The WiseMapping Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about WiseMapping in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
WiseMapping
The Insider’s Guide
Free open-source online mind mapping with a self-hosted option
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among whiteboard and mind map tools, read from WiseMapping’s own pages.
Made by WiseMapping LLC · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from WiseMapping’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on WiseMapping’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
3.0
GPA, above 85 of the 98 other whiteboard and mind map tools we grade
WiseMapping is a free mind mapping tool that runs in the browser and is built on an open-source platform. It offers unlimited maps, sharing and embedding, import from other mapping tools, and a desktop app for offline use. Companies and schools can also host the full platform themselves with Docker.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about WiseMapping, taken from its own pages and our grades.
It shows ads, and the project says it has no company behind it.
- 1
Best for free mind maps in the browser
WiseMapping is a mind mapping tool with unlimited free maps in a browser, a desktop app for offline use and a version you can host yourself.
- 2
It is free
WiseMapping has no paid plan at all.
- 3
It runs on 4 platforms
Web, macOS, Windows and Linux.
- 4
Unlimited online maps
Create, share and collaborate on mind maps in the browser, with the vendor stating that the number of maps is not limited.
- 5
Import and export
Import maps from Freeplane, XMind and MindManager, and export to PDF, SVG or Freeplane among other formats.
- 6
Embed and share
Mind maps can be embedded in web pages, blogs and documentation.
- 7
A 3.0 GPA, above 85 of 98
That is against the other whiteboard and mind map tools we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
WiseMapping is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
WiseMapping at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- It is free
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- Web, macOS, Windows, Linux
- Made by
- WiseMapping LLC, since 2007
- Category
- Whiteboards & Mind Maps
- Our grade
- 3.0 GPA, very good
The report card
Best for free mind maps in the browser
WiseMapping is a mind mapping tool with unlimited free maps in a browser, a desktop app for offline use and a version you can host yourself. It shows ads, and the project says it has no company behind it. It has no whiteboard canvas and no phone apps.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free with no limit on maps, and anyone can run it. The category's middle for paid plans is $8. |
| Free plan and trial | A | Unlimited online maps, sharing and embedding at no cost. There's no cap a normal person would reach, but the site carries ads. |
| Features | C | Mind maps only, with import from Freeplane, XMind and MindManager. It does that job fully, but it's a smaller one than a whiteboard, and the AI feature is a ChatGPT GPT outside the editor. |
| Ease of use | C | No store rating on record. You build each map yourself. |
| Platforms and integrations | B | Browser plus desktop apps for Mac, Windows and Linux, but no phone apps. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who WiseMapping is for
- Fits if you want free mind maps without sign-up limits
- Works for schools or companies that want to host mind mapping themselves with Docker
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you want a whiteboard canvas, as it only does mind maps
- Not for you if you want phone apps, because none are listed
- Watch out: the site shows ads and asks for donations or code contributions
- Watch out: the project says it has no corporate backing, so there's no support promise
Good to know
Good for
- Individuals and students who want free mind mapping without limits
- Schools and companies that want to host mind mapping internally
- People who need to work offline or keep maps on their own machine
Worth knowing
- The website shows advertisements; the FAQ asks for donations or code contributions to sustain the project.
- The AI feature is a ChatGPT GPT, not a feature built into the editor.
- The tool focuses on mind maps and has no general whiteboard canvas.
- The project says it has no corporate backing.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
WiseMapping is free to use.
Free with no limit on maps, and anyone can run it.
Free
$0
Unlimited mind maps online with no paid tier; the desktop app and self-hosted server are free too.
Read from wisemapping.com on Nov 13, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
4
Places it runs: Web, macOS, Windows and Linux
Free open-source online mind mapping with a self-hosted option. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, self-hostable, works offline, AI features, mind mapping.
Mind maps only, with import from Freeplane, XMind and MindManager.
- Unlimited online maps
- Create, share and collaborate on mind maps in the browser, with the vendor stating that the number of maps is not limited.
- Import and export
- Import maps from Freeplane, XMind and MindManager, and export to PDF, SVG or Freeplane among other formats.
- Embed and share
- Mind maps can be embedded in web pages, blogs and documentation.
- Desktop app
- A desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux works offline and keeps maps on the local machine.
- Self-hosted server
- The full platform can be run on your own infrastructure with Docker, for companies and schools that want control of their data.
