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Productivity - Outline Editors (15)

CherryTree v1.1.0 Updated

Ennovy on 21 Mar 2024
  • 371MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 20 Mar 2024
  • Suggested by I am Baas

CherryTree is an hierarchical note-taking application. It features rich-text formatting, syntax highlighting, spell-checking, image insertion and password protection. Data is stored in a single XML or SQLite file. Import from plaintext, HTML or your favorite note-taker, including Zim, Treepad, Keynote, Mempad and RedNotebook. Export to PDF, HTML or plaintext files.

Cross platform with versions available for Linux. CherryTree Portable is a portable wrapper for CherryTree.

Category:
Runs on:Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes. However, enabling spell-checking creates the folder "enchant" in AppData\Local
Unicode support: Yes
License: GNU GPLv3
How to extract:
  1. Download the "portable" 7z package and extract (using a program like PeaExtractor) to a folder of your choice
  2. Create an empty text file in the portable folder root beside license.txt and name it config.cfg
  3. From the bin directory, launch cherrytree.exe
Similar/alternative apps: Flashnote
What's new? See: https://github.com/giuspen/cherrytree/blob/master/changelog.txt
Latest comments
Ennovy on 2023-12-17 09:47

How to extract 2. should be: "for portable config put config.cfg in portable folder root, beside license.txt" Source: https://www.giuspen.com/cherrytree/#downl
Look for: Microsoft windows portable archive.
Otherwise settings are written to the user profile folder

Andrew Lee on 2023-12-20 07:08

@Ennovy: Though worded slightly differently, they seem to mean the same thing? Basically just create an empty "config.cfg" in the root folder, a rather typical technique used by many other portable apps.

Ennovy on 2023-12-20 08:47

@Andrew: I had already changed it. Before that the instruction was to create the config file in the bin directory which is incorrect.

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KeyNote NF v1.9.1.01 Updated

lwc on 18 Mar 2024
  • 3MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 17 Mar 2024
  • Suggested by joby_toss

KeyNote NF is a tabbed notebook that is particularly suitable for writing and organizing free-form information, especially those that fit naturally within a tree-based structure, such as lists or outlines. It supports rich text and images, multi-level notes and strong encryption. A search function quickly locates information you are looking for. Notes can also be securely encrypted using IDEA or Blowfish.

KeyNote NF is a fork of the original early 2000s' open-source Keynote, which is no longer being developed. It adds many new features, including check boxes on children of selected nodes, hidden nodes, alarms on nodes, better treatment of tables, improved treatment of links, multi-language support, automatic compression, etc.

Category:
Runs on:Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Win11
Writes settings to: Application folder
Unicode support: Yes
License: MPL 2.0
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch keynote.exe.
What's new? See: https://github.com/dpradov/keynote-nf/releases
Latest comments
Midas on 2018-07-11 08:01

@portfree: FYI, a comprehensive solution for creation of portable shortcuts that could be used for that was posted to the forums -- check https://www.portablefreeware.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=65410#p65410 ...

User2100 on 2024-01-28 07:03

I love this program. Glad someone picked it and started updating it again, if only so it remains running on future hardware and OSes.

FileHandler on 2024-01-28 15:52

Been using it for over a decade. Elaborate export feature that turns tree branches into headings, customizable key shortcuts, BG-colors, fonts, icons...
And with recent improvements, it got better than ever. Lots of hidden features, if you take the time to dig deeper.

Alternative margins, for instance, to name just one example. You set them up in keynote.ini, then toggle them on via View > Alternative Margins. Allows to set up a distraction-free writing area with plenty of white space left and right, when coupled with hidden sidebars.

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AlephNote v1.7.16

Andrew Lee on 15 Nov 2023
  • 9MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 12 Nov 2023
  • Suggested by smaragdus

AlephNote is extensible, lightweight desktop note manager. Features include search, interactive checkbox lists highlighting, clickable highlighted links, notes backup, drag-and-drop capability for files and text, and sorting notes into folders. The program supports tags, in-editor markdown rendering, customizable shortcuts, stay-on-top capability, tray control, themes, and more.

