CrossLine

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

What CrossLine is

CrossLine is an outliner that links topics and supports transclusion, with text arranged in parent–child topics and subtopics. Users can collapse or expand outline sections, search a full-text database with the built-in engine, and navigate through history and back/forward controls. Backlinks are supported, and HTML and CLDX are listed as export formats. The application is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with precompiled downloads listed for Windows and Linux in x86 and x64 versions and Mac x64 and M1. Its compressed single-file executable can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges. The README says the Windows executable runs on Windows 7 without a separate Microsoft runtime. Lucene is available as an optional search integration when building the application. The current version uses LeanQt, and the repository includes build instructions. On Mac, the README says to start the application using the context menu’s open command. CrossLine is free and open source; the repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses.

Who it suits

CrossLine suits people who want to organize linked notes or topics in a collapsible outline and search their text. It may also suit users who prefer a portable executable or want to build the application from source.

What it does well

Organizes text into collapsible parent–child topics.
Includes full-text search and supports backlinks.
Lists HTML and CLDX export formats.
Runs without installation or special privileges.
Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

What to know first

Mac startup requires the context menu’s open command.
Lucene is an optional build-time search integration.
No usage limits are stated.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
CrossLine	No price or usage limits stated	Free

As github.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open the CrossLine GitHub project page.
Download the precompiled executable for Windows, Linux, or Mac.
Unpack the compressed file and run the executable; installation and special privileges are not required.
On Mac, start the application using the context menu’s Open command.

Verdict

CrossLine combines outlining, cross-links, transclusion, and search in a free application. Check the platform-specific startup and build notes if you plan to use Mac or add Lucene.

Questions

How much does CrossLine cost?

CrossLine is listed as free, at no cost plan.

Which operating systems are supported?

CrossLine is listed for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Precompiled downloads are offered for Windows and Linux x86 and x64, and Mac x64 and M1.

What search options does it provide?

It has a built-in full-text search engine. Lucene can be integrated as an optional alternative when building the application.

Can CrossLine export outlines?

HTML and CLDX are listed as export formats.

Is CrossLine open source?

Yes. The repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses.

How can users get help?

The project directs support questions, issues, and feature requests to its GitHub issue list or email.

Facts from CrossLine's own pages

Build toolkit: The current version uses LeanQt instead of the modified Qt4 toolkit, and the README provides instructions for building from source. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Demo: The project links to a demo repository with instructions for using CrossLine. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Installation: The compressed single-file executable can be unpacked and run without installation or special privileges. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
License: The repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Licensing: The repository lists GPL-2.0 and GPL-3.0 licenses. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Linux downloads: Precompiled downloads are offered for Linux x86 and x64. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Mac downloads: Precompiled downloads are offered for Mac x64 and Mac M1. · github.com, 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, 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, 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, 11 Oct 2026
Outlines: Outlines are organized as parent–child topic and subtopic nodes that users can collapse or expand. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Platforms: The project lists precompiled downloads for Windows x86 and x64, Linux x86 and x64, and Mac x64 and M1. · github.com, 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, 11 Oct 2026
Product: CrossLine is an outliner with cross-link capabilities, in the tradition of Ecco Pro. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Search: CrossLine is a full-text database with a built-in search engine. · github.com, 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, 11 Oct 2026
Support: The author directs users to the GitHub issue list or to email for support, issues, and feature requests. · github.com, 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, 11 Oct 2026
Transclusion: It implements the concept of transclusion proposed by Ted Nelson. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
What it does: CrossLine is an outliner with cross-link capabilities, transclusion, and a built-in full-text search engine. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Windows compatibility: The README says the Windows executable runs on Windows 7 and does not require a separate Microsoft runtime. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Windows downloads: Precompiled downloads are offered for Windows x86 and x64. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026

Where CrossLine stands on Freedom251

Outliner Software#4 of 31