[Macworld]

Post your comments for From brainstorm to outline: Why I use OPML here

[d00d]

Quote

OPML, which stands for Outline Processor Markup Language, is an XML file format created specifically for outlines. It’s supported in a wide variety of Mac and iOS apps; any app that reads OPML can open files from any other app that writes it. That makes OPML a bit like plain text: it liberates your data from any specific apps or devices and allows you to work with whatever tools suit your context and needs.

I can use the same logic to argue that jpeg files are a bit like plain text as well. I personally wouldn't use the simile and just say that it's an open standard.

[rshs]

This story makes me feel better about using a mind map application (in my case, Nova Mind) *and* an outliner (in my case, NoteBook) *and* various word processors (Pages, Screenwriter, etc.). How the words are laid out on the virtual page both better reflects my thinking at any given stage of the creative pipeline, and helps me shift my thinking when appropriate. It's also a good feeling to move text from one app to another, a "job well done" glow.
What I'm missing is a HORIZONTAL OUTLINER. There are times in my business (screenwriting) when I want to develop a complex outline that doesn't grow vertically, but across the page, the same way we read, and (arguably) the same way we see a movie in our heads. It's such an important need that I've developed a complex spreadsheet template to do it. But I would prefer a purpose-built app. (Any takers, programmers?) There's a simple one called Tree, but simple is its downfall. OmniOutliner has columns, but that's not the same thing.
Help?

[wheat]

Opal is an excellent, simple, straightforward text outliner with OPML for Mac OS X. It has its roots in Acta, a program that appeared on the Mac in the mid-1980s. I've been a registered user for many years and recommend it. http://a-sharp.com/opal/

[bettercitizens]

Thanks for the article. I also use iThoughtsHD for my mind mapping. I also have OmniOutliner on the iPad, but never made the OPML connection - thanks for pointing it out.

I find mind mapping in iThoughtsHD really useful to make the times I would otherwise be waiting for some event (haircut, etc.) to occur productive.

Thanks again and Happy Mapping,

DC

[sagitman19]

Like you David, I take great pleasure in searching out better tools and workflows not just for productivity but as a end in and of itself. Thanks to you and your "evangelizing" in favor of OPML, I decided to give mind mapping (I'm using MindNode on my Mac) another try after having decided a few years ago that it wasn't for me.

Now, I can honestly say that it has completely changed not only how I work but how I feel about my work process. MindNode itself is an absolute pleasure to use and in together with OPML and OmniOutliner, it has made the brainstorming and organization of my writing not only more productive but, more importantly (at least in my mind), a truly fun and enjoyable experience. Now, I look forward to the task of beginning a new writing project whereas before it would always start with a sense of dread.

Thanks for the guidance!

[radiofreelunch]

Too bad OPML doesn't handle styled text or graphics, which make it less suitable for higher-end outliners.

[AnnetteShiley]

Thanks for this article. I have the free version of Mind Node. Experimented with it some, but didn't get into it. Your article encouraged me to mess with it again, learning the touchpad shortcuts (more intuitive than the menu dropdowns). Also to adopt your two step process and to export to a txt document for writing up my article or letter. Don't use OPML, but for now exporting to txt will work for me.

[DarrynLowe0qbv]

d00d, on 14 September 2011 - 06:49 AM, said:

Quote

OPML, which stands for Outline Processor Markup Language, is an XML file format created specifically for outlines. It’s supported in a wide variety of Mac and iOS apps; any app that reads OPML can open files from any other app that writes it. That makes OPML a bit like plain text: it liberates your data from any specific apps or devices and allows you to work with whatever tools suit your context and needs.

I can use the same logic to argue that jpeg files are a bit like plain text as well. I personally wouldn't use the simile and just say that it's an open standard.

Except that because OPML is XML it actually IS a text file. :-)

[d00d]

DarrynLowe0qbv, on 15 September 2011 - 03:05 PM, said:

d00d, on 14 September 2011 - 06:49 AM, said:

Quote

OPML, which stands for Outline Processor Markup Language, is an XML file format created specifically for outlines. It’s supported in a wide variety of Mac and iOS apps; any app that reads OPML can open files from any other app that writes it. That makes OPML a bit like plain text: it liberates your data from any specific apps or devices and allows you to work with whatever tools suit your context and needs.

I can use the same logic to argue that jpeg files are a bit like plain text as well. I personally wouldn't use the simile and just say that it's an open standard.

Except that because OPML is XML it actually IS a text file. :-)

Not a plain text file though. It has a rigid format.

[hayesk]

d00d, on 15 September 2011 - 04:36 PM, said:

DarrynLowe0qbv, on 15 September 2011 - 03:05 PM, said:

Except that because OPML is XML it actually IS a text file. :-)

Not a plain text file though. It has a rigid format.

I guess some people have different definitions of "plain text". To me, plain text means the file contains nothing but text characters belonging to a standard character set. i.e. no Binary codes.

By that definition, it is a plain text file. I can see how you could see it otherwise though, as changing a tag could render it unusable to an outlining app, even though it can be read by a text editor.

[d00d]

hayesk, on 16 September 2011 - 11:33 AM, said:

By that definition, it is a plain text file. I can see how you could see it otherwise though, as changing a tag could render it unusable to an outlining app, even though it can be read by a text editor.

Exactly.

[GGPaxton]

I have three favorite OPML applications. Inspiration allows me to work in diagram mode and outline mode simultaneously, with either one or the other format displayed. I do my idea generation in Inspiration. Circus Ponies Notebook is another great OPML program that makes it easy for me to collect and organize all kinds of information. As with you, David, Scrivener is my writing application of choice.

[davymacworld]

Hello David,
Glad to hear you like iThoughtsHD - definitely the best mind mapping app on iOS. I even bought the iPhone version after watching a pal use it, never thought it could work so well on the smaller screen.
Craig is a pretty active developer too, always pushing forward with smart upgrades for the app to make it even better.
Will definitely try your OPML workflow here, sounds most efficient and I already have all those apps.

Hope you like the new logo for iThoughtsHD too!

~ disclaimer: I designed it! ;-)