What is Zavala?
Zavala is a free, open-source outliner for Mac, iPhone and iPad written by Maurice Parker. Outlines sync through iCloud with offline editing, can be shared with other Zavala users for realtime collaboration, and can be locked and encrypted. It also links outlines to one another with backlinks, organizes them with tags, and imports and exports OPML, Markdown and HTML.
Zavala is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- Apple users who want a plain outliner on Mac, iPhone and iPad
- Planning and drafting in nested lists from the keyboard
- Working on an outline together with other iCloud users
Worth knowing
- Apple platforms only: the site describes it as an outliner for macOS and iOS, with no Windows, Android or web version.
- The current App Store version requires iOS 26.0, iPadOS 26.0 or macOS 26.0 or later.
- Sync and sharing run through iCloud, and collaboration is limited to other Zavala users.
Key features
- Native outliner on three devices
- The Mac app has menus, keyboard shortcuts and customizable toolbars, the iPhone app uses gestures and context menus, and the iPad app supports multiple and side-by-side windows.
- iCloud sync and realtime sharing
- Outlines sync through iCloud and can be edited offline. An outline shared through iCloud can be worked on in real time with one or more other Zavala users.
- Locked and encrypted outlines
- Individual outlines can be locked and encrypted, and the App Store listing says iCloud sync is encrypted as well.
- Links and backlinks
- A link dialog connects one outline to another, backlinks show which outlines point at the current one, and pasted URLs turn into clickable links.
- Tags, search and Open Quickly
- Outlines take tags that become searches in the sidebar. A full-text search finds outlines, and Open Quickly opens one from part of its name.
- Import, export and Shortcuts
- OPML, Markdown and HTML files can be imported and exported, a web clipper share extension brings in web pages, and Shortcuts actions allow custom automation.
Zavala pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Free on Mac, iPhone and iPad, with no paid tier. The About page says the project is open source and will be free forever.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Zavala | $0 | The full app from the App Store for Mac, iPhone and iPad, including iCloud sync, sharing and encrypted outlines. |
Read from zavala.vincode.io on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Zavala before you buy.
Works with
Zavala alternatives
- Zavala vs Bike Outliner
Free plan · from $29.99 one-time
- Zavala vs OmniOutliner
Free trial · from $24.99 one-time
- Zavala vs Workflowy
Free plan · from $6.99/mo
- Zavala vs Dynalist
Free plan · from $7.99/mo
- Zavala vs Cloud Outliner
Free plan · from $4.99
Common questions
Is Zavala free?
Yes. Zavala is free to use. Free on Mac, iPhone and iPad, with no paid tier. The About page says the project is open source and will be free forever.
How much does Zavala cost?
Zavala lists one plan. Zavala: $0. Prices were read from zavala.vincode.io on Oct 9, 2026.
What platforms does Zavala work on?
Zavala is available on macOS and iOS.
Does Zavala have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Zavala is listed for macOS and iOS.
Does Zavala have a Windows app?
No Windows app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Zavala is listed for macOS and iOS.
Is Zavala open source?
Yes. Zavala is open source, according to its own site.
Does Zavala work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
What does Zavala integrate with?
Zavala's listing names iCloud and Shortcuts. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Zavala?
Zavala is made by Vincode, Inc (Maurice Parker).
What are the alternatives to Zavala?
The closest alternatives to Zavala in our directory are Bike Outliner, OmniOutliner, Workflowy, Dynalist and Cloud Outliner. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Zavala.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.