- AI map creation in ChatGPT
- A Mind Map Copilot GPT turns prompts into mind maps inside ChatGPT.
Where it runs
- Web
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
What it works with
- ChatGPT
- Freeplane
- XMind
- MindManager
WiseMapping is made by WiseMapping LLC, and has been around since 2007.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
85/98
Other whiteboard and mind map tools it is graded above
WiseMapping's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 85 of the 98 other whiteboard and mind map tools we grade, and level with 10.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 83 of 98) and worst on features (C, above 0).
WiseMapping has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.3 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 99 whiteboard and mind map tools we grade, cut by the letter each got. WiseMapping’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 74 of 98
- AFree plan and trialAbove 83 of 98
- CFeaturesAbove 0 of 98
- CEase of useAbove 1 of 98
- BPlatforms and integrationsAbove 35 of 98
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 88 whiteboard and mind map tools. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. WiseMapping is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
WiseMapping is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces. It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 85 of the 98 other whiteboard and mind map tools we grade.
What you could make
- Mind mapping: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
- AI features, unless you pay a model provider for each request yourself.
- Sharing with other people, which means accounts and invitations.
What this rests on. WiseMapping’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Freeplane, MindMeister, Coggle, MindMup and Markmap
The 5 tools WiseMapping is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
Freeplane
Free
Free, open source mind mapping app for the desktop.
- Only WiseMapping lists a web app.
- WiseMapping is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Freeplane also covers templates.
- 2.2GPA
MindMeister
Free plan · from €6.50/mo
Browser-based mind mapping with real-time collaboration.
- Only WiseMapping lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- Only MindMeister lists iOS and Android apps.
- WiseMapping is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
- 2.4GPA
Coggle
Free plan · from $5/mo
Collaborative mind maps and flowcharts in the browser.
- Only WiseMapping lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- WiseMapping is open source, according to its own site.
- Coggle also covers Markdown and diagrams.
- 2.2GPA
MindMup
Free plan · from $6/mo
Web mind mapping with a free tier and simple paid plans.
- Only WiseMapping lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- WiseMapping is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
- MindMup also covers notes, diagrams and presentations.
- 3.0GPA
Markmap
Free
Free open-source tool that turns Markdown outlines into mind maps.
- Only WiseMapping lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- WiseMapping is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Markmap also covers Markdown and diagrams.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
13
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is WiseMapping free?
Yes. WiseMapping is free to use.
How much does WiseMapping cost?
WiseMapping lists one plan. Free: $0.
What platforms does WiseMapping work on?
WiseMapping is available on Web, macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does WiseMapping have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. WiseMapping is listed for Web, macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does WiseMapping have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. WiseMapping is listed for Web, macOS, Windows and Linux.
Is WiseMapping open source?
Yes. WiseMapping is open source, according to its own site.
Does WiseMapping work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
What does WiseMapping integrate with?
WiseMapping's listing names ChatGPT, Freeplane, XMind and MindManager.
Who makes WiseMapping?
WiseMapping is made by WiseMapping LLC. It dates from 2007.
What are the alternatives to WiseMapping?
The closest alternatives to WiseMapping in our directory are Freeplane, MindMeister, Coggle, MindMup and Markmap.
How does WiseMapping compare with other whiteboard and mind map tools?
WiseMapping's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 85 of the 98 other whiteboard and mind map tools we grade, and level with 10.
Is WiseMapping good value for money?
ToolGPA grades WiseMapping A for value for money. WiseMapping has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of WiseMapping?
WiseMapping is free, so making your own would save you nothing. And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from WiseMapping’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from WiseMapping's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by WiseMapping LLC. Prices change, so check wisemapping.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- WiseMapping, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/wisemapping
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "WiseMapping: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/wisemapping
Know someone choosing between whiteboard and mind map tools?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/wisemapping/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded whiteboard and mind map tools after WiseMapping, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Whiteboards & Mind Maps Insider's GuideEvery one of the 99 whiteboard and mind map tools we grade, compared
- Microsoft Whiteboard Insider's GuideFree collaborative canvas built into Microsoft 365 and Teams3.4 GPA
- draw.io Insider's GuideFree diagram editor that saves files to storage you choose3.2 GPA
- tldraw Insider's GuideFree online whiteboard with a local desktop app3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what WiseMapping’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. WiseMapping is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by WiseMapping LLC. Prices and plans change: check wisemapping.com before you buy.