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CrossLine
What it is
CrossLine is a free, open-source outliner with cross-linking and transclusion. It organizes text as parent and child topic nodes that can be collapsed or expanded, while a built-in full-text database search engine helps locate content. Navigation includes search, history, and back/forward controls, and backlinks are supported. HTML and CLDX are listed export formats. Lucene can be added as an alternative search option when building the application. Downloads include precompiled Windows and Linux versions for x86 and x64, plus Mac x64 and M1 builds. The compressed single-file executable can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges. The Windows executable is described as running on Windows 7 without a separate Microsoft runtime. On Mac, startup uses the context menu’s open command. The project provides source-build instructions, a demo repository, and support through GitHub issues or email. Licenses listed are GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Portable executable needs no installation
- Parent-child outlines can collapse or expand
- Built-in full-text search
- Backlinks and HTML export supported
Against
- Mac startup requires the context menu open command
- Lucene requires building it as an option
- No free trial is listed
The verdict
CrossLine focuses on structured notes, cross-links, transclusion, and searchable outlines without installation requirements. Its broad desktop downloads and GPL licensing support a portable, open-source workflow.
Who it suits
CrossLine suits people who want a portable, open-source outliner for linked notes and hierarchical topics. It is available across Windows, Linux, and macOS, with optional source building.
Plans and prices
CrossLine
No price or usage limits stated
Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Build toolkit
- The current version uses LeanQt instead of the modified Qt4 toolkit, and the README provides instructions for building from source.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Demo
- The project links to a demo repository with instructions for using CrossLine.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The compressed single-file executable can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- The repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Linux downloads
- Precompiled downloads are offered for Linux x86 and x64.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Mac downloads
- Precompiled downloads are offered for Mac x64 and Mac M1.github.com · read 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.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Optional search integration
- Lucene can be integrated as an option in addition to the built-in full-text search engine.github.com · read 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.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Outlines
- Outlines are organized as parent–child topic and subtopic nodes that users can collapse or expand.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Portable executable
- The download is a compressed single-file executable that can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- CrossLine is an outliner with cross-link capabilities, in the tradition of Ecco Pro.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Search
- CrossLine is a full-text database with a built-in search engine.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Search option
- Lucene can be integrated as an optional alternative to the built-in Fts engine when building the application.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The author directs users to the GitHub issue list or to email for support, issues, and feature requests.github.com · read 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.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Transclusion
- It implements the concept of transclusion proposed by Ted Nelson.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
