Bike
A fast outliner for thinking and writing on the Mac
The verdict
If you think in lists, Bike is a native Mac outliner that stays fast with documents big enough to slow other writing apps down. You fold and focus on any branch, move rows from the keyboard, mix headings, tasks and ordered lists, and save in standard file formats. It is Mac only with no iPhone app, and the App Store version runs on a subscription, while Setapp members get it included.
Get it if
You plan articles, projects or talks as nested lists and want a keyboard-first outliner.
Skip it if
You need your outlines on an iPhone, where MindNode or a notes app with lists serves you better.
Screenshots 3
What it helps you do
- Outline a big project without lag
- Fold and focus on one branch
- Turn an outline into a draft
- Automate outlines with Shortcuts and AppleScript
What it really costs
Pay once or subscribe? Drag to see the total after each year.
Pay-once totals leave out paid upgrades to future major versions.
Plans and prices
Mac App Store
FreeFree download, with a Bike License at $2.99 a month or $19.99 a year
Setapp
IncludedIncluded in a Setapp subscription from $14.99 a month, with a 7-day free trial
What changed
Version 1.22.2
Improved new window sizing and positioning · Removed ugly white line that could show under navigation bar
Added to The Useful Apps
Written up in The Useful Tech
Pick something else if
MindNodePick it if you think visually and want a mind map that turns into an outline.Free to start
ScrivenerPick this if you're writing a novel, script or thesis and need sections you can rearrange beside your research.$59.99 once
UlyssesPick it if you run a blog or write long pieces and want every draft in 1 library that syncs.From $5.99
The details
- Runs on
- Mac
- Requires
- macOS 12.4 or later
- Version
- 1.22.2
- Size
- 7 MB
- Made by
- Jesse Grosjean
- Shortcuts
- Works with the Shortcuts app
Developer's websiteSpot a wrong price or fact?