Cloud Outliner vs CrossLine

Cloud Outliner organizes plans, projects, ideas, and tasks as structured outlines on macOS and iOS. Its editor supports drag-and-drop reordering, multi-selection, checkboxes, automatic numbering, notes, rich text, and collapse or expand controls. Search works by outline name or text, while filters show checked or unchecked items. A multi-tier document manager adds color markers, password protection, templates, and duplication. Outlines can sync between Mac and iOS through iCloud and can also sync with Evernote. Export and sharing options include PDF, OPML, plain text, printing, email, messenger, and several apps or social networks; macOS also supports HTML export. Light and Dark themes are available. iOS lists read-only mode, indentation gestures, portrait and landscape support, and wireless keyboard shortcuts. The Mac free version requires a separate iOS Pro purchase for iCloud sync. Listed minimums are macOS 12, iOS 15, and iPadOS 15.

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.