Freedom251 › Mind mapping tools
Scapple
by Scapple
What Scapple is
Scapple is freeform mind-mapping software for placing notes on a virtual sheet and connecting selected notes with lines or arrows. Notes do not have to form a complete hierarchy, and each note is treated equally. You can arrange notes in columns, use background shapes to group ideas, and customize note appearance. Full-screen mode provides a focused workspace, while printing and export options let you take ideas elsewhere. Supported formats include PDF, PNG, plain text, rich text, rich text with attachments, plain-text lists, and OPML outline markup. Notes can also be dragged into Scrivener. Scapple runs on macOS and Windows. The listed versions require macOS 10.15 or later, or 64-bit Windows 10 or later. Its trial is the full version for 30 days of use, which may span more than 30 calendar days when used intermittently. Standard licences are platform-specific; educational licences are for students and academics with institutional affiliation. Minor updates are free, while major updates may require an upgrade fee.
Who it suits
Scapple suits writers and other users who want an unconstrained visual space for developing and grouping ideas. It is also relevant to students and academics eligible for educational licences.
What it does well
- Unconnected notes are allowed
- Columns and background shapes organize ideas
- Exports seven listed formats
- Full-version trial lasts 30 days of use
- Supports dragging notes into Scrivener
What to know first
- No free plan
- Each standard licence covers one platform
- Requires macOS 10.15+ or 64-bit Windows 10+
- Major updates may require an upgrade fee
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Licence — macOS | Full version for macOS · Download product | On request |
| Educational Licence — macOS | For students and academics · Institutional affiliation required | On request |
| Standard Licence — Windows | Full version for Windows · Download product | On request |
| Educational Licence — Windows | For students and academics · Institutional affiliation required | On request |
| Scapple Standard Licence — macOS | Full version · download product · requires macOS 10.15+ | On request |
| Scapple Standard Licence — Windows | Full version · download product · requires 64-bit Windows 10+ | On request |
| Scapple Educational Licence — Windows | Students and academics only · institutional affiliation required · requires 64-bit Windows 10+ | On request |
| Scapple Educational Licence — macOS | Students and academics only · institutional affiliation required · requires macOS 10.15+ | On request |
As literatureandlatte.com lists them, read 20 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Scapple offers a flexible, non-hierarchical way to arrange notes and connect ideas. Its broad export choices and Scrivener support help extend the workspace, while platform-specific licensing and system requirements matter when choosing a licence.
Facts from Scapple's own pages
- Current platform requirements
- The overview lists Scapple 1.5.4 for macOS 10.15+ and Scapple 1.4.2 for 64-bit Windows 10+. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Export and display
- Scapple supports full-screen mode and lets users export or print their ideas. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- PDF,PNG,Plain Text (.txt),Rich Text (.rtf),Rich Text with Attachments (.rtfd),Plain Text List (.txt),Outline Markup (.opml) · literatureandlatte.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Flexible connections
- Scapple does not require users to connect every note, and each note is treated equally. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2006 · literatureandlatte.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- No · literatureandlatte.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Cornwall, UK · literatureandlatte.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- Literature & Latte describes itself as a software company founded by writers for writers, and Scapple is presented as freeform mind-mapping software for writers. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Licence limits
- Each licence covers one platform, while the household licence allows installation on computers owned and primarily used by the purchaser and on computers used by family members in the same household. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Note organization
- Users can stack notes in columns, create background shapes to group notes, and customize note appearance. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- macOS,Windows · literatureandlatte.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- Literature & Latte says it collects only data necessary for its software or website to run properly and provides opt-outs for features that ask for personal information where possible. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Refunds
- The company says it provides full refunds within 30 days of purchase; App Store purchases are refunded through Apple. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Scrivener integration
- The product page says users can drag notes into Scrivener. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The company offers tutorial videos, help materials, user forums, bug reporting, and a contact form for questions. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The trial is the same as the full version and lasts for 30 days of use, which may span longer than 30 calendar days if used intermittently. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Updates
- Minor updates are free, while major version updates may require an upgrade fee. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Scapple is freeform mind-mapping software that lets users write notes anywhere on a virtual sheet and connect them with lines or arrows. · literatureandlatte.com, 12 Oct 2026
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