Zavala

Zavala

Modern Outlining

67 ratings
65 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • June 11, 2021
  • September 16, 2026

Features

Zavala screenshot #1 for iPhone
Zavala screenshot #2 for iPhone
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About

This app offers a modern approach to outlining, providing a full suite of features. It supports gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and multiple windows for efficient organization and content creation. Easily import and export in various formats, sync across devices, and customize your outlining experience.

✓OPML Import & Export
✓Markdown Export
✓iCloud Syncing & Sharing
✓Nested Tags
✓Image Embedding
✓Keyboard Shortcuts
✓Drag and Drop
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What's New in Zavala

4.4

September 16, 2026

* Added a new web clipper function. You can select Zavala from the Share menu now Zavala will attempt to turn it into an editable Outline. Due to how poorly most web pages are structured, results may vary. * Added the Import HTML function. This works like the web clipper function except you enter the select the local HTML page you want to import. * Added the Export HTML Doc and Export HTML List functions. * Added the Parent Entity ID as an optional query parameter for the Find Rows Shortcut action. This allows you to get all the child rows of either an Outline or Row. * Added Japanese translation. * Added a bunch of missing German and Simplified Chinese translations. * Removed the Hide Keyboard button on iPhones on versions of iOS that don’t have room for it any longer. You can still scroll to dismiss the keyboard on iPhones. * Removed the icons from the Document’s More menu to fix alignment issues on some versions of iOS. * Made dragging more reliable. Previously, a row might get “stuck” and not be able to be dragged.

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User reviews

Awesome outliner

Everyone should have a good outliner. I’d been looking for a while, but hadn’t quite found the right option. This one is excellent.

I really enjoy this outliner

I really enjoy this app. A lot of care has gone into it, and it shows. Thank you!

Broken sync

The software itself is really great. Unfortunately, the app on my iPhone is at version 4.2.2 (169) whilst my Intel Mac is running MacOS Seqoia (15.7.1) and can only run Zavala version 3.3.10 (150). This throws an error that the iCloud database is incompatible. There are various installed software issues that mean I can’t readily upgrade this MacOS version right now without breaking a bunch of stuff.

It would be insanely great if you could continue releasing MacOS builds for older MacOS versions. Or, failing that, some sort of “legacy database version” option for the iOS apps to allow sync to continue to operate.
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simple yet FEATURE PACKED

this is the text app everyone needed from the start and only needed.
simple lightweight fast intuitive. everything you could want that nearly all the other apps out there overthought
THIS IS ALL ANYONE NEEDS for jotting down sortable thoughts❤️ 0 % BS🐮💚

Simply the best outlining app out there

Checks every box for me, 10-fold, on steroids. I know it may sound over-the-top to describe an outlining app this way, but in addition to the ADD mitigation features of the design of the app… the app is free forever. Even if the dev charged, it would be a one-time fee vs subscription model. Kudos and bravo to Mr. Parker for this labor of love. I’m so grateful I discovered this.
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Response from developer

I’m glad that you are enjoying Zavala. I never plan on switching to a commercial model for Zavala. It is and always will be free.

Developer apps

FAQ

What does Zavala do?

Zavala is a modern outlining application designed to help users organize their thoughts and information. It offers a comprehensive set of features for creating, managing, and exporting outlines efficiently.

What are the key features of Zavala?

Key features include OPML and Markdown import/export, iCloud syncing and sharing, nested tags for organization, support for embedding images, drag and drop functionality, and customizable text formatting.

Is Zavala free to use?

Yes, Zavala is a free application. It does not have any in-app purchases or advertisements, allowing users full access to its features without cost.

How can I organize my outlines in Zavala?

You can organize your outlines using nested tags, which allows for hierarchical categorization of your content. The app also supports features like backlinks and completed items to further structure your work.

What file formats can I import or export with Zavala?

Zavala supports importing and exporting outlines in OPML format, a standard for outlining applications. It also allows for exporting content in Markdown format, making it easy to integrate with other writing tools.