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 OPML file format and the XML file format used by FreeMind.

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 collaborationWritten inNotes
CompendiumSocial scienceCross-platformJavaAn email address is required to receive a download link
DiaGeneral purposeCross-platformC.
diagrams.net General purposeCross-platformHTML5 JavaScript
FreeMindProject managementCross-platformJava
FreeplaneMind mappingCross-platformJava
PGF/TikZMind mappingCross-platform, needs ShareLaTeX, needs ShareLaTeX, needs ShareLaTeX
  • Set of TeX macros
  • TikZ library: mindmap
  • -
    PlantUMLSystems designCross-platformJavaCan be used to draw various UML diagrams and some others
    Visual Understanding Environment Concept mappingCross-platformJavaCan also be used to build presentations
    View Your Mind Concept mappingCross-platformC++Uses Qt

    Freeware and other proprietary software

    The following is a list of notable concept mapping and mind mapping applications which are proprietary software.
    SoftwareLicenseGenrePlatformsOnline visualizingOnline editingOnline real-time collaboratingWritten inNotes
    CmapToolsConcept mappingCross-platform, needs CmapServer, Cmaps on servers generate urls-webpages, needs CmapServer, needs CmapServerJava
    Algor Education, freeware, freemiumMind mappingCross-platformJavaScript, Node.js, jQuery and Backbone.js
  • Google or Algor Education account needed to log in
  • Free version lets user create 2 automatic maps and save unlimited manual maps
  • MindMap AI, freeware, freemiumMind mappingCross-platformJavaScript, TypeScript, and Spring Boot
  • Google, Apple or MindMap AI account needed to log in
  • Free version allows users to create 3 automatic maps and save up to 10 manual maps.
  • Coggle, freeware, freemiumMind mappingCross-platformJavaScript, Node.js, jQuery and Backbone.js
  • Google account needed to log in
  • Free version lets user save 3 private maps
  • MindMupCustom licenseMind mappingWeb browserHTML5, JavaScript, Ruby
  • FreeMind import-export
  • Browser-based, automatically adjusts to mobile or keyboard interfaces
  • Integrates with Google Drive and GitHub to provide cloud storage and sharing control
  • 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, LinuxJava
  • Mind maps, spreadsheets, fishbone diagrams, tree charts, org charts
  • Online sharing
  • Compatible with FreeMind
  • yEd, yEdConcept mapping, Mind mappingWindows, OS X, Linux, cross-platformJava
  • General-purpose freeware diagram editor
  • 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
  • Mind42Mind mappingWeb browser
  • 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
  • SimpleMind
    SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsNotes
    3D Topicscape3D-Scape LimitedWindows
    • Desktop 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 X
  • Desktop 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
  • CreatelyCinergix Pvt. Ltd.Windows, OS X, Linux
  • Shapes and symbols in libraries
  • Built-in examples and templates
  • Export options to PDF, JPEG, PNG, SVG
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Video conferencing
  • DebategraphDebategraphWeb applicationConcept and argument mapping tool
    Google DrawingsGoogleWeb application
  • Part of Google Docs suite
  • Vector image editing
  • LucidChartLucid Software, IncWeb 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 VisioMicrosoftWindows
  • Part of Microsoft Office product family
  • Draws static diagrams including block diagrams, organization charts, maps, plans or workflows
  • MindManagerMindjetWindows, OS X, Android
  • Desktop application comes in basic and pro versions
  • Integrated with Microsoft Office, available Gantt chart add-in, built-in spreadsheet, Fluent UI
  • 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
    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-like
  • Graphically 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
  • Mind mapping, idea visualizing, brainstorming
  • Built-in presentation
  • Integrates with Evernote