Outline Mode Basics

Outline Mode helps you organize your ideas into a clear structure before you start writing. Good structure makes writing easier and your content more effective.

How Outline Mode Works

1. Start with an idea - From Brainstorm Mode or enter directly
2. BlueTip generates structure - Get a suggested outline with sections and points
3. Edit and arrange - Drag, drop, add, and remove until it feels right
4. Move to writing - Your outline becomes your writing framework

Creating an Outline

From Brainstorm Mode

1. Select your favorite brainstorm idea
2. Click Create Outline
3. BlueTip structures content around your chosen angle

From Scratch

1. Switch to Outline Mode
2. Enter your topic and content type (blog post, documentation, script, etc.)
3. BlueTip generates a suggested structure

Understanding the Outline Structure

Each outline contains:

• Sections - Major parts of your content (H2 headings)
• Subsections - Topics within sections (H3 headings)
• Key points - Bullet points to cover in each section

Example structure:

1. Introduction
   - Hook the reader
   - Preview what's coming

2. The Problem
   - Common challenges
   - Why existing solutions fail

3. The Solution
   - Your approach
   - Key benefits

4. Conclusion
   - Summary
   - Call to action

Editing Your Outline

Reordering Sections

Drag and drop sections to change their order. Put your strongest content early.

Adding Sections

Click + Add Section to insert a new section. Place it where it logically fits.

Removing Sections

Click the trash icon to remove a section. This doesn’t affect other sections.

Editing Points

Click any text to edit it. Add detail to make writing easier later.

Outline Patterns

BlueTip recognizes common content patterns:

Problem-Solution

For tutorials and persuasive content:

1. Introduce the problem
2. Show why it matters
3. Present the solution
4. Prove it works

List/Listicle

For tips, guides, and roundups:

1. Hook with a promise
2. Present items in order
3. End with action steps

Story/Narrative

For case studies and personal content:

1. Set the scene
2. Introduce conflict
3. Show the journey
4. Reveal the outcome

Comparison

For reviews and buying guides:

1. Introduce options
2. Detail each option
3. Compare head-to-head
4. Recommend by use case

Moving to Write Mode

When your outline is ready:

1. Click Start Writing
2. Your outline appears as the document structure
3. Each section heading and point guides your writing

Tips for Better Outlines

Don’t Over-Outline

A few key points per section is enough. Too much detail becomes constraining.

Think About Flow

Each section should lead naturally to the next. If transitions feel awkward, reorder.

Estimate Length

Consider how much space each section needs. Imbalanced sections often need restructuring.

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Enter - Add new point
• Tab - Indent point
• Shift + Tab - Outdent point
• Cmd/Ctrl + Up/Down - Move section

Related Articles

• Brainstorm Mode Basics
• Write Mode Basics