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SPECIFICTION
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Zavala

zavala.vincode.io

Free plan macOSiOS
Visit zavala.vincode.io
Spec score 7.2 #19 of 22 in Outlining Software

What it is

Zavala is a free, open-source outliner for arranging information in related hierarchical rows. Its outlines support note taking, task lists, brainstorming, project planning, project management, and documentation. The app works offline and can sync through iCloud, which requires iCloud Drive setup; outlines can also be shared through iCloud for real-time collaboration with other Zavala users. It imports and exports OPML, Markdown, and HTML, can print outlines, and lists PDF among its export formats. A share extension downloads a web page and attempts to convert it into an editable outline, with results depending on that page’s structure. Apple Shortcuts actions support creating, finding, editing, exporting, and manipulating outlines and rows. Locked outlines encrypt rows and images on disk and during iCloud sync with AES-GCM and a 256-bit key, but titles, tags, and some metadata are not encrypted. Zavala runs on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS; current listings require version 26 or later.

Spec sheet

Product
Zavala is a simple outliner for structuring information into related hierarchical rows.Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io
Security
Locked outlines encrypt their rows and images on disk and during iCloud sync using AES-GCM with a 256-bit key; titles, tags, and some metadata are not encrypted.Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io
Privacy
The maker's privacy policy says data collected is not shared with other entities except the third-party services it describes and legally required disclosures.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vincode.io
Support
The maker asks users to report bugs through Zavala's Provide Feedback option and says support interactions are retained for reference.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vincode.io
Maker
The About page identifies Maurice Parker as Zavala's author.Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io
Automation
Zavala supports Apple Shortcuts actions for creating, finding, editing, exporting, and manipulating outlines and rows.Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io
Collaboration
Users can share outlines through iCloud to collaborate in real time with other Zavala users.Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io
Current OS requirements
The App Store listing requires iOS 26 or later, iPadOS 26 or later, and macOS 26 or later.Read 4 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Data collection
The App Store privacy disclosure says the developer does not collect data from the app; Apple notes this disclosure is developer-provided and unverified by Apple.Read 4 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Free and open source
The maker says Zavala is free forever and open source under the MIT license.Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io
Import and export
Zavala imports and exports OPML, Markdown, and HTML files and can print outlines.Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io
Outlining
Outlines can be used for note taking, task lists, brainstorming, project planning, project management, and documentation.Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io
Sync and offline
Zavala syncs outlines through iCloud and supports offline editing; iCloud Drive must be set up to use sync.Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io
Web clipper
The share extension sends a web page to Zavala, which downloads it and attempts to convert it into an editable outline; results depend on the page structure.Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io

Plans and prices

Free Free Free forever Mac, iPhone, and iPad · Requires Apple platforms Read 4 Oct 2026 · zavala.vincode.io

Every Zavala plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free forever and MIT licensed
  • Supports offline editing
  • Offers iCloud sync and collaboration
  • Imports and exports common outline formats
  • Provides Apple Shortcuts actions

Limits

  • Requires Apple platforms and version 26
  • iCloud Drive is required for sync
  • Some outline metadata remains unencrypted
  • Web clipping depends on page structure

Who it suits

It suits Apple users organizing notes, tasks, plans, projects, or documentation in hierarchical outlines. iCloud users can add synchronization and collaboration, while offline editing supports disconnected work.

Verdict

Zavala combines hierarchical outlining with offline work, iCloud collaboration, file exchange, and Apple automation. Its Apple-only platform requirements and partial encryption coverage should guide adoption decisions.

Where Specifiction places it

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