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Freeplane

Free, open source mind mapping app for the desktop

FreeWhiteboardsChecked Oct 6, 2026
Visit docs.freeplane.org

What is Freeplane?

Freeplane is a free and open source mind mapping application for the desktop, written in Java. It is aimed at power users: maps are built and navigated largely from the keyboard, and nodes can carry styles, conditional formatting, formulas and Groovy scripts, with community add-ons for further functions. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, can be carried on a USB drive, and since version 1.13.1 can connect to an AI provider that the user configures.

Freeplane is free to use. See every plan

Good for

  • Power users who want formulas, scripts and rule-based formatting in a map
  • Keeping mind maps as local files instead of in a cloud service
  • Linux users, and anyone who wants a portable copy on a USB drive
  • Former FreeMind users: Freeplane began as a fork of that project

Worth knowing

  • Freeplane is a desktop Java application: the documentation lists downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux and no web or mobile version.
  • Some downloads need a separately installed Java runtime (versions 11 to 21 for the Linux packages); only certain Windows and macOS installers bundle Java.
  • The bundled macOS builds require macOS 14 or later.
  • AI features need the user's own OpenRouter or Gemini key or an Ollama service, and the docs warn that map content sent to a provider may leave the machine.

Key features

Keyboard-driven mind mapping
Enter adds a node, Tab adds a child, the arrow keys move between nodes and Space folds or unfolds a branch. Nodes can also be dragged into place with the mouse.
Styles and conditional styles
Styles set a node's formatting, and conditional styles apply one automatically when a node matches a rule based on its content, attributes, icons or level.
Formulas and Groovy scripts
A node whose text starts with = shows a computed result instead of the formula. Groovy scripts automate repeated edits and can change how the application behaves.
Add-ons
Scripts are packaged and shared as add-ons. The documentation lists examples such as Freeplane|GTD for task planning, Study Planner and several import and export tools.
AI integration and MCP server
An AI panel can summarize, rewrite, inspect and edit map content through OpenRouter, Gemini or an Ollama service. An optional local MCP server lets apps such as Claude Desktop work with maps.
Templates and protected maps
A new map can start from a standard or user-defined template, or be created password-protected so that it cannot be opened or read without the password.

Freeplane pricing

Starts at
Free
Free plan
Freeplane is free and open source software with no paid edition. Installers for Windows, macOS and Linux are downloaded from the project's SourceForge page.
Free trial
None listed
Free$0The full application for Windows, macOS and Linux, including scripting, add-ons and the AI integration. AI use needs the user's own provider key.

Read from docs.freeplane.org on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Freeplane before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Works with

Freeplane alternatives

All Freeplane alternatives comparedAll whiteboard and mind map tools

Common questions

Is Freeplane free?

Yes. Freeplane is free to use. Freeplane is free and open source software with no paid edition. Installers for Windows, macOS and Linux are downloaded from the project's SourceForge page.

How much does Freeplane cost?

Freeplane lists one plan. Free: $0. Prices were read from docs.freeplane.org on Oct 6, 2026.

What platforms does Freeplane work on?

Freeplane is available on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Does Freeplane have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Freeplane is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Does Freeplane have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Freeplane is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Is Freeplane open source?

Yes. Freeplane is open source, according to its own site.

What does Freeplane integrate with?

Freeplane's listing names OpenRouter, Gemini, Ollama and Claude Desktop. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes Freeplane?

Freeplane is made by Freeplane team.

What are the alternatives to Freeplane?

The closest alternatives to Freeplane in our directory are Xmind, MindMeister, SimpleMind, Mindomo and Scapple. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Freeplane.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.