Keep your lists, notes and scattered information in one tree
You have a to-do list in one file, recipes in another, and project notes on sticky pads. Finding anything means hunting through all three. ActionOutline from Green Parrots Software puts that material into a single tree outline. You can expand the parts you need and collapse the rest.
Quick facts
- Version: 3.4
- Platform: Windows
- Price: from $39.95 (Standard Edition, single license)
- Trial: 30-day free trial, about 1.5 MB to download
- Interface: Explorer-like tree
Key features
Arrange information as branches you can move around
You store everything as items in a tree outline. Rearrange items with the keyboard or the mouse, and cut and paste whole branches. The layout looks like Windows Explorer, so it feels familiar from the first minute. It also has keyboard shortcuts for faster work.
Work on several outlines at once with tabs
Version 3 added a tabbed multi-document interface. You can keep a household outline, a work project and a reading list open side by side.
Protect private outlines with a password
Password protection uses AES 256-bit encryption, so you can store contacts or personal notes without leaving them readable to anyone who opens the file.
Make important items stand out
Outline formatting lets you change colors and font styles for individual items. You can also place checks or tags next to items to track what is done.
Undo mistakes and add pictures to notes
Version 3.3 added unlimited undo and redo for changes to the outline and notes. Version 3.4 added pictures in outline notes.
Share outlines on a network and link to files
The network options let you collaborate with other users on the same network. You can link items to web pages or local files, search information, and print your data.
Who it's for
It suits you if you keep to-do lists, recipes, project notes, personal contacts, bookmark lists, reports or term papers and want them in one place. It is a good fit if you prefer a plain desktop program with an Explorer-style layout to a web service.
Pros and cons
- Pro: small download of about 1.5 MB, and a 30-day trial lets you test it first.
- Pro: AES 256-bit password protection for sensitive outlines.
- Pro: tabs, formatting, undo and redo, and pictures in notes.
- Con: it is a Windows desktop program, so you can't open your outlines on other platforms.
- Con: it is paid software, with prices starting at $39.95, though a separate free Lite edition exists.
FAQs
Can I try it before buying?
Yes. There is a 30-day free trial.
Can I protect my outlines?
Yes. You can set a password, and the document is protected with AES 256-bit encryption.
Can I export or print my data?
You can print outlines. Earlier descriptions of the program also mention export to RTF and HTML.
Can several people use the same outline?
The network options let you collaborate with other users on the network.
Is there a free version?
Green Parrots Software also offers ActionOutline Lite, a free edition with a simpler feature set.
System requirements
ActionOutline runs on Windows. The installer is about 1.5 MB.