Freeplane

With Freeplane, you organize ideas, tasks and information in mind maps with branches and interlinks.

Version 1.13.3 · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux

Looking for an alternative to Freeplane?Compare Obsidian.Compare alternatives

You start with a central topic and add branches for subject matter. You can expand, move and link information so that a large collection of ideas can be better seen. Freeplane is open source and uses Java. The program is suitable for study planning, project design or preparation of a presentation. The many institutions and extensions make it more flexible than a simple drawing app, but also require learning time. Recent versions offer optional AI links; these are not needed to create local mind maps and have own settings and costs.

Which software suits you?

Compare Freeplane with alternatives

Do you want a hierarchical mindmap or a free canvas with connected information? A mindmap helps with branches around a subject; a free board gives more space for images, notes and loose bandages. Also compare how to share the result with someone without the same app.

Differences between Freeplane and Obsidian
Software	What can it do?	Platform and licence
FreeplaneYou are viewing this app	You build mind maps with branches, notes and relationships. You work from a structured map around your subjects.	Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
ObsidianView this alternative	You organize notes and cards visually with the built-in Canvas function. You connect that free board to the Markdown notes in your own collection.	Windows, macOS, LinuxFreemium

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You use Freeplane if you want to visually structure and regularly rearrange topics. It is less suitable when you only need a tightly finished diagram for publication.

Getting started

Use the official installation package and follow the Java instructions for your platform. Save your first mind folder in a folder that you're already taking with you in your backups.

Privacy

You can save mind maps locally. If you configure an external AI service, selected content may go to that service. Leave out such links if you only want to work locally.

Good to know

Freeplane uses Java. Some extensions or external services require additional installation, accounts or own usage costs.

Please note

A mindmap is not an automatic project planning. Check deadlines and dependencies yourself. Create an export for recipients who have not installed Freeplane.

Advantages

You can organize big topics in branches.
You can fold and rearrange information.
You can work locally without a mandatory cloud account.

Things to consider

The many possibilities ask habitation.
Java is part of the technical requirements.
External AI links require their own privacy and cost choices.

Download Freeplane

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Official download page

Provider’s website · www.freeplane.org

Download Freeplane

Version history

1.13.3 14 Jul 2026

You can better customize tab titles and there are more extensive settings for the optional AI functions.

Bookmarks can follow the visible main branch. AI providers and model choices are more easily adjustable; local mind folders do not require an external AI service.

Report a new version

Our verdict

Freeplane adds value when you want to explore and move ideas before making a final document. Start with the basic structure and add additional functions when you need them.

Use Freeplane for a question where you still want to shift parts and examine connections. A few clear levels give more overview than a map full of small branches. View an export in the format on which you want to share it. If the structure is established and, above all, there is a need for current explanations, an ordinary document can become clearer. The mindmap is then a tool for thinking, not necessarily the end product.