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TreeLine

treeline.bellz.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit treeline.bellz.org
Spec score 7.4 #17 of 22 in Outlining Software

What it is

TreeLine is a free, offline information organizer for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It stores records in a tree, with fields on each node acting like a small database. Fields can contain plain or rich text, HTML, numbers, dates, times, booleans, and URLs. One file can hold several node types, each with its own fields and formatting. Search commands find node data, while filters present matching nodes in a flat view. Node output can appear on screen, be printed, or be exported to HTML. Files use JSON and may be compressed or encrypted automatically. Import and export cover plain text, delimited tables, older TreeLine files, Mozilla and XBEL bookmarks, generic XML, and ODF text outlines. Additional exports include CSV, PDF, tab-indented text, and TreeLine format. Windows installers target Windows 10 and 11. Linux installation requires Python 3.9 or newer, Qt 6.4 or newer, and PyQt 6.4 or newer. macOS is not formally supported; a third-party MacPorts version is suggested. The free plan is free under GNU GPL v2 or later.

Spec sheet

Purpose
TreeLine stores information in a tree structure, with fields on each node forming a mini-database.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Intended users
The site describes TreeLine as useful for organizing information such as lists of books, movies, website logins, contacts, and things to do.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Support
Doug Bell welcomes feedback, bug reports, and suggestions by email, and the site points TreeLine users to a mailing list.Read 7 Oct 2026 · bellz.org
Data types
It supports plain text, rich text, HTML, numbers, dates, times, booleans, and URLs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
File formats
TreeLine files use JSON and can be automatically compressed or encrypted.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Import and export
It can import and export plain text, delimited tables, older TreeLine files, Mozilla and XBEL bookmarks, generic XML, and ODF text outlines.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Linux
Linux installation uses the source package and requires Python 3.9 or higher, Qt 6.4 or higher, and PyQt 6.4 or higher.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
macOS
The site says macOS is not formally supported due to a lack of Macs for testing and points to a third-party MacPorts version.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Offline access
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Organization
A file can include several node types with different sets of fields, and each node type can have its own format.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Output
Node output can be shown on screen, printed, or exported to HTML.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Search and filtering
Find commands search node data, and filtering commands show matching nodes in a flat view.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Spell checking
Spell checking requires an external program: aspell, ispell, or hunspell.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org
Windows
The site says TreeLine should run on computers using Windows 10 or 11 and provides all-user and single-user installers.Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org

Plans and prices

TreeLine Free GNU GPL v2 or later · no warranty stated Read 7 Oct 2026 · treeline.bellz.org

Every TreeLine plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan at free
  • Works offline on Linux, Windows, and macOS
  • Supports many field types and node formats
  • Exports HTML, PDF, CSV, XML, and more
  • Files can be compressed or encrypted automatically

Limits

  • macOS is not formally supported
  • Linux setup requires specific Python, Qt, and PyQt versions
  • Spell checking needs aspell, ispell, or hunspell

Who it suits

TreeLine suits people organizing lists, contacts, website logins, and tasks in a structured offline file. It fits users on Windows or Linux, and macOS users willing to use the third-party MacPorts version.

Verdict

TreeLine combines tree-based organization with database-like fields, broad import and export options, and offline use. Check the platform requirements, especially the unsupported macOS status and Linux dependencies, before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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