Traverse is local-first. Its library is a folder on your Mac, and each outline is stored as an OPML file inside that folder or one of its subfolders.
The default library
By default, Traverse creates its library in the app's Application Support area. This keeps Traverse documents together without mixing them into a general folder such as Documents or Desktop.
Choosing a custom library folder
You can choose a different folder in Settings > Library. This is useful if you want your Traverse outlines in a project folder, an external folder, or a folder that syncs through a service such as iCloud Drive.
For the cleanest experience, choose a dedicated Traverse library folder. If you choose a broad folder that already contains unrelated OPML files, those OPML files may appear in the Traverse library because OPML is Traverse's document format.
Subfolders
Traverse lists OPML documents in the selected library folder and its subfolders. You can create folders in the library sidebar to organise related outlines.
Moving the library
When you change library location, Traverse copies existing OPML outlines and their subfolder structure into the new location, then reads OPML files from the selected folder.
Importing outlines
Traverse can import OPML from other outliners, iThoughts files, and Tree files. Imported outlines are written as new OPML documents in your Traverse library.
Opening OPML files directly
You can open compatible OPML files directly with Traverse. This is useful for viewing or editing a file that is not part of your normal library.
Deleting outlines
Deleting an outline from the library removes that OPML document from the Traverse library. If your OPML files are stored in a synced folder, deletion and recovery may also depend on that sync provider's behaviour.
Portability
Because Traverse uses OPML, your outlines remain portable. Traverse-specific metadata may be included in library documents so the app can preserve IDs, attributes, numbering settings, tree state, and other document behaviour.
