The research shortlist
Page updated
FreeplaneTop pick
Deep, free and open-source mind mapping for power users
Metadata checked Aug 18, 2026
Best overall match: a dedicated, feature-rich mapper with an active 2026 release and current macOS DMGs with embedded Java.
A mature Java desktop mapper for hierarchical maps, outlining, notes, links, scripting, add-ons, and project-oriented knowledge management.
- 01Hierarchical mind and concept maps
- 02Outlining, notes, links, icons, and styles
- 03Add-ons, formulas, and scripting
- 04Markdown, HTML, LaTeX, image, and document workflows
- 05Portable cross-platform desktop application
- Current bundled macOS distributions require macOS 14 or later.
- The interface is denser and more power-user-oriented than MindNode.
Evidence sources (11)
- Freeplane official GitHub repositorySource available ·
- Freeplane GPL-2.0 license fileLicense ·
- Freeplane 1.13.3 releaseRelease ·
- Freeplane Apple macOS distributionsDocumented macOS path ·
- Freeplane official download filesFree at review time ·
- Freeplane official homepage and documentationWebsite ↗ ·
- GitHub REST repository APISource available ·
- GitHub license metadataLicense ·
- Latest macOS release assetFree at review time ·
- screenshot asset fetched by the local materializerScreenshots ·
- screenshot asset fetched by the local materializerScreenshots ·
VYM - View Your Mind
Dedicated GPL mind maps with tasks and presentation tools
Metadata checked Aug 18, 2026
Strong direct match: a dedicated mapper with task and scripting features, a current 3.0.0 macOS DMG, and long-running project continuity.
Full review — capabilities, 2 caveats, evidence
A tree-oriented mind-mapping desktop app for visualizing ideas, organizing tasks, attaching notes and links, scripting maps, and exporting presentations or documents.
- 01Tree-like mind maps for brainstorming and complex contexts
- 02Task priorities and reminders
- 03Notes, links, branches, flags, and scripting
- 04Import/export and presentation-oriented workflows
- 05Qt desktop builds for macOS, Windows, and Linux
- The UI is more utilitarian and less polished than MindNode.
- The macOS build is distributed as a project DMG rather than through the Mac App Store.
Evidence sources (16)
- VYM official GitHub repositorySource available ·
- VYM GPL-2.0 license fileLicense ·
- VYM 3.0.0 official release filesRelease ·
- VYM 3.0.0 macOS DMGFree at review time ·
- VYM official homepage — Mac and Windows downloadsDocumented macOS path ·
- GitHub REST repository APISource available ·
- Latest GitHub releaseRelease ·
- Project homepageWebsite ↗ ·
- Official GitHub develop commit historySource available ·
- GPL license termsFree at review time ·
- Official vym 3.0 release notesRelease ·
- Project iconScreenshots ·
- Project sample screenshotScreenshots ·
- Project sample screenshotScreenshots ·
- Project sample screenshotScreenshots ·
- Project sample screenshotScreenshots ·
Mindolph
Modern open-source mind-map editor with local workspaces
Metadata checked Aug 18, 2026
Best modern lightweight option: a dedicated map editor with current 2026 releases, local storage, broad import/export, and an Apple-Silicon macOS DMG.
Full review — capabilities, 2 caveats, evidence
A JavaFX knowledge manager with a dedicated mind-map editor supporting themes, notes, images, links, import/export, Markdown, and outline companions.
- 01Local workspace and file-based knowledge management
- 02Mind-map themes, notes, links, images, and emoticons
- 03Import from FreeMind, MindMup, XMind, Coggle, and Novamind
- 04Export to FreeMind, Markdown, PNG, SVG, and AsciiDoc
- 05Separate Markdown, PlantUML, CSV, and plain-text editors
- Official macOS downloads currently target Apple Silicon; Intel DMGs are no longer provided from v1.14.
- Optional AI integrations may require external provider credentials; core mind-map editing does not.
Evidence sources (10)
- Mindolph official GitHub repositorySource available ·
- Mindolph GPL-3.0 license fileLicense ·
- Mindolph official releasesRelease ·
- Mindolph official downloads — macOS DMGFree at review time ·
- GitHub REST repository APISource available ·
- GitHub license metadataLicense ·
- Latest GitHub releaseRelease ·
- Latest macOS release assetFree at review time ·
- screenshot asset fetched by the local materializerScreenshots ·
- screenshot asset fetched by the local materializerScreenshots ·
Specifications, side by side
| Attribute | 1 · Freeplane | 2 · VYM - View Your Mind | 3 · Mindolph |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-2.0-only | GPL-2.0 | GPL-3.0-only |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Status | Checked | Checked | Checked |
| Version | vrelease-1.13.3 | v3.0.0 | v1.14.6 |
| Stars | 4.3k | 189 | 199 |
| Last push | |||
| Caveats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
About MindNode Classic
MindNode — Brainstorm and organize your ideas visually. Ideal for those who like to think and plan, available on Mac and iOS.
Setapp listing: Mind map and brainstorm ideas
