MindMeister

Craft

Craft is a document and note-taking app designed around clean, block-based writing, letting users create docs, daily notes, whiteboards, and task lists in one connected workspace. It supports nested pages, templates, and link-based organization, and has won Apple Design Awards recognition for its interface. Beyond writing, Craft bundles a Daily Notes journal view, freeform whiteboards, and an AI assistant into the same app, with shared Spaces for real-time team collaboration on higher plans and native apps across Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.

Coggle

Coggle is a browser-based mind-mapping and flowcharting tool built around real-time collaboration, where multiple people can edit the same diagram simultaneously and see changes appear instantly. It supports unlimited image uploads, floating text and image annotations, multiple starting points within a single diagram, and loop/branch joining for more flexible flowchart-style layouts beyond a strict tree hierarchy. The free tier gives users three private diagrams plus unlimited public diagrams forever, with no time limit or trial pressure, while paid Awesome and Organisation tiers unlock unlimited private diagrams, advanced styling, SAML SSO, and team/billing management. With roughly 10 million users, Coggle is popular for its minimalist interface and complete diagram change history that lets users revert to any earlier version.

Freeplane

Freeplane is a free and open-source mind mapping application that helps users organize ideas, share information, and manage tasks visually across work, school, and personal projects. Built in Java, it runs on any operating system with a current Java runtime and can also be run in a portable mode directly from a USB drive without installation. Beyond basic mind maps, Freeplane supports extensive node formatting, add-ons and scripting for custom automation, formulas for calculated node values, conditional styling rules, and newer AI integration features. It is positioned as a free alternative to commercial mind mapping tools, with an active GitHub repository for issues, discussions, and community contributions.

Missive

Missive is an email client built for teams rather than individuals. Shared inboxes let multiple people see, discuss, and respond to the same email account, with internal comment threads on each email so teammates can coordinate without forwarding messages back and forth. Emails can be converted into trackable tasks, tagged for follow-up, and assigned to teammates, while dedicated team spaces keep different departments or accounts organized. Missive also connects email, SMS, and social messages into one inbox, with 25+ integrations and an AI assistant that can help draft replies and gather context via MCP.

Xmind

Xmind is a mind mapping and visual brainstorming tool that helps individuals and teams organize ideas, notes, and plans through diagrams. Beyond classic mind maps, it supports timelines, matrices, and editable Gantt charts, with AI assistance that can generate a starting map from a prompt. The platform includes real-time collaboration and team spaces on its higher tier, a distraction-free ZEN focus mode, and a Pitch mode for presenting a map as a slideshow. Maps sync across desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux, mobile apps for iOS and Android, and a web app, with exports to formats like PNG, PDF, Word, and Excel.

Ayoa

Ayoa is a mind mapping application created by author Chris Griffiths that positions itself around what it calls the 'organic mind map' style, alongside more traditional radial maps, whiteboards, and outline views. Ideas captured in the Idea Bank can be organized later, and maps can be converted directly into task boards with deadlines, turning brainstorming into actionable plans without switching tools. The platform is built with neuro-inclusive design in mind, including specific support for users with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, and it is used by universities like Oxford and Cambridge as well as corporations like Amazon and Salesforce. AI-powered prompts help users think through topics, and templates reduce blank-page friction when starting a new map or plan.