Leo Editor vs outl

Leo Editor is a free, open-source programmable editor, outliner, and knowledge base for arranging code, writing, and research in flexible outlines. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, through an API, and as self-hosted software. Cloned nodes allow one idea to appear in several outline locations while remaining synchronized. Navigation includes expanding and collapsing, hoisting, promoting, clones, and clickable links, with backlinks available for related sections. Users can automate workflows with Python scripts, commands, and plugins. Outlines export to HTML, MORE, Markdown, Org mode, reStructuredText, and Vim outline formats. Jupyter integration lets @jupytext nodes represent notebook cells and save changes back to .ipynb files. The leoBridge module exposes Leo content to Python host programs. A WebSocket server accepts JSON queries and changes, using password challenge-response authentication; TLS is optional. Leo requires Python 3.9 or later and is distributed under the MIT license.

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.