outl

B tier on Outliner SoftwareScore 7.4 · #7 of 31

Android app: Yes
Free plan: Yes
Runs on: Android, api, iOS, Linux, Mac, self-hosted, Windows

outl.app

Summary

outl is a local-first outliner and bullet-point note-taking app that saves notes as plain Markdown files on disk. It supports nested blocks, wiki-style links, backlinks, tags, and a daily journal. Stable block IDs and other metadata are stored separately from the Markdown notes. Notes can be edited offline, and devices on the same Wi-Fi can sync directly without internet; device-to-device syncing uses end-to-end encryption and requires no account or cloud. Markdown code blocks can run Python, JavaScript, Lua, and Rust, with Lisp available behind a build flag. Its MCP server lets compatible hosts such as 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. outl is pre-1.0, and downloads are described as public beta. The optional Docker deployment can keep an always-on peer with a full replica of notes. The app is free under the MIT license.

Who it is for

outl may suit people who want local Markdown notes, offline editing, and direct peer-to-peer syncing. It also offers tools for users who want to connect local notes to compatible AI hosts or run code blocks.

What is good

Notes stay as plain Markdown on disk.
Offline editing is supported.
Same-Wi-Fi syncing works without internet.
No account or cloud is required for syncing.
Free under the MIT license.

What to know first

The product is pre-1.0 public beta.
The macOS desktop DMG is currently unsigned.
Real-time collaboration is not supported.
iOS and Android builds are beta versions.

Verdict

outl offers a free, local-first approach to outlining, with offline access and encrypted peer syncing. Its beta status and unsigned macOS download are notable considerations.

outl plans and pricing

All plans

Free Free No paid tier · MIT licensed outl.app · 3 Oct 2026

Compared on outliner software

Free plan: Yesoutl.app
App platforms: macOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, Androidoutl.app
Export formats: Markdown, JSON, Hugooutl.app
Offline access: Yesoutl.app
Markdown support: Yesoutl.app
Real-time collaboration: Nooutl.app
Backlinks: Yesoutl.app
Navigation modes: Normal, Insert, Visual, collapse/fold, workspace search, fuzzy switcher, command paletteoutl.app

Facts

Product: outl is a local-first outliner and bullet-point note-taking app that stores plain Markdown on disk.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Markdown format: Stable block IDs live in sidecar files, keeping UUIDs and other metadata out of Markdown notes.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Sync: Devices sync peer-to-peer with end-to-end encryption; the maker says no account or cloud is required.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Offline use: Notes can be edited without a network connection, and devices on the same Wi-Fi can sync directly without internet access.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Outliner features: The app includes nested blocks, wiki-style links, backlinks, tags, and a first-class daily journal.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Code execution: Markdown code blocks can run Python, JavaScript, Lua, and Rust; Lisp is available behind a build flag.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
LLM integrations: Its MCP server lets compatible hosts including Claude, Cursor, Zed, and ChatGPT read and write local notes.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Data handling: The maker says the CLI and iOS app have no telemetry and notes stay on the user's device; the website uses Google Analytics for aggregate traffic statistics.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Security detail: The maker says the macOS desktop DMG is currently unsigned and signing and notarisation are planned for version 1.0.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Beta status: The product is pre-1.0; its download page describes the builds as public beta.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Platform availability: Native builds are listed for macOS, Linux, and Windows, with iOS TestFlight and Android APK beta builds.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Self-host option: An optional Docker deployment can run outl serve as an always-on peer holding a full replica of the notes.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026
Support: The maker directs users to Discord for questions and ideas, and to GitHub issues for bug reports.outl.app · 3 Oct 2026