Freedom251 › Mind Mapping Software
ideaBraid
What ideaBraid is
ideaBraid is a desktop mind-mapping app for turning ideas into plans. Its free-form canvas and seven layout modes include org chart, timeline, fishbone, radial, and freehand arrangements. Map nodes can become tasks, with Board, Gantt, and Dashboard views to manage dates, assignees, and dependencies. AI commands can break down tasks, expand nodes, summarize branches, or follow freeform instructions; users can connect an Anthropic or OpenAI API key or a local Ollama model. Maps are stored on the device as .mind files, described by the maker as open zip archives. The app imports Markdown, OPML, XMind, and FreeMind, and exports Markdown, OPML, ICS, CSV, SVG, PNG, and PDF. A browser Reader opens .mind files without installation or uploading them. The privacy policy says usage data, crash reports, analytics, and map copies are not sent. Map content goes to the selected AI provider only when a user runs an AI command. Reader is free; the Editor License costs 59.00 USD one-time and includes one year of updates.
Who it suits
It suits people who want to map ideas into plans and manage tasks through board, Gantt, or dashboard views. Reader may fit people who only need to open and present maps, while editing requires the Editor License.
What it does well
- Seven layout modes, including timeline and fishbone
- Nodes can become tasks with dates and dependencies
- Imports XMind and FreeMind maps
- Reader opens .mind files in a browser
- Offline mode is supported
What to know first
- Full editing requires a 59.00 USD one-time license
- Trial switches to Reader mode after 7 days
- Continued updates cost $39 a year
Limits
The full-featured trial lasts 7 days, after which the app switches to Reader mode; saved maps remain intact. Reader mode provides viewing, pitch presentation, and exports, while full editing and AI are included with the Editor License.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Reader | Free, forever · Open, zoom, search maps · Pitch mode · Export PNG, PDF, Markdown, OPML, ICS, CSV | Free |
| Updates renewal | Optional yearly renewal · Continued updates for the Editor license | $39 a year |
| Editor License updates renewal | Optional yearly renewal for continued updates · Keeps updates coming; the app keeps working without renewal | $39 a year |
| Editor License | One-time; includes 1 year of updates · Create and edit maps · Free-form canvas · Board, Gantt, Dashboard, reminders · AI · One license for macOS, Windows, Linux | $59, paid once |
As ideabraid.com lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://ideabraid.com/.
- Choose Reader for free map viewing or the Editor License for full editing.
- Install the app for macOS, Windows, or Linux.
- Open a .mind file or import a Markdown, OPML, XMind, or FreeMind map.
- Connect an Anthropic or OpenAI API key, or choose a local Ollama model, for AI commands.
Verdict
ideaBraid combines mind mapping with task views and AI commands. Its free Reader supports opening and presenting maps, while editing and the planning views require the paid Editor License.
Questions
Is ideaBraid free?
The Reader plan is free forever. It can open, zoom, search, and present maps, and export PNG, PDF, Markdown, OPML, ICS, and CSV.
What does the Editor License cost?
The plan lists $59 a month and says it is billed one-time. It includes one year of updates. Continued updates can be renewed for $39 a year.
Which platforms does ideaBraid support?
The app supports macOS, Windows, and Linux. A browser Reader can also open .mind files without installation.
Can ideaBraid work offline?
Yes. The app has offline mode, and maps are saved on the user's device. Map content is sent to an AI provider only when the user runs an AI command.
Which AI providers can I use?
Users can connect their own Anthropic or OpenAI API key, or use a local Ollama model. API keys are stored in the operating system keychain.
What happens after the trial?
After the 7-day full-featured trial, the app switches to Reader mode and saved maps remain intact. The Editor License has a 15-day money-back guarantee.
Facts from ideaBraid's own pages
- AI assistance
- Yes · ideabraid.com, 20 Sept 2026
- AI data handling
- Map content leaves the device only when the user runs an AI command, and only to the selected provider; API keys are stored in the operating system keychain. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- AI features
- AI commands can break down tasks, expand nodes, summarize branches, and run freeform instructions. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- AI providers
- Users can connect their own Anthropic or OpenAI API key or use a local Ollama model. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Browser reader
- The maker offers a browser Reader that opens .mind files without installation or uploading them. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- PNG,SVG,PDF,Markdown,OPML,ICS,CSV · ideabraid.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · ideabraid.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Guarantee
- The Editor License has a 15-day money-back guarantee. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Import and export
- The app exports Markdown, OPML, ICS, CSV, SVG, PNG, and PDF, and imports Markdown, OPML, XMind, and FreeMind. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Local files
- Maps are saved as .mind files on the user's device, and the maker describes the format as an open zip archive. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Network activity
- The maker says network traffic is limited to an anonymous GitHub update check and AI calls initiated by the user. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Offline mode
- Yes · ideabraid.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Supported platforms
- macOS,Windows,Linux · ideabraid.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Presentation mode
- Yes · ideabraid.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the app sends no usage data, crash reports, or analytics and does not receive copies of users' maps. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Project planning
- Map nodes can become tasks, and the app includes Board, Gantt, and Dashboard views with dates, assignees, and dependencies. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ideaBraid is a desktop mind-mapping app that turns ideas into plans. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker offers support by email at [email protected] and says its small team replies fast. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Trial behavior
- The full-featured trial lasts 7 days, after which the app switches to Reader mode and leaves saved maps intact. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Visual mapping
- It offers a free-form canvas and seven layout modes, including org chart, timeline, fishbone, radial, and freehand layouts. · ideabraid.com, 7 Oct 2026
Where ideaBraid stands on Freedom251
- Mind Mapping Software#9 of 72
- Mind mapping tools#18 of 72