CrossLine
CrossLine is a free, open-source outliner that links topics and supports transclusion.
What CrossLine is
CrossLine is a free, open-source outliner that links topics and supports transclusion. It arranges text in parent–child topic and subtopic nodes that users can collapse or expand. The application is also a full-text database with a built-in search engine; Lucene can be added as an optional search alternative when building it. Navigation includes search, history, and back/forward controls, and backlinks are supported. HTML and CLDX are listed export formats. Precompiled downloads are offered for Windows and Linux in x86 and x64 versions, and for Mac x64 and M1. The compressed single-file executable can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges. The README says the Windows executable works on Windows 7 without a separate Microsoft runtime. On Mac, the application must be started using the context menu’s open command. The project links to a demo repository and directs support questions and feature requests to GitHub issues or email. Its listed licenses are GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0.
Good
- Free and open source under listed GPL licenses.
- Outlines use collapsible parent–child topics.
- Built-in full-text search is included.
- Portable executable needs no installation.
- Downloads cover Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Watch out
- Mac startup requires the context menu’s open command.
- Lucene requires building the application to add it.
Who it suits
CrossLine may suit people who organize information as nested outlines and want cross-links, transclusion, and full-text search. It is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac, with a portable executable that does not need installation.
Verdict
CrossLine combines nested outlines with cross-linking, transclusion, and search. Its portable downloads cover three desktop platforms, though Mac startup has a specific documented step.
Plans and prices
From CrossLine's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| CrossLine | Free | No price or usage limits stated |
The facts
Each one read from CrossLine's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Build toolkit
- The current version uses LeanQt instead of the modified Qt4 toolkit, and the README provides instructions for building from source.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Demo
- The project links to a demo repository with instructions for using CrossLine.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The compressed single-file executable can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges.checked 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- The repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Optional search integration
- Lucene can be integrated as an option in addition to the built-in full-text search engine.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Organization
- It organizes text into nodes arranged in parent–child topic and subtopic relationships, with outlines that can be collapsed or expanded.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Outlines
- Outlines are organized as parent–child topic and subtopic nodes that users can collapse or expand.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Portable executable
- The download is a compressed single-file executable that can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- CrossLine is an outliner with cross-link capabilities, in the tradition of Ecco Pro.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Search
- CrossLine is a full-text database with a built-in search engine.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Search option
- Lucene can be integrated as an optional alternative to the built-in Fts engine when building the application.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The author directs users to the GitHub issue list or to email for support, issues, and feature requests.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Target use
- The project describes CrossLine as an outliner in the tradition of Ecco Pro and references Ted Nelson's concept of transclusion.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Transclusion
- It implements the concept of transclusion proposed by Ted Nelson.checked 11 Oct 2026
- What it does
- CrossLine is an outliner with cross-link capabilities, transclusion, and a built-in full-text search engine.checked 11 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Linux downloads
- Precompiled downloads are offered for Linux x86 and x64.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Mac downloads
- Precompiled downloads are offered for Mac x64 and Mac M1.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Mac startup note
- On Mac, the application must be started through the context menu's “open” command; the README also notes terminal and menu behavior.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- The project lists precompiled downloads for Windows x86 and x64, Linux x86 and x64, and Mac x64 and M1.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Windows compatibility
- The README says the Windows executable runs on Windows 7 and does not require a separate Microsoft runtime.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Windows downloads
- Precompiled downloads are offered for Windows x86 and x64.checked 11 Oct 2026
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