To start, I think you'll be glad to know that Mellel IS going to gain an outline option with its next version. You'll be disappointed to learn, perhaps, that we do not intend to implement this the way MS Word does. Not even close. I'll be glad to explain this to you in person and in more detail via email (if you want) but in brief: There are two fundamental elements in the way the outline option in MS Word is implemented: A. It's based on styles and not a real hierarchy; B. It's exclusive (i.e., you cannot view the document in outline view and normal view within the same window). Mellel, divorce the hierarchy from styles, as should be in our view. The structure of your document is one thing, and the styles you choose to us is another. This way you gain flexibility (e.g. mixing styles with the various elements in an auto-number) without loosing clarity. The other difference is that we will offer viewing the document in whatever view you choose concurrently and within the same window with the outline. Since the tool is integrated from the get-go within the concept, you'll be able to view various aspects of the document like the figures, headings, images, notes, etc. combined or separately.