unlimited items and documents, while Pro adds calendar integration, daily backups, and unlimited bookmarks.
Where Specifiction places it
- Outliner Software#1 of 319.3
- Outlining Software#1 of 229.3
