Meanwhile, MindMeister (opens in new tab) is a web-based mind mapping software that features a modern, easy to use UI. Though Freeplan offers some support for FreeMind files, the files created by the two apps are not 100% mutually compatible when it comes to file formats.įreeplan builds on FreeMind, adding features like different cloud shapes, a grid system, better menus and UI, and better support for add-ons that extend and customize the features and functionality of the tool. The competitionįreeMind is not the only mind mapping tool on the market, so here are some alternatives we think are noteworthy.įreeplan is a mind mapping tool that was created using FreeMind files as the starting point. However, FreeMind is open source software, so there is no guarantee that your feature request will be implemented. If you think there are features missing from the product, you can also log a feature request.

However, once we figured out where different features lived, we felt that it was definitely usable for mind mapping, especially since the product is free. Its user interface (UI) screams early 2000s, and we found it somewhat difficult to find the features we needed in the various menus. One of the first things you will likely notice is that FreeMind appears a bit dated. The software stores its maps in XML format, so if you decide to move to another product, you may be able to export the maps it creates and then import them into the tool of your choice (assuming it supports XML imports). However, if you prefer to create an image file, FreeMind also supports PNG, JPEG, and SVD. And if you want to refer to outside files, you can add HTML links, as well as links to files living on your local machine.įreeMind allows you to export your work into HTML, XHTML, PDF, and OpenDocument formats. Other design features include folding branches, icons on individual nodes, and clouds around branches. FreeMind also allows you to make batch edits by copying and pasting groups of items (without loss of formatting). You can choose to have your nodes and branches shifted around automatically, but you can also rearrange items manually if desired. FreeMind’s MindMaps are created using notes that are joined by branches.

Mind mapping free tools