MindMapVault

MindMapVault is a mind-mapping app for keeping maps, notes and related files in cloud storage, on a desktop or on a self-managed server. It is best suited to people who prioritize data control over live teamwork and can safeguard their credentials. Its strongest case is the choice of encrypted and offline deployments; its sharpest limitation is that lost credentials can mean lost vault contents.

Overview

Maps can contain notes, attachments and relationships, making MindMapVault useful for organizing connected material rather than just drawing diagrams. Cloud, local desktop and self-hosted options serve different needs, but they are not interchangeable: the desktop app is offline-only, and the self-hosted server lacks team management and enterprise controls.

There is no real-time collaboration, so teams that need to edit maps together as changes happen should look elsewhere. Solo planning and private knowledge work are a more natural fit.

Key features

Cloud map content is encrypted on the device with AES-256-GCM before upload, while the server stores ciphertext. The security overview also describes hybrid key encapsulation combining X25519 and ML-KEM-768. These measures suit users who want encrypted cloud storage, but there is no password recovery for existing encrypted vaults: losing the credentials makes their contents inaccessible. This demands careful credential management.

Self-hosted imports include FreeMind, Freeplane, WiseMapping, XMind and Markdown; exports include FreeMind, Freeplane, WiseMapping and XMind. The Docker deployment uses PostgreSQL and S3-compatible storage, which gives technically equipped users a route to run the server themselves. Its lack of team management and enterprise controls makes it a poor substitute for the separate on-premise offering when organizational administration matters.

The FOSS desktop app runs offline without an account or server and keeps data on the user's device. The web app can be installed as a PWA on iPhone and Android, with offline use supported through service-worker caching. AI assistance is supported, though no further capabilities are described.

Pricing

Cloud Free is suitable for a small personal vault, but its 25 MB storage cap, three shares and five published maps constrain larger collections and sharing. Cloud Pro raises those ceilings substantially for $50 a year; its 1 GB quota and 50 MB file limit still matter if maps carry many large attachments. The free desktop and self-hosted route avoids a stated subscription price, but requires choosing between a device-bound offline app and operating a server. On-premise is the option for organizations needing SSO, automation interfaces and deployment support, at custom pricing.

Platforms

MindMapVault supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, as well as self-hosting. The FOSS desktop app is specifically described for Windows and Linux. Mobile users can install the web app as a PWA on iPhone or Android and use it offline through caching.

Who it's for

Choose MindMapVault if encrypted map storage, local offline use or running your own server matters more than live co-editing. The free cloud tier gives individuals a way to start with modest storage and sharing limits; the desktop route suits users who want maps kept on their own device. Organizations needing SSO and deployment support should consider on-premise, while those needing team controls from a self-hosted server should not assume this edition provides them.

MindMapVault is maintained by solo developer Kornel. Non-urgent replies may take a few days, and there is no general support team or ticketing system. That is a relevant constraint for users who depend on a staffed support channel; the on-premise offer separately includes priority support and SLAs for production incidents.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Device-side AES-256-GCM encryption and ciphertext storage suit users seeking encrypted cloud maps.
• Cloud, local offline and self-hosted paths let users choose where maps are stored.
• Import support covers Markdown and four named mind-mapping formats, with exports to four formats.
• The on-premise offer includes SSO, REST API, webhooks, deployment guidance, priority support and incident SLAs.

Cons

• No password recovery means lost credentials can make existing encrypted vault contents inaccessible.
• No real-time collaboration makes it unsuitable for groups that need simultaneous map editing.
• The self-hosted server has no team management or enterprise controls.
• General support is from a solo maintainer, with non-urgent replies potentially taking a few days and no ticketing system.
• The free cloud tier's 25 MB storage, 5 MB file cap, 3 active shares and 5 published maps are restrictive for growing projects.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Mind Mapping Software.

Consider EdrawMind if you want a freemium option with a free trial across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows; its free plan has 100 MB storage and 100 topics. GoMind is another freemium choice, with a free tier described as including core mind mapping, rich notes and layouts, and import and export workflows. Mindomo may suit readers looking for a freemium app with a free trial across mobile, desktop and web platforms.

Thortspace is worth considering if a free license centered on public spheres suits your work. Xmind offers a free tier for exploring classic and essential mind-mapping features, with 10 online maps and a 3-day version. Comapping is an option for readers considering a 1-user online personal edition at $25 a year or a desktop license.

ideaBraid may fit readers who want a free reader for opening, zooming and searching maps, pitch mode, and export to PNG, PDF, Markdown, OPML, ICS and CSV. Mapify is another freemium option with a free trial and a free tier that includes AI credits and document-to-map and YouTube-to-map allowances.

Verdict

MindMapVault is a strong choice for individuals who want encrypted maps and a genuine choice between cloud, offline desktop and self-hosted storage. Its device-side encryption and deployment flexibility are the reasons to choose it. Look elsewhere if simultaneous collaboration, recoverable passwords, self-hosted team administration or a staffed general support channel is essential.