FreeMind

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

What FreeMind is

FreeMind is a free, open-source mind-mapping application written in Java for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports uses including project tracking, research, note-taking, knowledge bases, brainstorming, and bookmark organization. Maps are stored in XML, and users can fold or unfold branches with one click, follow links, or move through a map by dragging its background or using the mouse wheel. Editing tools include undo, drag-and-drop for nodes and files, and copying and pasting plain text or RTF. Nodes can link to websites or local files, and maps can be exported to HTML with folding. Other export choices include XHTML, CSV, LaTeX, OPML, plain text, Microsoft Word, Excel and Project, OpenOffice Writer and Impress, TWiki, SVG, and PDF. The software requires Java Runtime Environment 1.6 or later. Optional plugins include SVG and PDF export, reminders, and help files; a third-party plugin adds Confluence wiki import and export. FreeMind is designed basically for one user, rather than real-time collaboration. Pictures in nodes have preliminary support, and image files must travel with maps moved elsewhere.

Who it suits

FreeMind suits people who want to organize research, project details, notes, brainstorming, knowledge bases, or bookmarks as mind maps. It is a fit for users on Windows, macOS, or Linux who can run Java and do not need real-time collaboration.

What it does well

Free and open-source under GNU GPL V2+.
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Maps can be exported to many listed formats.
Nodes can link to websites and local files.
Optional plugins add SVG and PDF export.

What to know first

Requires Java Runtime Environment 1.6 or later.
Designed basically for one user, with no real-time collaboration.
Pictures in nodes have preliminary support.
Moved maps need their image files alongside them.

Limits

FreeMind has no paid-plan limit stated; the free plan is the listed plan. It is basically a one-user application, and picture support is preliminary; when moving maps, image files must accompany them.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
FreeMind	Free/open-source mind-mapping software · GNU GPL V2+	Free

As freemind.sourceforge.io lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open the FreeMind project website.
Use a system running Windows, macOS, or Linux with Java Runtime Environment 1.6 or later.
Download FreeMind from the project site.
Choose the maximum install if you want the described SVG and PDF export, reminders, and help-file plugins.

Verdict

Choose FreeMind if you want a free mind-mapping tool for organizing projects, research, notes, or bookmarks across Windows, macOS, or Linux. Look elsewhere if you need real-time collaboration or mature picture support within maps.

Questions

Is FreeMind free?

Yes. The listed FreeMind plan is free, and the software is free/open-source under GNU GPL V2+.

Which operating systems does it support?

FreeMind is listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What does FreeMind export?

Listed formats include HTML, XHTML, CSV, LaTeX, OPML, plain text, Microsoft Word, Excel and Project, OpenOffice Writer and Impress, TWiki, SVG, and PDF.

Does FreeMind support real-time collaboration?

No. The project describes it as basically a one-user application; its preliminary conflict-locking mechanism is off by default.

What does FreeMind require?

It requires Java Runtime Environment 1.6 or later.

Can FreeMind work with Confluence?

A third-party plugin listed by the project provides import and export functions for Confluence wiki.

Facts from FreeMind's own pages

Collaboration limit: The project describes FreeMind as basically a one-user application and says its preliminary conflict-locking mechanism is switched off by default. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Desktop platforms: The site lists Windows, macOS, and Linux as supported operating systems. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Editing: Features include undo, drag-and-drop of nodes and files, and copy and paste support for plain text and RTF. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Export formats: HTML,XHTML,CSV,LaTeX,OPML,plain text,Microsoft Word,Microsoft Excel,Microsoft Project,OpenOffice Writer,OpenOffice Impress,TWiki,SVG,PDF · freemind.sourceforge.io, 20 Sept 2026
Free plan: Yes · freemind.sourceforge.io, 20 Sept 2026
Image limit: The project says support for pictures in nodes is at a preliminary stage and image files must accompany maps that are moved elsewhere. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Integration: A third-party plugin listed by the project provides import and export functions for Confluence wiki. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Links and export: Nodes can contain links to web pages or local files, and maps can be exported to HTML with folding. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Map format: FreeMind stores maps in XML format. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Map navigation: It supports one-click folding and unfolding, link following, and map movement by dragging the background or using the mouse wheel. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Optional plugins: The download page describes a maximum install that includes plugins for SVG and PDF export, reminders, and help files. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Supported platforms: Windows,macOS,Linux · freemind.sourceforge.io, 20 Sept 2026
Purpose: FreeMind is free/open-source mind-mapping software written in Java. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Real-time collaboration: No · freemind.sourceforge.io, 20 Sept 2026
Requirements: The download page says FreeMind requires Java Runtime Environment 1.6 or later and runs on almost any system with a Java runtime environment. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Security: The project page links to a bug report stating that a malicious script can cause harm by escaping the security sandbox. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Support: Users can ask questions in the Help forum, consult the FAQ collection, and report bugs through the bug tracker. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026
Uses: The site describes use for project tracking, research, notes and knowledge bases, brainstorming, and bookmarks. · freemind.sourceforge.io, 11 Oct 2026

Where FreeMind stands on Freedom251

Mind Mapping Software#11 of 72
Mind mapping tools#11 of 72