outl
What it is
outl is a free, local-first outliner and bullet-point note-taking app that stores plain Markdown on disk. It supports nested blocks, wiki-style links, backlinks, tags, and a daily journal. Stable block IDs and other metadata are kept in sidecar files instead of the Markdown notes. Notes can be edited offline, and devices on the same Wi-Fi can sync directly without internet; peer-to-peer syncing uses end-to-end encryption and requires no account or cloud. Markdown code blocks can run Python, JavaScript, Lua, and Rust, while Lisp is available behind a build flag. Its MCP server lets compatible hosts including Claude, Cursor, Zed, and ChatGPT read and write local notes. Native desktop builds are listed for macOS, Linux, and Windows, with iOS TestFlight and Android APK beta builds. The product is pre-1.0 and downloads are described as public beta. The macOS desktop DMG is currently unsigned; signing and notarisation are planned for version 1.0. An optional Docker deployment can run an always-on peer holding a full replica of notes.
For and against
For
- Stores notes as plain Markdown
- Offline editing and same-Wi-Fi sync
- Peer-to-peer sync uses end-to-end encryption
- Supports backlinks and a daily journal
Against
- Product and downloads are public beta
- macOS desktop DMG is currently unsigned
- iOS and Android builds are beta builds
- Real-time collaboration is not supported
The verdict
outl combines local Markdown notes with offline editing and encrypted peer-to-peer syncing. Its pre-1.0 status and unsigned macOS DMG are notable considerations.
Who it suits
outl suits people who want local Markdown notes, offline editing, and encrypted device-to-device sync. It may also suit users who want an outliner with code blocks or compatible MCP hosts, provided they are comfortable with public beta builds.
Plans and prices
Free forever
open-source app · no account · no paid tier
Read 15 Oct 2026 · outl.app
Free
No paid tier · MIT licensed
Read 3 Oct 2026 · outl.app
On the record
- Beta status
- The product is pre-1.0; its download page describes the builds as public beta.outl.app · read 3 Oct 2026
- CLI and automation
- One outl binary provides commands for scripts, cron, CI, editor integrations, and LLM agents with a stable JSON response envelope.outl.app · read 15 Oct 2026
- Code execution
- Fenced blocks can run JavaScript, Python, Lua, and Rust, with Lisp available behind a build flag.outl.app · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company facts
- No headquarters, legal corporate entity, funding information, or founded year is stated on the maker's pages or the maintainer profile.outl.app · read 15 Oct 2026
- Daily journals
- Daily journals are a first-class workspace feature.outl.app · read 15 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 · read 3 Oct 2026
- Desktop availability
- Native desktop packages are available for macOS and Linux; the Windows GUI is still being developed while CLI/TUI binaries are available.outl.app · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Documentation covers installation, CLI commands, imports, MCP, plugins, synchronization, architecture, privacy, and development.outl.app · read 15 Oct 2026
- Import integrations
- Import adapters support Roam JSON backups, Logseq graph directories, and Obsidian vaults.outl.app · read 15 Oct 2026
- Install limitation
- The macOS desktop DMG and Windows installer are currently unsigned, producing Gatekeeper or SmartScreen warnings.outl.app · read 15 Oct 2026
- License
- The source code is released under the MIT License.outl.app · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: Android distribution
- The project repository states that Android uses signed arm64 APK sideloads and is not distributed through Google Play; signing-key changes can require uninstalling an older build.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: missing features
- An independent discussion reports that query DSL support is still forthcoming and PDF highlighting is not on the roadmap.reddit.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: open issues
- The issue tracker lists missing external capture, graph collection view, aliases, backlink filtering, property history, and incomplete importer handling.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: project maturity
- The same independent discussion characterizes the project as early and still under development.reddit.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Links and backlinks
- Wiki-links, backlinks, tags, and page references are supported.outl.app · read 15 Oct 2026
- LLM integrations
- Its MCP server lets compatible hosts including Claude, Cursor, Zed, and ChatGPT read and write local notes.outl.app · read 3 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The project is maintained by Thiago Avelino and states that there is no company behind outl.outl.app · read 15 Oct 2026
