Cloud Outliner vs outl
Cloud Outliner
xwavesoft.com
outl
outl.appSide by side
| Figure | Cloud Outliner | outl |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 2 |
| Spec score · Outliner Software | 9.1 (#2) | 8.5 (#8) |
| Spec score · Outlining Software | 9.0 (#3) | 8.5 (#7) |
| Support | Xwavesoft directs users to [email protected] and says replies usually arrive within 48 hours. | Users are directed to Discord for questions and GitHub issues for bugs. |
| Sync | The maker says outlines can sync across devices with iCloud and with Evernote. | Devices sync peer-to-peer with end-to-end encryption; the maker says no account or cloud is required. |
| What it does | Cloud Outliner creates hierarchical outlines for plans, projects, ideas, notes and tasks across Mac and iOS. | outl is a local-first Markdown outliner and daily-journal application whose tree data is synchronized between devices. |
Plans
Cloud Outliner
- Monthly ProPriced on request
- Yearly ProPriced on request
- Lifetime ProPriced on request
- Cloud Outliner for MacFree
- Cloud Outliner - Nested Lists (iPhone/iPad)Free
- Cloud Outliner – Nested Lists (Mac)Free
- Cloud Outliner 2 for iOS$4.99, paid once
- Upgrade to Pro for Mac$9.99, paid once
In their own words
Cloud Outliner
Cloud Outliner is an outlining app for organizing plans, projects, and ideas as interactive notes. Its editor supports drag-and-drop reordering, multi-selection, checkboxes, automatic numbering, item notes, rich-text formatting, and highlighting. A multi-tier document manager adds color stickers, password protection, customizable templates, and document duplication. Search covers outline names and text; entries can be collapsed or expanded, filtered by checked status, and viewed in light or dark themes. The maker says outlines sync through iCloud and Evernote. Export options include PDF, OPML, HTML on macOS, and plain text, with sharing through email, instant messaging, and listed social or Apple services. It runs on iOS and macOS, with iOS read-only mode, indentation gestures, orientation support, and wireless keyboard shortcuts. Downloads are free with in-app purchases; Pro plans add cross-device sync and remove banners or ads.
outl
outl is a free, local-first outliner and bullet-point note app that stores plain Markdown files on disk. Its nested blocks, wiki-style links, backlinks, tags, and daily journal support structured note-taking. Stable block IDs and metadata are kept in sidecar files rather than the Markdown notes. Notes can be edited offline, and devices on the same Wi-Fi can sync directly without internet; device syncing uses peer-to-peer end-to-end encryption and does not require an account or cloud. Markdown code blocks can run Python, JavaScript, Lua, and Rust, with Lisp available behind a build flag. An MCP server lets compatible hosts including Claude, Cursor, Zed, and ChatGPT read and write local notes. Native desktop builds are listed for macOS, Linux, and Windows, alongside iOS TestFlight and Android APK beta builds. The product is pre-1.0, and the download page describes builds as public beta. The macOS desktop DMG is currently unsigned. An optional Docker deployment can run an always-on peer with a full replica of notes. Export formats include Markdown, JSON, and Hugo; navigation includes search, a fuzzy switcher, and a command palette.