Mind mapping and flow charting are two of the quickest ways to get the ideas out of your head and onto the screen. They're brilliant for planning a launch, mapping out a process, sorting a content calendar or untangling a project that feels bigger than it should.
The good news is you don't need to spend a cent to do it. Plenty of tools have a free plan that's more than enough to get started. The catch is that free plans change often, and a few tools that were popular years ago have closed, moved or gone paid-only. So I've refreshed this list to include only tools that are live and usable today.
What Are the Best Free Mind Mapping and Flow Chart Programs?
For flow charts, diagrams.net is the most generous free option, with no sign-up needed. For mind maps, MindMeister, Xmind, Mindomo and Freeplane are all strong choices, and Coggle and Bubbl.us handle quick, simple maps well. Which one suits you best depends on whether you want to work online or on your computer, and how many maps you need.
Mind Map vs Flow Chart: What's the Difference?
A mind map starts with one central idea and branches out in every direction. It's ideal for brainstorming, planning and capturing everything on a topic. A flow chart shows steps in a process, usually in order, with arrows showing what happens next, including decisions along the way. It's ideal for mapping out how something works.
In business you'll often use both. Brainstorm with a mind map first, then turn the best ideas into a flow chart of the steps.
Free Mind Mapping and Flow Chart Tools at a Glance
Tool | Best for | Works on | What the free plan includes |
|---|---|---|---|
diagrams.net (draw.io) | Flow charts and general diagrams | Browser, desktop | Fully free and open source |
Coggle | Simple mind maps and flow charts | Browser | 3 private diagrams, unlimited public diagrams |
MindMeister | Easy online mind maps and collaboration | Browser, iOS, Android | Up to 3 mind maps |
Xmind | Polished mind maps with plenty of structures | Browser, desktop, mobile | Free to start, no credit card needed |
Freeplane | Free desktop mind mapping with no limits | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free and open source |
Mindomo | Mind maps, concept maps and outlines | Browser, desktop, iOS, Android | Up to 3 maps |
Bubbl.us | Quick, no-fuss mind maps | Browser | Start a map without signing up |
Free plans and limits change, so check each tool's pricing page before you commit. Last checked October 2026.
1. diagrams.net (formerly draw.io)
diagrams.net is free, open-source diagram software, and it's the one I'd point most people to for flow charts. You can use it to create flow charts, org charts, mind maps and process diagrams, and it works in your browser or as a downloadable desktop app. It can also open files from Visio, Lucidchart and Gliffy, which is handy if you've inherited diagrams from another tool.
Good for: flow charts, process maps, org charts.
Worth knowing: it's a blank canvas with a big shape library, so it takes a little longer to get going than a tool built just for mind maps. Templates help.
2. Coggle
Coggle makes both mind maps and flow charts in your browser, and it's built for working together in real time. Branches arrange themselves as you add them, there's a full history of changes so you can go back to an earlier version, and you can drag in images and export to PDF or image files.
Good for: simple mind maps and flow charts you want to share.
Worth knowing: the free plan includes three private diagrams and unlimited public diagrams. Public diagrams can be seen by anyone with the link, so keep client or sensitive work to your private ones.
3. MindMeister
MindMeister is a long-standing online mind mapping tool that's easy to pick up. You can drag and drop branches, add links, notes and images, work on a map with others at the same time, and present straight from the map. There are apps for iPhone, iPad and Android, plus AI map generation if you'd like help getting started.
Good for: brainstorming, planning and team collaboration.
Worth knowing: the free plan allows up to three mind maps. Paid plans start at around $6.50 a month for unlimited maps.
4. Xmind
Xmind started life as a downloadable program and now works on the web, desktop and mobile. It offers mind maps as well as other structures like timelines, matrices and logic charts, and it can export your work to formats such as PDF, Word and PowerPoint. You can get started free without a credit card.
Good for: people who want a polished, feature-rich mind mapping tool.
Worth knowing: some of the extras, including AI features, are limited on the free plan, so check what's included before you build something big.
