Traverse can export outlines in several formats, depending on whether you want portability, structured writing, a screenplay, spreadsheet-style data, or a visual copy of the current view.
OPML
Use OPML when you want to back up an outline, move it between compatible outlining apps, or preserve its outline structure.
Clean OPML export can include document dates, owner metadata, task type information, and preserved numbering. OPML is also the format Traverse uses for its library documents.
Markdown List
Markdown List export creates a simple nested Markdown list. It is useful when you want a readable outline in a plain text editor, notes app, static site, or Markdown workflow.
Markdown List export can optionally preserve generated numbering.
Type and Markdown Document
Markdown Document export uses node Type values to decide how nodes should appear. Nodes can become headings, body text, blockquotes, code blocks, bullets, numbered bullets, dividers, or standalone notes.
Settings can control whether the document title becomes an H1, which kinds of notes are exported and how they are formatted, whether task status is included, whether dividers become horizontal rules, whether additional attributes are included, and whether generated numbering is preserved.
While writing, Type can be selected from a node's icon or Format menu, or entered with familiar markers. See Smart typing with Type and Fountain.
Adding Type to a document requires Traverse Pro. If Type is already present, the document remains editable and exportable even when Pro is not active.
Exporting notes to Markdown
Traverse supports two complementary kinds of notes:
- Attribute notes are metadata stored directly on another node. They are useful for internal context, editorial reminders, or supporting detail that should travel with that node.
- Note nodes are standalone nodes whose Type is set to Note. They occupy their own place in the outline hierarchy and are useful for commentary or supporting information that you may want to pass onward with the exported document.
The Notes setting determines which sources are included:
- Don't export: Omit all notes.
- Export attribute notes: Include only notes stored directly on nodes as attributes.
- Export node notes: Include only standalone Note nodes.
- Export all notes: Include both kinds.
The separate Note format setting controls how included notes appear:
- Body text: Export notes as normal text.
- Italicised: Export each note line as italic text.
- HTML comments: Hide notes in standard Markdown-compatible comments.
//prefix: Prefix each note line with//.%%prefix: Prefix each note line with%%.%%wrapped: Place the note between opening and closing%%lines.
The same format is applied to both sources. For a Note node, the node text becomes the note content; for an attribute note, Traverse uses the note text attached to its node.
Fountain
When a document uses the Fountain attribute, Fountain export turns its outline into a clean plain-text screenplay. Nodes can become title-page metadata, scene headings, action, characters, dialogue, parentheticals, transitions, sections, synopses, notes, lyrics, page breaks, centred text, or shots.
Traverse can suggest existing character, scene, and section values while you work. Export options can include title-page metadata and notes, include draft branches as Boneyard, and append Traverse marks as Beat colour markup.
Adding Fountain to a document requires Traverse Pro. Existing Fountain outlines remain editable and exportable without an active Pro unlock.
CSV
CSV export creates a table-like version of the outline. It includes the node text, generated number, full number path, attribute values, and node IDs. CSV export currently uses a fixed format and does not have custom settings.
Current view as PDF
Use Current View as PDF when you want to share or print the layout you are currently seeing in Traverse. This is best for a visual snapshot rather than a portable outline file.
Marked streaming
If Marked is installed, Traverse can stream a live preview while you work. Type documents are sent as Markdown; Fountain documents are sent as Fountain so Marked can process them as a screenplay.
Preserving numbering
Generated numbering is normally display-only. When export options preserve numbering, Traverse writes the generated prefixes into the exported text. Prefixes, numbering levels, omitted nodes, and numbering modifiers are taken into account.
