What Does An Outliner Software Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Outliner software helps planners, creatives, and even students break down large tasks into smaller ones. These software empower users to identify their goals and all the smaller steps needed to achieve them. Some outlining tools can be straightforward and resemble a word processor, while others might have extra features designed for specific types of work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
What Makes An Outlining Tool Great?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are plenty of options when looking online for an outliner tool, but there\u2019s no guarantee they\u2019ll be effective. Here are some of the things we look out for when evaluating outlining software:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Easy adjustments: <\/strong>People change their minds as ideas grow, so it\u2019s essential that your outline can accommodate adjustments easily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Visual hierarchy: <\/strong>The point of an outline is to break bigger ideas into smaller ones, and a clear visual hierarchy enables this kind of detail-oriented thinking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ample storage: <\/strong>If your chosen software limits the number of \u201clines\u201d or items beneath a bullet point, you might miss out on something vital. Choose a tool that can accommodate all your ideas without stunting you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Backups and accessibility: <\/strong>If an outliner tool doesn\u2019t back your data up, you\u2019re at risk of losing your work. Likewise, you\u2019ll want something that can be accessed on any device.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n8 Million+<\/mark> Ready Automations
For 750+<\/mark> Apps<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nTry Integrately For FREE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nOur Top Picks For The Best Outlining Software For 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nToodledo<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Toodledoo keeps things simple with its minimal interface and intuitive input commands. For example, adding a new item to your outline structure is as simple as pressing \u201cEnter\u201d, while pressing \u201cTab\u201d indents content into your to-do lists. This outline software can also be used with Integrately<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Simple and intuitive commands<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Distraction-free interface<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Lacks any notable features<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Basic Toodledo is free to use, while the Silver plan costs $14.99\/year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/ToodleDo.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nMicrosoft OneNote<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most organizational tools generally have users funnel their ideas into hierarchical lists, but sometimes you just need something a little more flexible. Microsoft OneNote is decked out with bonus features meant for creators and content writers, such as its ability to shoehorn notes into any part of your outline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Users can add visual clues or reminders to outlines<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Has a customizable sharing option for teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Doesn\u2019t integrate well with Microsoft\u2019s other apps<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft OneNote is free to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Microsoft-OneNote.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWorkflowy<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most brainstorming tools have the entire outline in view at all times, which can be great if all you need is a basic overview. However, more involved projects need a little more attention to detail. Workflowy has a special \u201czoom\u201d feature, which focuses on a single bullet point and makes it the only content visible on your screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Has internal #tags for quick searching<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Zoom feature is designed for focused work sessions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nCons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Free version is pretty limited<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Workflowy is free to use but costs $4.99\/month for unlimited lists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Workflowy.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nCheckvist<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Checkvist is one of the most no-frills organizational tools available today, but that also means it lacks a few notable features like drop-down menus and internal notes. Regardless, it\u2019s a great choice if all you need is a hierarchical list. Plus, you can connect it to Integrately<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Straightforward interface<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shortcuts and commands are always visible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nCons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Free version lacks backup options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Checkvist has a free basic plan and costs $3.90\/month per user for the Pro plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Checkvist.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nLittle Outliner<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you aren\u2019t looking for a complete writing suite, Little Outliner might be the tool for you. It\u2019s a browser-based planning tool, which means it\u2019s lightweight and can run on almost any device. Don\u2019t be fooled, though \u2013 it\u2019s a powerhouse that keeps your work secure on your machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- No download necessary<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Barely any learning curve for commands<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Can only store one outline at a time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Little Outliner is free to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Little-Outliner.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nOmniOutliner<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re into project management or just very particular about your outline\u2019s look and feel, OmniOutliner has all the customization options you\u2019ll ever need. From the font to the space between each line, you have complete control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Unparalleled customization options<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can export to Microsoft Word without losing formatting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nCons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Apple-exclusive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
OmniOutliner costs $29.99 for iOS, $49.99 for Mac (Standard), and $99.99 for Mac (Pro).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/OmniOutliner.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nSmartsheet<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As the name suggests, Smartsheet is basically a spreadsheet with outline-oriented features. It can organize your ideas into \u201cparent\u201d headers and allows you to input unlimited \u201cchild\u201d lines under it. You can even collapse the parent headers, so it\u2019s the only content visible. With Integrately<\/a>, you can also automate millions of actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Easy to organize and reconfigure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Templates are excellent for content creation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Basic plan has limited storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Smartsheet starts at $7\/month per user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Smartsheet.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhizFolders<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
WhizFolders may not have the prettiest user interface, but its split-screen design makes it an effective tool for building a hierarchy of ideas for your project. Its quick log feature will quickly become an important part of your productivity arsenal if you do lots of internet-based research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Split-screen organization for quick overviews<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Automatically includes link and source for pasted content<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Interface feels very dated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
WhizFolders costs $35.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/WhizFolder.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nCloud Outliner<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Apple users have a rich selection of outlining software available, and Cloud Outliner is one of the cleanest. In addition, everything is optimized for touch controls, making it a seamless addition to your existing workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Drag-and-drop outliner<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Intuitive gesture controls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Only available on Mac devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cloud outliner costs $1.99 for the iOS app and $6.99 for Mac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Cloud-Outliner.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nOutlineEdit<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re doing lots of research, OutlineEdit will be your best friend. The Safari extension can lift highlighted text and automatically send it to your outline \u2013 saving lots of time in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Can \u201cfloat\u201d your outline above all other windows<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Saves your highlight history<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Lackluster user interface<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
OutlineEdit costs $4.99.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nCarbonFin<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CarbonFin understands the value of clean outlines, and that\u2019s why it lets you push additional notes off into a separate tab. This means you can keep more detailed summaries without getting overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Ability to toggle note preview<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can zoom into one item at a time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Mostly optimized for iOS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
CarbonFin is $4.99 to purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/CarbonFin.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nFoldingText<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re most comfortable with Markdown-style formatting, then FoldingText will make sure you feel right at home as you write out an outline. This makes it a powerful, albeit somewhat difficult to learn, option for people who need to get organized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Unmatched convenience if you understand Markdown<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clutter-free interface<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- May be confusing to new users<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can purchase FoldingText for $29.99.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- May be confusing to new users<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Mostly optimized for iOS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Lackluster user interface<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Only available on Mac devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Interface feels very dated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Basic plan has limited storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Can export to Microsoft Word without losing formatting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Unparalleled customization options<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can only store one outline at a time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Shortcuts and commands are always visible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Straightforward interface<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Zoom feature is designed for focused work sessions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Has internal #tags for quick searching<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Doesn\u2019t integrate well with Microsoft\u2019s other apps<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Lacks any notable features<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Visual hierarchy: <\/strong>The point of an outline is to break bigger ideas into smaller ones, and a clear visual hierarchy enables this kind of detail-oriented thinking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.integrately.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/UV-Outliner.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n