Product Introduction
Pinetree(Beta) is a browser-based hierarchical markdown editor designed to create structured documents that balance conciseness with expandable detail. It enables users to organize content through nested layers while maintaining readability, inspired by Amazon's "One Pager" communication philosophy. The tool supports real-time editing and interlinked navigation between document sections. All content is stored in the cloud, accessible via web browsers without local software installation.
The core value lies in resolving the conflict between brevity and comprehensiveness by implementing a hybrid document structure. Users can present high-level summaries as entry points while embedding deeper technical or contextual details within collapsible hierarchies. This approach optimizes both skimmability for casual readers and depth for subject-matter experts.
Main Features
Hierarchical markdown formatting allows nesting of subsections through indentation rules, enabling multi-level document architectures. Each node supports standard markdown syntax enhanced with custom folding controls and visual depth indicators. Content relationships are preserved through automatic hyperlinking between parent and child sections.
Cross-document navigation system creates bidirectional links between related files, forming a knowledge graph visible through breadcrumb trails and contextual tooltips. Users can embed references to external documents or specific sections using @mention syntax, with automatic previews on hover. All links remain functional during document restructuring.
Browser-based collaborative environment provides version history tracking with granular rollback capabilities and real-time co-editing indicators. Documents support export to standard markdown files with preserved hierarchy markers and import from existing .md formats. The platform includes a public Playground mode for anonymous experimentation before account creation.
Problems Solved
Eliminates information fragmentation caused by traditional folder-based systems by creating semantically connected documents. The hierarchical structure prevents content duplication while maintaining contextual relationships that standard wikis or note-taking apps cannot preserve. Users avoid the "scroll fatigue" of linear documents and the disorientation of disconnected files.
Targets professionals requiring both executive summaries and technical documentation, including product managers creating PRDs, researchers compiling papers, and developers maintaining API guides. Educators designing course materials and technical writers producing user manuals benefit from adjustable content depth.
Typical scenarios include building investment memos with expandable financial models, creating engineering specifications with nested requirements, and compiling academic literature reviews with layered citations. Job seekers use it for resumes with collapsible project details, while travelers plan itineraries with foldable location guides.
Unique Advantages
Differs from flat markdown editors by enforcing structural relationships through visual hierarchy rather than manual hyperlinking. Unlike Notion's block-based system, Pinetree maintains pure markdown compatibility while adding layer-aware navigation features. Outperforms traditional outliners through bidirectional linking between independent documents.
Implements "contextual folding" that automatically collapses/expands sections based on reader navigation paths. The system tracks user interaction patterns to optimize default visibility states for frequent readers versus first-time viewers. Dynamic table of contents regenerates based on active document path.
Competitively leverages its browser-native architecture to enable instant sharing via URL without account requirements for viewers. Beta users providing actionable feedback receive permanent free access, creating a community-driven development cycle. The platform avoids vendor lock-in through standardized markdown exports with hierarchy metadata.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is my data secure during the beta phase? All user content is encrypted in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256), with daily automated backups stored in geographically distributed AWS data centers. Account deletion triggers immediate cryptographic shredding of all associated documents.
Why is the demo video in Japanese? The initial video features Japanese narration with English subtitles to serve our founding team's primary market, but all interface elements and documentation are English-first. Future multilingual support is planned post-beta based on user feedback.
How does the permanent free pass work? Users who submit detailed feedback through the designated form receive lifetime access to all premium features, even after paid plans launch. Qualifying feedback must identify specific usability issues or suggest feature improvements with technical implementation considerations.