10 Best FreeMind Alternatives in 2020

Helen Stones
5 min readApr 29, 2020

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FreeMind is a free and open-source mind map tool that runs well on Windows, macOS, and Linux. In actual fact, it is a fully-functional program yet comes with a simple interface that speeds up the construction of the mind map. However, many users find its design interface outdated compared to other free mind map tools. To add, the features are quite overwhelming and it takes a little while to get used to them. Otherwise, the app is great if you are just fine having these disadvantages. But in case you are looking for a more intuitive program that is also packed with useful features, here I listed some of the best FreeMind alternatives. Scroll down and find your go-to mind mapping tool.

Best 10 FreeMind Alternative Tools

  • GitMind
  • MindMup
  • Coggle
  • SimpleMind
  • Canva
  • Xmind
  • Diagrams.net
  • Wisemapping
  • MindMeister
  • Gliffy

GitMind (https://gitmind.com/)

Being a web-based program, there’s nothing to install using GitMind. Signing up is also fast and you can get started with the program quickly through a bunch of mind maps and flowchart templates. Aside from that, it offers support to group brainstorming as it enables you to collaborate with others without any restriction to place and time.

MindMup (https://www.mindmup.com/)

MindMup is another good alternative to FreeMind. Likewise, it supports keyboard shortcuts for you to create mind maps in a fast and easy manner. Moreover, its editing tools are represented with symbols that are displayed on its main interface. Unlike in FreeMind, you need to dig into its settings to find the option that you are looking for.

Coggle (https://coggle.it/)

If you are looking for another option, you should also consider using Coggle. One excellent feature of this app is that you can create multiple starting points meaning you can add as many central ideas as required. Furthermore, users are given access to over a thousand eye-catching figures and icons to create a beautiful diagram. You could also use its collaboration provided to avail of its paid version. Nevertheless, for occasional use, Coggle is a nice choice.

SimpleMind (https://simplemind.eu/)

SimpleMind is an intuitive mind mapping software offering support to macOS, Windows, as well as to iOS, and Android smartphones. You can either produce mind maps in a free layout or let the tool arrange your ideas by utilizing its different auto layouts. What impressed me the most is its seamless synchronization capability. Needless to say, you can use it to save or export your files from SimpleMind to Dropbox or Google Drive.

Canva (https://www.canva.com/)

Canva is another FreeMind alternative you should look forward to. Indeed, it has a user-friendly interface and helps you construct creative diagrams and mind maps from the vast selection of templates and tools. Also, inserting media content is permitted allowing you to freely add videos from YouTube or link from the web and even GIF files. And one of its useful tools is the built-in photo editor that lets you design posters, social media posts, logos, brochures and so much more.

Xmind (https://www.xmind.net/)

This next mind map is designed to generate and organize ideas and brainstorm with your team. Upon opening the program, you will be welcomed with a beautiful workspace that gives a positive impact on user interaction. Moreover, you can enjoy various diagram structures including tree-chart, org-chart, logic chart. On top of that, a slide base presentation of your mind map creation is possible with Xmind.

Diagrams.net (https://www.diagrams.net/index.html)

Take advantage of drawing mind maps and diagrams for free while enjoying powerful features using Diagrams.net. This tool is available in a desktop app meaning you can use the tool offline supporting Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS. It also runs on a web browser for those who are looking for easy access to a free mind map tool. With it, you have free access to shapes, figures, and an extensive library of templates.

Wisemapping (http://www.wisemapping.com/)

Another great alternative in the list is Wisemapping. Like previous free mind map tools, you can use this program online for no cost at all. Whether you are an educator, teacher, or using a mind map tool for business purposes, Wisemapping can be of great help. It lets you keep adding layers of branches as you like with the benefit of customizing diagrams. It enables you to modify the color of nodes, add a border, icons, images, font size to make an interactive and engaging mind map.

Mindmeister (https://www.mindmeister.com/)

For a modern approach to mind mapping, you can try Mindmeister. It features keyboard shortcuts that allow quickly record your ideas and speeds the process of drawing a mind map. Besides mind mapping, it is integrated with a kanban-style project management app with the help of the MeisterTask. Through this, you will be able to manage projects by assigning tasks to individuals and track progress with project boards.

Gliffy (https://www.gliffy.com/)

Our last alternative tool is Gliffy. Just like FreeMind, this program gives you access to its huge library of icons, shapes, figures which you can drag to its editing interface very easily. More importantly, the tool is integrated with track and preserve changes capability. With it, the tool records your history of revisions and allows you to revert from any part of the version.

Final Thoughts

They say a thing or a person is bound to change. The same can be said with the demand of users when it comes to mind mapping tools. Hence, if you are looking for FreeMind alternatives that will meet your requirements, the tools discussed above are definitely the right fit for you. Most of these programs are free and easy to learn.

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Helen Stones

Helen Stones is content writer helping individuals improve productivity, simplify work with mind mapping and share useful information