ideaBraid
ideaBraid is a desktop mind-mapping app for turning ideas into plans.
What ideaBraid is
ideaBraid is a desktop mind-mapping app for turning ideas into plans. Its free-form canvas and seven layouts include org chart, timeline, fishbone, radial, and freehand options. Map nodes can become tasks, while Board, Gantt, and Dashboard views organize work with 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 stored on the user's device as .mind files, which the maker describes 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. The privacy policy says the app sends no usage data, crash reports, analytics, or copies of maps. Map content leaves the device only when a user runs an AI command, and API keys are kept in the operating system keychain. The Reader plan is free; the Editor License costs $59, paid once-time purchase and includes one year of updates. Optional update renewal costs $39 a year.
Good
- Seven layouts include timeline and fishbone options.
- Map nodes can become tasks with dates and dependencies.
- Imports XMind and FreeMind, among other formats.
- Maps stay on-device except during user-run AI commands.
Watch out
- Full editing requires the 59.00 USD one-time Editor License.
- Trial switches to Reader mode after 7 days.
- Continued updates after the included year cost $39 a year.
Who it suits
ideaBraid suits people who want to map ideas visually and turn selected nodes into planned work. Its free Reader also suits people who need to open and present maps without editing them.
Verdict
ideaBraid combines visual mapping with task views and optional AI commands. The free Reader handles opening and presenting maps, while editing requires the one-time Editor License.
Plans and prices
From ideaBraid's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Reader | Free | Open, zoom, search maps · Pitch mode · Export PNG, PDF, Markdown, OPML, ICS, CSV · Free, forever |
| Updates renewal | $39 a year | Continued updates for the Editor license · Optional yearly renewal |
| Editor License updates renewal | $39 a year | Keeps updates coming; the app keeps working without renewal · Optional yearly renewal for continued updates |
| Editor License | $59, paid once | Create and edit maps · Free-form canvas · Board, Gantt, Dashboard, reminders · AI · One license for macOS, Windows, Linux · One-time; includes 1 year of updates |
The facts
Each one read from ideaBraid's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI assistance
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- AI features
- AI commands can break down tasks, expand nodes, summarize branches, and run freeform instructions.checked 7 Oct 2026
- AI providers
- Users can connect their own Anthropic or OpenAI API key or use a local Ollama model.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- PNG,SVG,PDF,Markdown,OPML,ICS,CSVchecked 20 Sep 2026
- Guarantee
- The Editor License has a 15-day money-back guarantee.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Import and export
- The app exports Markdown, OPML, ICS, CSV, SVG, PNG, and PDF, and imports Markdown, OPML, XMind, and FreeMind.checked 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.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Offline mode
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Presentation mode
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the app sends no usage data, crash reports, or analytics and does not receive copies of users' maps.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ideaBraid is a desktop mind-mapping app that turns ideas into plans.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker offers support by email at [email protected] and says its small team replies fast.checked 7 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Browser reader
- The maker offers a browser Reader that opens .mind files without installation or uploading them.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- macOS,Windows,Linuxchecked 20 Sep 2026
- Visual mapping
- It offers a free-form canvas and seven layout modes, including org chart, timeline, fishbone, radial, and freehand layouts.checked 7 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Project planning
- Map nodes can become tasks, and the app includes Board, Gantt, and Dashboard views with dates, assignees, and dependencies.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
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