On the recordRead 4 Oct 202622 facts

Org mode

What it is

Org mode is a structured plain-text format and GNU Emacs mode for managing work that can range from notes and task plans to code and published documents. Its task features include TODO states, priorities, deadlines, scheduled tasks, tags, time clocking, and customizable agendas. Documents are organized into nested sections that can be folded or expanded with a keystroke. Tables handle formulas and references, and can bring in CSV and TSV data. Org Babel runs and combines code blocks in more than 80 languages. Org can export to formats such as HTML, LaTeX, ODT, Markdown, and iCalendar, and publish projects made up of multiple Org files and resources. Org Capture collects structured information from Emacs and other applications, including browsers and PDF viewers. Org is included with GNU Emacs and can also be installed through Emacs package management or its Git repository. The full feature set is exclusive to GNU Emacs; third-party tools for Org files are listed for Android, iOS, and web. Org is free. Stable releases target recent Emacs versions, not older ones.

For and against

For

Customizable agendas organize tasks and deadlines.
Nested sections can be folded or expanded.
Tables support formulas and CSV or TSV imports.
Org Babel runs code in over 80 languages.
Exports include HTML, LaTeX, ODT, and Markdown.

Against

The full feature set requires GNU Emacs.
Stable versions do not target older Emacs releases.
Org Crypt leaves headlines and properties unencrypted.

The verdict

Org combines planning, structured notes, code execution, and publishing in a text-based workflow. Its broad feature set is most relevant to Emacs users, and its compatibility is limited to recent Emacs versions.

Who it suits

Org suits people who want task planning, time tracking, note taking, literate programming, or document publishing within a structured text workflow. Its full feature set is for GNU Emacs users, while third-party tools support Org files on Android, iOS, and the web.

On the record

Capture: Org Capture can collect structured information from Emacs and other applications, including web browsers and PDF viewers.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Code and literate programming: Org Babel executes and combines source blocks across languages, and the site says Org supports over 80 languages.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Code and notebooks: Org Babel runs code blocks and supports more than 80 languages for literate programming.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Compatibility limit: Org stable versions are intended to be compatible with the last three stable Emacs versions, but not older versions.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Emacs integration: The full set of Org features is exclusive to GNU Emacs; Org is included in GNU Emacs distributions.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Extensibility: Org supports custom link types and resolving functions, including links to files on remote machines through Tramp.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Format: Org mode is a structured plain text format designed for workflows ranging from notes and markup to literate programs.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Installation: Org is included in GNU Emacs distributions; users can also install it through Emacs package management or clone its Git repository.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Integrations: The site says Org works with Pandoc, and links to third-party mobile and browser tools that support Org files.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Outlining: Org documents use nested, collapsible sections that can be folded or unfolded with a keystroke.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Project license: The Org website says it is licensed under GNU FDL 1.3; the pages reviewed do not specify a product pricing plan.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Publishing: Org can export documents to formats including HTML, LaTeX and ODT, and can publish projects containing multiple Org files and resources.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Release support: Org 9.8 dropped support for Emacs 26 and 27 and states compatibility with the latest Emacs release and the two versions before it.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Security: Org Crypt can encrypt entry text using Emacs EasyPG and GnuPG, but it does not encrypt headlines or properties.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Structured editing: Org documents use nested, collapsible sections that can be folded or unfolded with a keystroke.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Support: The Org community provides support through its mailing list, and the project says replies can sometimes take over a month.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Tables: Org tables support formulas and references, and can import CSV and TSV data.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026
Task planning: Org supports TODO states, priorities, deadlines, scheduled tasks, tags, clocking and customizable agendas.orgmode.org · read 4 Oct 2026

Alternatives to Org mode

JoplinAndroidiPhone & iPad+6 GoodnotesAndroidiPhone & iPad+3 NotabilityAndroidiPhone & iPad+3 NotesnookAndroidiPhone & iPad+4 AmplenoteAndroidiPhone & iPad+6 SiYuanAndroidiPhone & iPad+6 Microsoft OneNoteAndroidiPhone & iPad+3 WorkflowyAndroidiPhone & iPad+6

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