Plan an essay or article section by section. Start from a proven structure, set your main point and the points for each section, and see how many words every part should get. Your outline stays in this browser and your Library. Nothing is uploaded, and no account is needed.
How to make an outline, step by step
- Choose a structure under Start from, or begin with a blank outline.
- Set the Length in words you are aiming for.
- Write your Main point.
- Fill in the points for each section. Add, rename, reorder or delete sections with Add a section and the section controls.
- Press Copy outline or Save as Markdown, or press Start writing to move on to the draft.
Choosing a structure
Each structure comes with sections and prompts for what goes in them: the five-paragraph and argumentative essay, compare and contrast, a research paper, and how-to, list and review articles for blogs and magazines. Rename, reorder or delete any section, or start blank. Paste an outline turns one you already have into sections you can edit: headings or numbered lines become sections, and the lines under them become points.
A word budget that adds up
Set the length you are aiming for and it is shared across the sections by how much each usually needs. Change any section's words and the total shows how far you are over or under. Changing the length later keeps the same shape.
From outline to draft
Start writing opens a new document in Write desk with your headings, your points as notes under each one and a word goal set to the plan. If you keep sources in Research notes, they come along ready to cite. Copy outline gives a numbered outline to paste into Word or an email. Plan the deadline helps you work back from your due date.
Tips for a strong outline
- Write your main point as one clear sentence before anything else.
- Give each section one job. If a section has two, split it.
- Put your strongest evidence where the structure needs it, not just where it came to mind.
- Check the word budget early. A section far over its share often needs trimming.
- Leave your conclusion for last and make sure it answers your main point.
Who uses it
Students planning coursework and exam essays, bloggers outlining a post, freelancers drafting an article pitch, and teachers building a model answer. Saving to your Library means the outline is there when you come back.
Questions
Does it write the essay for me?
No. It helps you plan the structure and the word count. The writing is yours.
Can I use my own headings?
Yes. Rename any section, add your own, or paste an outline from Word or your notes.
Where is my outline stored?
In this browser and your Library on this device, and nowhere else.