Can I open-source SimpleMind?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. Excalidraw (129k stars), draw.io (43k stars), Freeplane (4k stars) are mature open-source replacements for SimpleMind — self-host in one command and stop paying.
SimpleMind: The shapes are easy; customers pay for low-friction editing, reliable exports, collaboration, and a canvas that never fights them.
xhigh-fidelity import and export
xpresentation and enterprise controls
xmultiplayer cursors and comments
xlarge template libraries
These projects already replace it, free.
FFreeplaneFlexible local mind maps with links, notes, attributes, filters, and exports; no mobile app and considerably less visual restraint.open source↗EExcalidrawVirtual hand-drawn style whiteboard for sketching diagrams collaborativelyopen source↗Ddraw.ioThe diagramming workhorse — flowcharts, architecture diagrams, UML — runs fully client-side or as your own container.open source↗What each one is, in full: Excalidraw · draw.io
all 3 open-source alternatives to SimpleMind →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
SimpleMind pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| free edition | $0 | $0 | Unlimited mind maps; virtually unlimited page size/elements; 15+ styles; local-device storage; no PDF/image export or cloud sync |
| pro single user, mac or windows | custom | — | 1 user on 1 desktop platform; unlimited mind maps; full export, media, links, custom styles and cloud sync |
| pro single user, mac + windows | custom | — | 1 user licensed on both Mac and Windows |
| pro family/team, mac or windows | custom | — | Up to 4 users on 1 desktop platform |
| pro family/team, mac + windows | custom | — | Up to 4 Mac users plus 4 Windows users |
| pro 10-user, mac or windows | custom | — | Up to 10 users on 1 desktop platform |
| pro 10-user, mac + windows | custom | — | Up to 10 Mac users plus 10 Windows users |
| pro mobile | custom | — | 1 mobile-platform license; full Pro features on iPhone/iPad or Android |
| site license | custom | — | Organization-wide Mac or Windows licensing; user/site caps custom |
free tierUnlimited mind maps; virtually unlimited page size and elements; 15+ styles; local-device storage only; no cloud sync or PDF/image export
billingone-time purchase only; no monthly or annual subscription
hidden costsA separate license is required for each platform unless buying a Mac+Windows bundle. Desktop prices exclude VAT; mobile storefront prices vary, and there is no discounted after-purchase cross-platform upgrade path stated.
verified 2026-08-12 · source ↗
Can I open-source SimpleMind?
Yes. Freeplane replaces SimpleMind today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does SimpleMind cost?
SimpleMind's pricing is usage-based or varies by plan · The official pricing URL is recorded, but a stable current amount was not safely recoverable in this pass. Do not publish a number until rechecked..
What do I lose by replacing SimpleMind?
Honestly: high-fidelity import and export; presentation and enterprise controls; multiplayer cursors and comments; large template libraries. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to SimpleMind?
Yes: Freeplane (Flexible local mind maps with links, notes, attributes, filters, and exports; no mobile app and considerably less visual restraint.) Excalidraw (Virtual hand-drawn style whiteboard for sketching diagrams collaboratively) draw.io (The diagramming workhorse — flowcharts, architecture diagrams, UML — runs fully client-side or as your own container.) All 3 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/simplemind/alternatives.