5. Freeplane
Freeplane is free, open-source mind mapping software you download to your computer. It runs on Windows, Mac and Linux, and there are no map limits and no account to create. It's the actively maintained successor to FreeMind (the older program that used to be on this list) and it opens FreeMind files.
Good for: anyone who wants unlimited free mind maps that live on their own computer.
Worth knowing: it's very capable but looks more utilitarian than the online tools, and it needs Java to run.
6. Mindomo
Mindomo works in your browser and also has desktop apps for Windows, Mac and Linux and mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android. As well as mind maps, you can switch the same content into a concept map or an outline, and there's AI map generation. It can import maps from tools like Xmind, MindMeister, FreeMind and Bubbl.us, which makes switching easy.
Good for: anyone who likes to move between a map and an outline, and students and teachers.
Worth knowing: the free plan includes three maps, and features like Gantt charts are on paid plans only.
7. Bubbl.us
Bubbl.us has been around since 2005 and is still going. You can start a map straight away without signing up or entering a credit card, choose from templates and colour themes, and share or present your map. It's a good choice when you just want to sketch something out quickly.
Good for: quick brainstorms and simple maps.
Worth knowing: a free account has limits, so check their pricing page if you plan to create lots of maps.
Bonus: Miro
If you want a big, flexible whiteboard for mind maps, flow charts and workshops, Miro is worth a look. The free plan includes three editable boards and a library of templates. It's a heavier tool than the others on this list, so it's best if you'll use it for more than mind maps.
How to Choose the Right Tool
- Mostly flow charts? Start with diagrams.net.
- Want something quick and easy online? Try Coggle, MindMeister or Bubbl.us.
- Want to work offline and keep your files? Choose Freeplane or diagrams.net's desktop app.
- Working with a team or a VA? Look at MindMeister, Coggle or Miro, where you can edit together in real time.
- Want lots of templates and structures? Try Xmind or Mindomo.
My suggestion is to try two or three and see which one feels natural. The best tool is the one you'll actually open.
Ways to Use Mind Maps and Flow Charts in Your Business
Once you have a tool you like, here are some practical ways to put it to work:
- Plan a launch or a new offer. Put the offer in the centre and branch out into audience, pricing, content, emails and dates.
- Map your content. Pick a theme, branch into topics, then turn each branch into a blog post, email or video. This is a big part of how I plan content in ENGAGE: Content Marketing Magic for Women In Business.
- Draw your client journey. A flow chart of what happens from first enquiry to finished project will show you where people get stuck.
- Plan an email sequence. Map each email, what triggers it and what happens next. If you'd like more on that, it's one of the things I cover in DELIVER: How To Use Email For Unstoppable Sales And Loyal Customers.
- Document your processes. A simple flow chart makes it much easier to hand tasks over to someone else.
Free Mind Mapping and Flow Chart Software FAQ
What is the best free mind mapping software?
There's no single best one, because it depends on how you like to work. MindMeister and Coggle are easy to use online, Xmind and Mindomo offer more features, and Freeplane is a good choice if you want unlimited free maps on your own computer.
Is there free flow chart software with no limits?
Yes. diagrams.net (draw.io) is free and open source, works in your browser or on your desktop, and doesn't limit how many diagrams you create.
What's the difference between a mind map and a flow chart?
A mind map branches out from one central idea and is used to brainstorm and organise thoughts. A flow chart shows the steps of a process in order, with arrows and decision points.
Can I use these tools on my phone or tablet?
Some of them, yes. MindMeister, Xmind and Mindomo all have mobile apps, and most of the browser-based tools will work on a tablet. Complex flow charts are easier to build on a computer.
Why did some tools disappear from this list?
This post was first written back in 2010, and a few of the original tools have since closed, moved or changed to paid-only plans. I've replaced them with options you can use today.
Start With One Map
Don't overthink it. Pick a tool, choose one project that's been rattling around in your head, and map it out. You may be surprised by how much clearer it feels once it's on the screen. 💖
