List of concept- and mind-mapping software


ping and mind mapping software is used to create diagrams of relationships between concepts, ideas, or other pieces of information. It has been suggested that the mind mapping technique can improve learning and study efficiency up to 15% over conventional note-taking. Many software packages and websites allow creating, or otherwise supporting, mind maps.

File format

Using a standard file format allows interchange of files between various programs. Many programs listed below support the mm format used by FreeMind, which is an XML text format of tagged objects.

Free and open-source

The following tools comply with the Free Software Foundation's definition of free software. As such, they are also open-source software.
SoftwareLicenseGenrePlatformsOnline visualizationOnline editingOnline real-time collaborationNotes
CompendiumSocial scienceCross-platform
DiaGNU General Public LicenseGeneral purposeCross-platformWritten in C.
FreeMindProject managementCross-platform
Written in Java
FreeplaneMind mappingCross-platform
Written in Java
PGF/TikZMind mappingCross-platform, needs ShareLaTeX, needs ShareLaTeX, needs ShareLaTeX
  • Set of TeX macros. TikZ library: mindmap
Visual Understanding Environment Concept mappingCross-platform
  • Written in Java
  • Can also be used to build presentations
View Your Mind Concept mappingCross-platform
  • Written in C++
  • Uses Qt

    • Freeware

    The following is a list of notable concept mapping and mind mapping applications which are freeware, and available at no cost. Some are open source, and others are proprietary software.
    SoftwareLicenseGenrePlatformsOnline visualizingOnline editingOnline real-time collaboratingNotes
    CmapToolsConcept mappingCross-platform, needs CmapServer, Cmaps on servers generate urls-webpages, needs CmapServer, needs CmapServer
    Coggle, freeware, freemiumMind mappingCross-platform
    MindMupCustom licenseMind mappingWeb browser
    • Freemind import-export
    • Browser-based, HTML5 features automatically adjust to mobile or keyboard interfaces
    • Integrates with Google Drive and GitHub to provide cloud storage and sharing control
    • Written in JavaScript and Ruby
    Qiqqa, freeware, freemiumConcept mappingWindows
    • Mind maps for academics based on their research papers, notes, and annotations
    • Can export mind maps to the web and share by social media
    XMind, freeware, freemiumProject management, knowledge managementWindows, OS X, Linux
  • Mind maps, spreadsheets, fishbone diagrams, tree charts, org charts.
  • Online sharing
  • Compatible with Freemind
  • Formerly proprietary
  • Written in Java.
    • yEd, yEdConcept mapping, Mind mappingWindows, OS X, Linux, cross-platform???
    • General-purpose freeware diagram editor
    • Written in Java
    • can be used to draw different kinds of diagrams: flowcharts, computer network diagrams, UML diagrams, BPMN diagrams, mind maps, organization charts, entity relationship diagrams, and many others.

    Proprietary software

    The table below lists pieces of proprietary commercial software that allow creating mind and concept maps.
    SoftwarePublisher, licensePlatformsNotes, features
    3D Topicscape3D-Scape LimitedWindowsDesktop application that presents mind maps as a 3d scene where each node is a cone. Imports MindManager, Personal Brain, FreeMind, text and folders.
    ConceptDraw MINDMAPCS Odessa LLCWindows, OS XDesktop mind mapping and brainstorming software, for business, education, or personal activities. Integrates with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Project, MindManager, FreeMind, and XMind. Compatible with Twitter, Skype, and Evernote services.
    DebategraphDebategraphWeb applicationConcept and argument mapping tool
    Edraw MaxEdrawSoftWindows, OS X, Linux
    • Cliparts and symbols in libraries.
    • Available Gantt chart add-in.
    • Built-in examples and templates.
    • Export options to Graphics, PDF,PS,, EPS, Microsoft Office,HTML,SVG and Visio.
    • Cloud collaboration
    LucidChartLucidChart, LLCWeb application
  • HTML5-based collaborative diagramming tool that can be used to map minds and concepts
  • Android, iPhone, iPad applications, providing offline access to diagrams.
    • Microsoft VisioMicrosoftWindowsPart of Microsoft Office product family, draws static diagrams including block diagrams, organization charts, maps, plans or workflows
    Mind42IRIAN SolutionsWeb application
  • Browser-based collaborative web application
  • Real-time collaborative editing; the name Mind42 is intended to be read as Mind for two
  • Free to use with no function limits
  • Limited support by developer
    • MindManagerMindjetWindows, OS X, AndroidDesktop application comes in basic and pro versions; integrated with Microsoft Office, available Gantt chart add-in, built-in spreadsheet, Fluent UI, Current Version: MindManager 2018
    MindMapperSimTech SystemsWindows
  • Mind mapping, idea visualizing, brainstorming
  • Process flow, org charts, fishbone diagrams
  • Concept maps and flowcharts
  • Project management with built-in Gantt charts
  • Built-in presentation
  • Post it style memo notes
  • Integrates with Microsoft Office
    • MindMeisterMeisterLabs GmbHWindows, OS X, Linux
  • Browser-based collaborative web application
  • Android, iPhone, iPad applications, providing access to online mind maps
  • Built-in chat
  • Subscription based, also offering a free limited access option
    • MindomoExpert Software ApplicationsWindows, OS X, Linux
  • Browser-based
  • Realtime collaboration, built-in chat, revision history
  • Built-in presentation mode
  • Desktop application
  • Android and iPad applications work both offline and in sync with the cloud
  • Offers a free limited option
    • MindViewMatchWareWindows, OS X, Web application
  • Integrated with Microsoft Office
  • 6 Interchangeable views: includes Gantt chart and timeline
  • Calculation feature and Excel integration
  • Optimized for project management
  • Advanced filter function
    • OmniGraffleThe Omni GroupOS X, iOS
    PreziPrezi Inc.Web application, Windows
  • Presentation software that supports free form placement and zooming on a single sheet.
  • Offers Android, iPhone, and iPad applications work both offline and in sync with the cloud
    • QiqqaQuantisle Ltd.WindowsMinds maps for academics oriented around their research papers, notes, and annotations.
    SemanticaSemantic ResearchOS X, WindowsFamily of software to create, view, store, and share knowledge structures
    SmartDrawSmartDraw Software, LLCWindowsVisual processor used to create flowcharts, organization charts, mind maps, gantt charts, and other visuals
    Solina Mind Mapping SoftwareInsoft OyWindowsorganic mind maps and activity maps
    SpicyNodesIDEA.orgAdobe Flashradial maps, viewer can move from node to node
    TinderboxEastgate SystemsOS XContent management system with concept and mind map abilities
    TheBrainTheBrain TechnologiesWindows, OS X, Unix, Unix-likeGraphically intensive and customizable GUI, extremely cross-platform. Notes, calendar, Microsoft Outlook features. Multiple parent node ability.
    Visual MindMind TechnologiesWindowsSupports collaboration mode.
    XMind ProXMind Ltd.Windows, OS X, Linux-