Notes can be saved locally or synchronized with cloud services including Simplenote, Standard Note, Nextcloud/ownCloud.

Category:
Runs on:Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Dependencies: Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6+
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
Path portability: Automatic relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: MIT
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch AlephNote.exe.
Similar/alternative apps: ResophNotes
What's new?
  • Added Markdown+Frontmatter exporter.
Latest comments
shnbwmn on 2018-05-14 04:33

@Sinchu

From the dev:

"This sounds like windows marked the dll files as untrusted.

Try going to the properties dialog of each file (right-click -> properties) and clicking the unblock button."

Someone else on the forum said that using 7-Zip to extract the ZIP worked for them.

PAFuser on 2021-01-09 09:43

Looks like a great program, but I have tried for almost a year to get it to load without success. Followed every instruction, only error messages. Never loads.

webfork on 2021-01-09 13:12

@PAFuser: This program is in active development and the dev is fairly responsible if you want to drop him a note about your experiences. I've stepped away from using this program due to what I hope are some sync issues with the SimpleNote service.

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OutWiker v3.2

Midas on 14 Aug 2023
  • 63MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 10 Aug 2023
  • Suggested by I am Baas

OutWiker is a personal wiki and outliner with notes stored in a tree view, similar to directories on a disk. Plain text, HTML, and wiki format files are supported with pages capable of being linked to each other. Each tree branch can be opened as a separate wiki. Other features include tag support, global search (notes and tags), bookmarks, HTML syntax highlighting, and icons for notes.

OutWiker can be downloaded with or without plugins

Cross-platform with a client available for Linux.

Category:
Runs on:WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? No
Unicode support: Yes
License: GPL
How to extract: 1. Download the ZIP or 7z package and extract to a folder of your choice.
2. Create the file outwiker.ini in the program folder.
3. Launch outwiker.exe.
Similar/alternative apps: WikidPad, CherryTree
What's new? Full program history at https://jenyay.net/Outwiker/VersionHistoryEn.
Latest comments
smaragdus on 2016-07-22 01:07

@billon
Why are you cutting the actual version number off? OutWiker is at version 1.9.0.790, not 1.9.0, pay attention to what "About" says. I disagree with this practice of yours!

zorro on 2016-09-29 12:11

Even with outwiker.ini not stealth: creates folder "enchant" in AppData/roaming/

10basetom on 2022-11-27 17:07

Having the entire UI refresh upon selecting a new note/wiki was a deal breaker for me.

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iDailyDiary Free v4.32

Andrew Lee on 1 Apr 2022
  • 11MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 29 Mar 2022
  • Suggested by Allen Smith

iDailyDiary Free is a program tailored for taking daily notes, creating a journal, putting your thoughts into writing etc. The documents you create are encrypted and require a password to access. The built-in editor supports graphics, hypertext links and links to other diary pages. iDailyDiary is fully searchable so you can track down important dates and reminders. You can also export your diary to HTML web pages.

A "pro" version is available with additional features including spell checker, thesaurus, topics (group related entries), themes support (50+ themes included), tables, etc.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Registry: Last window location and last opened diary.
Stealth: ? No
Unicode support: No
License: Liteware
How to extract:
  1. Download the installer and extract to a temporary folder
  2. Move the contents of {app} to a folder of your choice
  3. Launch iDD.exe
What's new? See: https://splinterware.com/info/news.html
Latest comments
Mixture on 2011-12-29 00:32

I have version 3.41 and use it occationally.

@infestedtassadar-x17;
I found this in the Help file:
"All versions of iDailyDiary have always encrypted the diary data files, whether they are password protected or not. From version 3.00 the encryption has been improved to a 128bit Blowfish cipher."

Mixture on 2011-12-29 00:35

@infestedtassadar-x17;
If you need a formless text editor with strong encryption, please try CryptoTE 0.5.390.
https://idlebox.net/2009/cryptote/

dany on 2011-12-29 00:49

@Vavo: with the exception that the files reside encrypted on my HD at home and not unencrypted on an unknown and far away server which you have no control over.

