Outline (software)
 | |
| Developer(s) | Gorillized Corporation |
|---|---|
| Initial release | July 2011 |
| Stable release | iOS - 2.9.2 / OS X - 2.2 |
| Development status | Active |
| Operating system | iOS, OS X |
| Available in | English |
| Type | Notetaking software |
| License | Proprietary commercial software |
| Website |
outline |
Outline is a note-taking application, available on iOS and OS X platforms.[1] It is being developed by Gorillized Corporation, specializing in Productivity and Business apps for Apple devices. The distinguishing features of Outline are design, hierarchy, free placement of notes as in paper notebook, support of various types of content (text, images, inks, tags, web-content, etc.), synchronization options and Microsoft OneNote compatibility.[2][3][4]
History
Outline was first released in July 2011 as a reader of OneNote files on iPad.[5] The next update enabled editing and creation of new notebooks. Outline for Mac also developed from the reader to the editor on OS X.
Its first edition was launched in March 2013. Since December 2013 it performs as a full-functional note-taking app on Mac.[6]
Design
Outline's design was invented as an alternative to standard office look. Throughout its development Outline has been changing visually. Since the version 3.0 (expected in 2014) it will fit iOS 7 flat design.
Hierarchy
Outline hierarchy resembles that of a real notebook: there are notebooks for general subjects, section tabs for specific topics and pages for actual notes.[7] For more complex notebook structures additional section groups can be created within a notebook. There is no limitation on the number of notebooks, section groups, section tabs and pages.
Platforms
Outline for iPad is compatible with iOS 5.1 and later.[8] Outline for Mac requires OS X 10.7 and later.[9] Outline for iPad and Outline for Mac are separate though compatible apps. They can be synced between each other via Box, Dropbox or OneDrive.
Features
Besides the built-in standard editing tools Outline is equipped with additional features:[2][3][10]
- Pictures. Alongside with text content Outline handles imported images. It is possible to add photos from Camera roll on iPad and Finder on Mac. IPad version also allows to take photo from within the app. It is added to Outline page automatically.
- Handwriting and drawing tools. Outline for iPad is equipped with inking and handwriting tools. Pen, marker and highlighter serve for drawing and annotation.
- Stylus support. Outline for iPad supports Livescribe 3 smartpen.
- Tags and checkboxes allow to mark particular information as important, to-do, contact etc. Imported OneNote tags can be edited.
- File attachments like PDF, Word, Excel and other can be added to Outline pages on Mac which helps to keep relevant data in one place. It is possible to add files using function button or drag & drop them directly from Finder onto Outline page. In both Outline for iPad and Outline for Mac imported attachments are recognized and can be opened with a corresponding third-party application.
- Password protected sections. Outline can open password protected sections imported from OneNote and also set passwords to OneNote and Outline native sections.
Compatibility
Outline supports Microsoft OneNote file format. Each notebook consists of .one – section files and a .onetoc2 – table of contents file. Outline can open and edit notebooks consisting of such files and also create new ones in the same format.[11][12]
Currently Outline is compatible with OneNote 2010 and 2013. OneNote 2007 is supported in read-only mode. OneNote 2003 is not supported.[13]
Import/Export
Outline and OneNote notebooks can be exported from and imported into Outline for iPad via iTunes. It requires iTunes to be installed on all the involved devices. They need to be connected via USB cable and be in the same Wi-Fi network. It performs manual transfer of a notebook in its actual state from and to Outline.[14] Outline also allows pages to be exported to PDF and e-mailed directly from Outline.
Synchronization
Outline supports several backup and sync options.[2]
Notes may be synchronized with users' accounts on Box and Dropbox online services, which retain versions history and deleted items. Files are stored in .one and .onetoc2 standard OneNote format. On Windows and OS X this feature requires native client software for these services.[15]
Alternatively, Outline notes may be synchronized with Microsoft OneDrive (Microsoft's online storage service for OneNote software) and Microsoft SharePoint (versions 2010 and 2013 only). Files are stored in single notebook files, which does not retained versioning information and deleted notes. Only incremental updates are sent to the server during synchronization, reducing transfer time and bandwidth usage.
References
- ↑ "Note-taking becomes intuitive again". outline.ws. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Natural Note-Taking. Finger is Your Tool.". outline.ws. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Outline for Mac - your digital notebook!". outline.ws. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
- ↑ "Increase Your Note-Taking Efficiency By Winning Outline+ For iPad". Casey Tschida. 2012-11-14. Retrieved 2014-06-10.
- ↑ "Media Kit for Press". outline.ws. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
- ↑ "Outline for Mac – Updates Today!". outline.ws. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
- ↑ "Navigation Basics". outline.ws. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
- ↑ "Outline for iPad on iTunes". outline.ws. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
- ↑ "Outline for Mac on iTunes". outline.ws. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
- ↑ "Make Notes On The Go with Outline+". James Cull. 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2014-06-10.
- ↑ "Note-taking on the iPad with the new-and-improved Outline+ app". Matt Elliott. 2013-07-16. Retrieved 2014-06-10.
- ↑ "Outline+ Is A Powerful OneNote Client For iPad With Dropbox & Box Syncing". Hamza Khalid. 2012-10-05. Retrieved 2014-06-10.
- ↑ "Outline is the App to Read and Write to OneNote Native Format". outline.ws. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
- ↑ "Export Notebooks via iTunes". outline.ws. Retrieved 2014-05-28.
- ↑ "Outline+ Is A Powerful OneNote Client For iPad With Dropbox & Box Syncing". Hamza Khalid. 2012-10-05. Retrieved 2014-06-10.