37.1170, Software: Kilmer - A Visual Syntactic Tree Builder

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-1170. Mon Mar 23 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.1170, Software: Kilmer - A Visual Syntactic Tree Builder

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Date: 20-Mar-2026
From: Carlos González Vergara [cgonzalv at uc.cl]
Subject: Kilmer - A Visual Syntactic Tree Builder


Kilmer is a free, browser-based tool for creating syntactic tree
diagrams in the generative framework. It requires no installation or
account, running entirely in the browser as a single-file web
application.
You can access Kilmer here:
https://carlosgonzalezvergara.github.io/kilmer/
Its central design principle is direct visual editing. Unlike most
tree-drawing tools, which require users to write bracket notation or
code and then render the result, Kilmer works as a WYSIWYG editor.
Nodes are created, labeled, and deleted directly on the diagram, with
the tree updating in real time. To accommodate different theoretical
approaches and workflows, users can choose to build their trees either
top-down or bottom-up. This makes the process of building complex
structures considerably faster and more intuitive, particularly for
large trees.
Key Features:
- Syntactic Representation Tools: Includes dedicated features for
movement arrows, phase boundary markers, and oval highlights for
constituent grouping.
- Late Insertion: A specialized diagram mode tailored for representing
Late Insertion Model structures.
- Integrated Character Palette: An organized palette with over 20
categories of IPA, Greek, logic, and mathematical symbols facilitates
phonological and morphological notation without leaving the app.
- Flexible Workflow: Trees can be exported as high-quality PNG images
for use in slides, papers, and teaching materials.
- Save & Resume: Work can be saved and loaded as JSON files. The tool
also includes auto-save functionality and zoom controls for
comfortable editing.
Kilmer is intended for linguists, students, and researchers who need a
streamlined, visual way to generate syntactic trees for teaching,
research, or publication. It is released under a Creative Commons CC
BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.
Access the tool here: https://carlosgonzalezvergara.github.io/kilmer/

Linguistic Field(s): Morphology
                     Syntax




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LINGUIST List: Vol-37-1170
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