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MemPad v3.69

Ennovy on 18 Feb 2022
  • 449KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 15 Feb 2022
  • Suggested by alphasurfer

MemPad is a text editor that lets you add, edit, and arrange your notes in a hierarchical, tree-based view. It supports text search, word-wrap mode, read-only mode, auto-save, notebook encryption, automatic backup, search-and-replace, a diary mode etc.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch Mempad.exe.

Optionally, delete unnecessary language files.
What's new? See: https://horstmuc.de/wnews.htm
Latest comments
hamasaki on 2015-05-01 15:25

@Cornflower, I`ve tried that but when you save in MemPad it doesn`t update the dropbox file, you have to export it again. No good.

NunoEFSilva on 2021-12-19 06:26

This is another hidden gem. Does it take notes in a structured way? Does it encrypt its contents? Yes, but that is just the beginning... One may keep all its favorites and use MemPad as a launcher of sites (http:something.dom), applications (file:..\ProgramFolder\Program.exe - it even accepts relative paths), folders and much more. All in little more than 100 KBytes! Sheer Magic!

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NoteCase v1.9.8

billon on 24 Dec 2020
  • 22MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 9 Dec 2008
  • Suggested by Perindu

NoteCase is a hierarchical note manager (or outliner) that helps you organize text notes in a tree-like structure within a single document. You can optionally encrypt the document with a passphrase for privacy reasons.

Note: Discontinued. There is a lite version of its successor "NoteCase Pro" here.

Category:
Runs on:Win95 / Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder. It does write some GTK-related settings in the user profile folder (eg. last folder accessed), but that does not affect its portability.
Stealth: ? No
License: BSD
How to extract: Download the "portable" ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch NotecaseLauncher.exe.
What's new? See:
http://notecase.sourceforge.net/changelog.html
Latest comments
my name on 2010-01-11 17:11

notecase is a solid program I've used for about 2 years. no easter eggs, tom; it's GTK made portable, which GTK isn't supposed to do. This guy figured out how. notecase is crossplatform. if you're always going to be an M$ drone, then you don't care and should maybe keep quiet; otherwise, don't knock it Until you try it.

RandomTask on 2010-06-10 18:00

Yeah, right...drone...thank you my name for this enlightening comment.
In a related story: Current version is 1.9.8...

Midas on 2013-05-10 12:02

NoteCase is still being developed (currently v3.8.0), now as a commercial product:

http://www.notecasepro.com/

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TreeLine v3.1.4

billon on 28 Nov 2020
  • 63MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 28 Nov 2020
  • Suggested by BigD

TreeLine is a unique cross between an outliner and a database. It stores information in a tree structure, but each node in the tree functions like a mini database with its own data types and field formats. It supports a wide variety of import/export options, one of the most useful being for Mozilla-type bookmarks.

Note: This program is not a typical tree-based outliner and requires some effort to read and digest in order to grasp the the program's data model and associated concepts. See the How to Use section of the website.

Category:
Runs on:Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? No. HKCU\Software\Trolltech
Unicode support: Yes
License: GNU GPLv2
How to extract:
  1. Download treeline-x.x.x-install-user.exe to a folder of your choice and launch
  2. Uncheck the file association, shortcuts and uninstaller tasks
  3. Launch treeline.exe and select "Program directory" in the "configuration file location" pop-up window
What's new? See:
https://treeline.bellz.org/
Latest comments
Midas on 2011-10-12 12:52

Treeline can now import plain text, delimited text, Treepad text, bookmarks (both HTML & XBEL formats), generic XML, and Open Document (ODF) files; export options include delimited text, HTML, generic XML, XSLT, and ODF. Hard to beat in one of the weaker aspects for this type of programs... The only downside up to now seems to be the sizable memory footprint (see this for a comparison between an a freshly started Treelines with an empty database and sibling Python based wikidPad bearing 302 pages, which BTW feels somewhat sluggish, both in portable installations: http://i54.tinypic.com/2mflnnt.png )

Checker on 2011-10-12 16:56

@ Midas: DB updated

Midas on 2014-05-23 15:38

Treeline development is ongoing -- latest "development release" is v1.9.4, touted as a major rewrite of this unique program (changelog at http://treeline.bellz.org/).

