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SPECIFICTION
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ideaBraid

ideabraid.com

From $3.25/mo Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.9 #6 of 72 in Mind Mapping Software

What it is

ideaBraid is a desktop mind-mapping app that turns ideas into plans, combining a free-form canvas with seven layout modes such as org chart, timeline, fishbone, radial, and freehand. Map nodes can become tasks, with Board, Gantt, and Dashboard views for 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 use a local Ollama model. Maps are saved as.mind files on the user's device; the maker describes this format as an open zip archive. 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 Reader is free, while the Editor License is a one-time 59.00 USD purchase and includes one year of updates. Optional updates renewal costs $39 a year. The app runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, with offline mode and presentation mode.

Spec sheet

Purpose
ideaBraid is a desktop mind-mapping app that turns ideas into plans.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Supported platforms
macOS,Windows,LinuxRead 20 Sep 2026 · ideabraid.com
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · ideabraid.com
Privacy
The privacy policy says the app sends no usage data, crash reports, or analytics and does not receive copies of users' maps.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Support
The maker offers support by email at [email protected] and says its small team replies fast.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
AI assistance
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · ideabraid.com
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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
AI features
AI commands can break down tasks, expand nodes, summarize branches, and run freeform instructions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
AI providers
Users can connect their own Anthropic or OpenAI API key or use a local Ollama model.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Browser reader
The maker offers a browser Reader that opens .mind files without installation or uploading them.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Export formats
PNG,SVG,PDF,Markdown,OPML,ICS,CSVRead 20 Sep 2026 · ideabraid.com
Guarantee
The Editor License has a 15-day money-back guarantee.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Import and export
The app exports Markdown, OPML, ICS, CSV, SVG, PNG, and PDF, and imports Markdown, OPML, XMind, and FreeMind.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Local files
Maps are saved as .mind files on the user's device, and the maker describes the format as an open zip archive.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Network activity
The maker says network traffic is limited to an anonymous GitHub update check and AI calls initiated by the user.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Offline mode
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · ideabraid.com
Presentation mode
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · ideabraid.com
Project planning
Map nodes can become tasks, and the app includes Board, Gantt, and Dashboard views with dates, assignees, and dependencies.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Trial behavior
The full-featured trial lasts 7 days, after which the app switches to Reader mode and leaves saved maps intact.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Visual mapping
It offers a free-form canvas and seven layout modes, including org chart, timeline, fishbone, radial, and freehand layouts.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com

Plans and prices

Reader Free Free, forever Open, zoom, search maps · Pitch mode · Export PNG, PDF, Markdown, OPML, ICS, CSV Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Editor License $59 a month One-time; includes 1 year of updates Full map editing · AI, free-form canvas, Board, Gantt, Dashboard, and reminders · One license for macOS, Windows, and Linux · One year of updates Read 20 Sep 2026 · ideabraid.com
Updates renewal $39 a year Optional yearly renewal Continued updates for the Editor license Read 20 Sep 2026 · ideabraid.com
Editor License updates renewal $39 a year Optional yearly renewal for continued updates Keeps updates coming; the app keeps working without renewal Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com
Editor License $59, paid once 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 Read 7 Oct 2026 · ideabraid.com

Every ideaBraid plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Seven layout modes include timeline and fishbone.
  • Maps can organize tasks with dates and dependencies.
  • Supports local Ollama models for AI commands.
  • Maps remain stored on the user's device.

Limits

  • Editor License costs a one-time 59.00 USD.
  • Continued updates cost $39 a year.
  • Full-featured trial switches to Reader after seven days.

Who it suits

ideaBraid suits people who want to map ideas, turn map nodes into tasks, and organize project work in multiple views. The free Reader serves people who need to open or present maps without editing them.

Verdict

ideaBraid pairs mind mapping with project-planning views and broad import and export options. The free Reader opens and presents maps; editing requires the one-time Editor License, with optional paid update renewal.

Where Specifiction places it

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