
Mind mapping apps for writers can transform how you organize your research and ideas, but finding the right one for family history projects and stories proved challenging. Back in 2020, this led me to conduct an in-depth comparison of the top mind mapping software options available. This is an update of that post, focusing on what mind mapping apps work for both storytelling (fiction and nonfiction) and professional articles.
If you’re not familiar with them, mind maps are visual thinking tools which represent information in a graphic format. Kind of like brainstorms on steroids. Traditionally, a central idea is surrounded by “branches” of associated topics.
Mind maps help users see relationships between thoughts and ideas. That’s why they are so helpful in research. You discover things such as record sets you’ve yet to search or how ancestors may have other common connections.
In writing, they can help determine and develop themes, structures, and connections. You can assess the facts you already have and identify missing context. And you can brainstorm ideas on how that context likely affected individuals in the past. You can even develop a “character map,” brainstorming about what you know, theorize, and speculate about a person and what makes them tick.
Advantages of Mind Mapping Apps versus Pen and Paper
If you’re like me, your mind maps sometimes run off the paper. Or you pick up the wrong color pen and you end up retracing everything.
That doesn’t happen with software. You don’t have to start over time after time when you change your mind. And they have a professional, finished look on your blog or presentation.
Of course, on the other hand, there is someone inherently creative about drawing and doodling. Since what we’re after is developing our ideas, whichever method you feel more at home with is probably the best one for you to use.
Mind mapping Software Comparison
The following represent affordable options I viewed as helpful to writers. I tested them all with mind maps I had (or would have) made on paper.
In addition, I was looking for tools accessible for both Windows and Mac/Apple users. After making a lot of sample mind maps, I narrowed down the list for writers and family storytellers to MindMup, Coggle, Wisemapping, Scapple and Xmind.
Coggle
Coggle is browser-based “freemium” product which requires internet connection to use.
Vendor website: https://coggle.it/plans
Sample Coggle Mind Map
Coggle Features and Pricing
Coggle Free Forever
$0
- 3 private diagrams
- Unlimited public diagrams
- Over 1600 icons to use
- Unlimited image uploads
- PDF & Image downloads
- Unconnected text boxes
- Export as .mm and text
- Export for Microsoft Visio
- Embed mind maps anywhere
Coggle Awesome
$8.00/Month
- Unlimited private maps
- Additional shapes, text alignment
- Control of line style and paths
- High-res image uploads
Pros
- Every change is saved in real time
- Unlimited history to go back to earlier version of your maps
- Ready to use icons saves time over uploads
- Allows unconnected comments, chats, and texts
Cons
- Uses keyboard shortcuts rather than menu with icons, which makes interface less intuitive
- Coggle auto-arranges branches, making fine-tuning tricky.
Wisemapping
Vendor website: https://wisemapping.com
Open-sourced WiseMapping is browser-based app, thus also requiring internet connectivity.
A similar sample mind map with writing topics related to George More.
WiseMapping Features and Pricing
This software offers collaboration, linking, embedding, and exports.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with menu and short-cuts
- Easy to change colors and borders of nodes
- Branches taper towards nodes, giving appealing tree-effect
- Open sourced software is free
Cons
- Branches auto-arrange in free version, making it difficult to re-shape your map
MindMup
Vendor website: https://www.mindmup.com/
MindMup is a freemium, web-based application.
Sample MindMup mind map to better understand the context of an ancestor.
MindMup Features and Pricing
Pros
- Intuitive, easy to move things around, change color and font sizes
- Attach files and notes to nodules of the map
- Download will export to image or pdf files, even outline if the map has annotated content
- Curvy or straight-line options
- Create an embed code to use mind maps on your website or social media.
- Personal Gold (lowest paid version) starts at $2.99/month
Cons
- Downloading as an image is a multi-step process
- Free version has limited features
- Paid version features are complex (see https://www.mindmup.com/mindmup-gold/)
Scapple
Vendor website: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scapple/overview
Scapple is a software that you purchase and download to your personal computer, aka a “desktop app.”
A character development sample mind map
Scapple Features and Pricing
Pros
- Very intuitive interface, simply double click to add a note
- Software, not a subscription
- Can be used off-line
- Completely free-form
- Affordable option
Cons
- No mobile or browser version
- No templates
Scapple Free Trial
- Exactly same as the full version
- Trial lasts 30 days
Scapple Purchase
$21 Onetime purchase
- Download from Literatureandlatte.com
- Discount for educational license
Xmind
Vendor website: https://xmind.app/
Xmind offers downloads for desktop and mobile apps and has both IOS and Android versions. Because it offers a wide variety of templates, rather than showing you a map I created, I’ll insert a screen grab from their website.
Xmind Features and pricing
Free
- 10 maps
- 3-day version history
- Unlimited topics
Pro
$10/month (as of 1/18/2025 it may be about 50% cheaper if you pay for it annually)
- 50 maps Unlimited colored branches
- Add equations, topic links, and attachements
- Add numbering and tasks
- SVG, markdown, and more export formats
- Custom themes
Premium
US $ 15 / month
Everything in Pro, plus
- AI-generated to-dos
- 30-day version history
- Unlimited storage space
- Unlimited collaborative files
Pros
- Lot of templates
- Presentation (Pitch) ready exports
Cons
- Big learning curve
- Complex interface
- Higher price
Other
Most mind mapping reviews focus on business goals, but Xmind score well with writers, speakers, and other professionals and was recommended as a best mind mapping software of 2024 by PC Magazine.
Mind mapping apps for Writers who are Apple or Mac Users
The above apps are all for IOS and Windows. If you’re an Apple product person, check out ithoughts and/or MindNode. Both have strong ratings and active development communities. iThoughts appears to be popular with power users, while MindNode users value its aesthetics and ease of use.
Mind Mapping Apps for Writers: My Recommendations
Note: Your taste and preference may vary from mine, as well as patience with learning new technologies.
Look at the screen grabs from my projects and see if a particular mind mapping software appeals to you. If it does, try it out.
For the money, Wisemapping and Scapple win. Because I often work in places without readily available, secure Wi-Fi, Scapple will be my software of choice. However, I’ll stick with Coggle for presentations due to its colors and branches.
Your Turn
Have you used a mind mapping app for writing or family history storytelling? What do you like? Why? Share your thoughts with other readers below.
TreasureChestofMemories.com
© 2013 - 2025 Laura Hedgecock
Thanks for showcasing these mind mapping apps and the info on them. I use pen and paper still for mind mapping; I find it more efficient for my thought process. 🙂
I like using colored pens when I start. But then I eventually map off the page. But it gets me going for sure.
I’m still a Lucidchart girl, but it’s getting a bit pricey. Nice to know less there are less expensive options.
Thank you for this information! Great post. ~Jan
I had no idea there were so many programs. Wish mind mapping worked for me.
Thank you for explaining the different mind-mapping apps that are available. This is something that I want to incorporate into my writing and research process, but I never could take the time to see what is available and best suited for my needs.