WARNING: "There are some file format changes between TreeLine 1.4.x and this version. Older files opened in this version are automatically converted when saved. Files saved in this version may not be fully compatible with TreeLine 1.4.x."

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Tree Notebook v1.1.0

smaragdus on 14 Apr 2018
  • 15MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 23 Mar 2018
  • Suggested by MakoSoft

Tree Notebook is a hierarchical notes manager designed for keeping personal information in a tree-like structure of notes and folders, and any folder can contain more notes and sub-folders. Any item can include text of any size and can keep attachments like images or other files.

The program consists of a public and an encrypted area that requires a password. Data can be imported from from OneNote and Evernote and exported to Evernote and simple RTF formats.

Category:
Runs on:WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the "Portable Version" ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch tnote.exe.
Similar/alternative apps: CherryTree, CintaNotes, Flashnote, MemPad
What's new? See:
http://www.treenotebook.net/history.htm

Flashnote v4.8

billon on 27 May 2017
  • 11MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 25 May 2017
  • Suggested by garbanzo

Flashnote is a quick notes manager for saving and organizing notes in a hierarchical tree structure. It supports word wrap, URL detection, search inside notes and global search, multiple databases, database back-up, restore and synchronization, export of notes, database encryption (AES-256) and more.

Category:
Runs on:Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the "Portable" ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch Flashnote-portable.exe.

Optionally, delete unnecessary language files.
Similar/alternative apps: MemPad, The Guide
What's new?
  • Added support for data synchronization between computers using cloud services like Dropbox, OneDrive, etc. Use Options -> Database -> Clone and Switch in order to move your database to the corresponding folder. For portable users: don't try to move the whole program folder into Dropbox, only the database file!
  • Please note that this version does not support Windows XP\Vista.

Tkoutline v0.93

webfork on 26 Apr 2016
  • 1MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 9 Apr 2004
  • Suggested by Ian Cheung

Tkoutline is a single pane outline editor that structures information hierarchically. Outlines can then be hyperlinked together to create a web of outlines.

Category:
Runs on:Win95 / Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista
Writes settings to: Application folder
License: Freeware
How to extract:
  1. Download the standalone EXE file to a folder of your choice
  2. Rename the EXE to tkouline.exe (less version dependent)
  3. Launch tkoutline.exe
What's new? See the Change Log.
Latest comments
Midas on 2014-03-25 12:04

There's a tkoutline.exe v0.94 readily available from http://sourceforge.net/projects/tkoutline/ -- but it does save '.tkoutline.def' and 'tkoutlinerc' to %USERPROFILE%, so here's the config for a yaP launcher: http://pastebin.com/b2m0Cbm9 (Note: tested only under XP!).

smaragdus on 2016-04-23 02:28

I made the mistake to update Tkoutline from version 0.93 to 0.94 because I didn't notice Midas' comment (what he said is true). I deleted the new icon and screen-shot and reverted to the old ones. Sorry.

xor on 2016-04-23 08:49

This App kind of reminds me of unbeatable WorkFlowy :)

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NotesLogExp v2011.1

I am Baas on 7 Jul 2012
  • 3MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on
  • Suggested by Wolfghost

NotesLogExp can store, retrieve, catalog, manage, search, sort and export notes, documents, links, etc. The program can save and automatically fill forms as well as usernames and passwords (with auto login). The program includes a search tool, the database is password protected, and includes export to HTML.

Category:
Runs on:Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7
Writes settings to: Application folder
Dependencies:
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: No
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch NotesLogExp.exe.
What's new? updates and fixes
Latest comments
webfork on 2010-09-28 23:40

Buggy. Saving records gave some confusing error message. Restarting the program got rid of the error message but still wouldn't save anything.

Still, its one of the few form fill programs on the website that isn't a browser or a browser add on so I hope that gets ironed out.

This program needs some real help, however.

Emka on 2012-07-07 15:23

links broken

I am Baas on 2012-07-07 17:27

Fixed.

