Outline Generator
This free outline generator turns a topic into a structured outline for an essay or research paper. Pick the paper type, choose how many main points you need and get a plan with an introduction, body sections and a conclusion. Replace the bracketed prompts with your own details, then copy or download the result.
Your outline
Fill in the form and choose Build my outline. A structured outline appears here, ready to copy or download.
How to Use the Outline Generator
- Type your topic in a few words.
- Choose a paper type: argumentative essay, research paper, compare and contrast, literature review or informative essay.
- Pick two to five main points, and choose Roman numeral or decimal numbering.
- Select Build my outline.
- Replace each [bracket] with your own claims, sources and evidence, then copy the outline or download it as a text file.
What Each Outline Type Includes
| Paper type | Main sections | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Argumentative essay | Introduction, reasons with evidence, counterargument, conclusion | Essays that defend a claim |
| Research paper | Introduction, background, findings, discussion, conclusion | Papers built on sources |
| Compare and contrast | Introduction, points of comparison, conclusion | Two subjects with shared features |
| Literature review | Introduction, themes, gaps, conclusion | Summaries of earlier research |
| Informative essay | Introduction, main points, conclusion | Explaining a topic clearly |
Why an Outline Helps
An outline shows the shape of your paper before you write. It makes weak spots visible early, such as a point with no evidence or a section that does not support your thesis. Writers who outline usually draft faster and revise less.
How to Turn the Outline Into a Draft
- Write the thesis first. Every section should support it.
- Give each body section one main idea.
- Add the source next to each piece of evidence.
- Write the topic sentences from the outline headings.
- Cut any section that does not help your claim.
Roman Numerals or Decimal Numbering?
Most schools accept either one. Roman numerals with letters and numbers (I, A, 1) are the classic format. Decimal numbering (1, 1.1) is common in science and technical courses. Use the one your instructor names.
A Short Sample Outline
Here is the start of an argumentative outline for the topic later school start times. The sources are placeholders.
- I. Introduction. Hook about tired students, background on bell times, thesis: later start times improve attendance and grades.
- II. Reason 1: Students sleep longer. Claim, evidence [source], analysis, link to the thesis.
- III. Reason 2: Attendance improves. Claim, evidence [source], analysis, link to the thesis.
- IV. Counterargument. Costs and bus schedules, then a rebuttal.
- V. Conclusion. Restate the thesis, sum up and close with why it matters.
Common Outline Mistakes
- Writing topics instead of claims. A heading like “Sleep” says less than “Sleep raises attendance.”
- Adding too many main points for the page limit.
- Leaving out the source for a claim.
- Forgetting the link back to the thesis.
Related Tools and Guides
- Thesis Statement Generator
- Citation Generator
- Outline Generator
- Research Question Generator
- Word Counter
Browse the Outline Templates category for ready-made structures, or return to the Papers Open homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Is this outline generator free?
Yes. It is free, needs no sign-up and runs in your browser.
Does it write my essay?
No. It builds a structure with prompts. You add your own claims, sources and analysis.
Which paper types are supported?
Argumentative essay, research paper, compare and contrast, literature review and informative essay.
How many main points should I choose?
Three works for most short essays. Choose four or five for longer papers and two for a very short one.
Can I download the outline?
Yes. Choose Download to save a plain text file, or Copy to paste it into your document.
Should I include a counterargument?
For argumentative and research papers, yes. A fair counterargument and a rebuttal make your claim stronger.
What is the difference between an outline and a draft?
An outline lists ideas and structure. A draft turns them into full sentences and paragraphs.
Does the tool store my topic?
No. It runs in your browser and sends nothing to a server.