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minipad2 v3.2.0 Build 101128

smaragdus on 18 Mar 2017
  • 420KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 28 Nov 2010
  • Suggested by tryforsure

minipad2 integrates many useful functions into one program including notepad, calculator, reminder, dictionary, launcher, address list, text template, and clipboard enhancement. All the contents are automatically saved while minimized or closed, and will re-open to the same state. The program can be freely switched between two styles: multi-page style and treeview style. When no longer used, it can be minimized to the system-tray, or hidden outside the desktop. Additional features include password protection and encryption.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch minipad2.exe.
Similar/alternative apps: Flashnote, MemPad, The Guide
What's new? Entry updated to include password protection and encryption.

v3.2.0 Build 101128:
Changed again the design of the mini-note window. Now use @xxx to input the title.
Allows to re-define the accelerators of various menu items.
New Options: Remember page scroll; Tree on right; Splitter width; Close note hotkey; Auto-record hotkey; Multi-clipboard: Filter all duplicate items;
Add "Apply" button in the Options dialog.
Add "Match Case" option in the "Search" dialog.
Add two new text tools: Delete all empty lines; Leave one empty line.
Add some new counts in the "Statistics" box.
Alt+Up, Alt+Down: Used to move the selected item up or down (when the list has focus. Only support single-select), or move the selected node up or down (When the tree or tab-control has focus).
Upgraded the language files of v3.1.
Fixed some bugs.
Latest comments
singularity on 2011-02-11 13:58

I tried to use the included tool "dicsorter" but i god an error about a missing .bpl file. any idea?

Nh on 2012-10-27 11:35

@ChemZ: you should try
Tools \ Options... \ Log In
and check "Login with password".

joby_toss on 2015-03-28 08:34

Alternative download page from SP (can't reach the homepage):
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Office-tools/Office-suites/minipad2.shtml

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TreePad Lite v4.3

billon on 16 May 2020
  • 713KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 6 Nov 2009
  • Suggested by acgrego

Small and powerful personal database programs, that allows you to store all your notes, emails, texts, hyperlinks etc. into one or multiple databases. Maintains the look and feel of the familiar Windows explorer as well as editing, storing, browsing, searching.

NOTE: Website is gone, linking to Internet Archive Wayback Machine.

Category:
Runs on:Win95 / Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Wine
Writes settings to: Application folder
Unicode support: Partial. Unicode filenames are not supported.
License: Freeware
How to extract:
  1. Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice
  2. Delete Install.exe, install.script, uninstall.script and uninstall._xe
  3. Create a blank file called treepadlite.ini in the same folder
  4. Launch Treepad.exe
Latest comments
Kermode on 2011-06-01 14:23

Generally good, thoug the search function is primitive

outatime on 2020-05-16 14:18

Looks like Treepad Software sold their domain treepad.com . https://treepad.com/

10basetom on 2022-11-27 16:15

Rest in peace, Henk Hagedoorn.

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The Guide v2.0

smaragdus on 18 Mar 2017
  • 3MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 13 Dec 2008
  • Suggested by remialdo

The Guide is a dual-pane outliner. It supports the creation/rearrangement of nodes, rich text with lots of formatting options, searching of full/subtree for matching text, hyperlinks to other nodes/files/directories/e-mails/URLs, configuration of node icon/checkboxes etc.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
License: Apache
How to extract:
  1. Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice.
  2. Edit guide.ini and change: portable=0 to portable=1
  3. Launch Guide.exe
Similar/alternative apps: Flashnote, MemPad, minipad2
Latest comments
Trevor Lukey on 2009-08-14 01:11

Lots of potential. I currently use whizfolders and like the cleaner interface of the Guide but one feature I consider critical is the ability to copy nodes between documents.

l.o. on 2010-10-12 09:51

Just tested The Guide and it crashed within two minutes use. It has a severe bug and crashes on startup if you have selected "Load last used document" in the preferences. As development seems stopped it is unlikely the bug will be fixed.

vagablonde on 2011-05-11 06:55

love this little app works perfectly for what I use it for,with the addition of a couple features id even but it,never had any issue using this app,the lack of an auto sort feature would be a great addition.

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