Scapple AlternativesMind Mapping & Note-taking Tools like Scapple

Scapple is described as 'Easy-to-use tool for getting ideas down as quickly as possible and making connections between them. It isn’t exactly mind-mapping software—it’s more like a freeform text editor that allows you to make notes anywhere on the page and to connect them using straight' and is a Mind Mapping tool in the office & productivity category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Scapple for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Web-based and Android apps. The best Scapple alternative is draw.io, which is free. Other great apps like Scapple are Pencil Project, Excalidraw, TreeSheets and Freeplane.

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Scapple alternatives are mainly Mind Mapping Tools but may also be Diagram Editors or Note-taking Tools.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Scapple.
Scapple iconScapple
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Scapple is an easy-to-use tool for getting ideas down as quickly as possible and making connections between them. It isn’t exactly mind-mapping software—it’s more like a freeform text editor that allows you to make notes...

More about Scapple
Scapple alternatives page was last updated Jan 13, 2025
    Lucidchart icon
    Lucidchart icon

    Lucidchart

    Sponsored

    Lucidchart is a cloud-based platform that promotes teamwork through diagramming, collaboration, and data visualization. It serves millions worldwide, offering flowcharts, UML, real-time collaboration, Visio support, and browser access. Designed for innovation and understanding, it integrates easily into work...

    47 Lucidchart alternatives
    Lucidchart Templates and Examples: With hundreds of template examples to choose from, you can start diagramming in no time.

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  1. draw.io icon
     968 likes

    Note: This software is now renamed as "diagrams.net", however, it is still popularly known as "draw.io".

    121 draw.io alternatives
    Use the diagram editor in dark mode. Go to app.diagrams.net/?splash=0&ui=dark

    License model

    • FreeProprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Chrome OS
    • Notion
    • Self-Hosted
    • Microsoft SharePoint
    • Microsoft OneDrive
    • PortableApps.com
    • Google Drive
    • Google Docs
    • Microsoft Teams
    • Google Slides
    • Google Sheets

    Top draw.io Features

    1.  Flow Chart
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Export to PDF
    4.  Mind Mapping
    5.  Web-Based
    6.  Sync with Google Drive
    7.  Multiple export options
    8.  Export to SVG
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Interior Design
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Single Line Diagram
    draw.io iconScapple Icon

    draw.io VS Scapple

    Is draw.io a good alternative to Scapple?
     
    • draw.io is the most popular Web-based, Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Scapple.

    • draw.io is the most popular free alternative to Scapple.

    • draw.io is Free and ProprietaryScapple is Paid and Proprietary
  2. Pencil Project icon
     412 likes

    Pencil is a standalone app that lets you create diagrams or UI mockups. It doesn't have collaboration/multi-user features.

    79 Pencil Project alternatives
    Pencil Project screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com

    Pencil Project Features

    1.  Prototyping
    2.  Sketching
    3.  Cliparts
    4.  Works Offline
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Export to HTML
    7.  Export to SVG
    8.  Export to PDF
    9.  Export to PNG
    Discontinued

    It seems that this project is inactive. Since late 2023 there has been virtually no development in their GitHub repository.

    Pencil Project iconScapple Icon

    Pencil Project VS Scapple

    Is Pencil Project a good alternative to Scapple?
     
    Comments about Pencil Project as an Alternative to Scapple
     
    Guest

    Limited and clunky for flowcharts; advertised as mockup and wireframe generator.

    Negative commentNov 28, 2017
    0
    Scapple Icon
    Pencil Project icon
    • Pencil Project is the most popular Open Source alternative to Scapple.

    • Pencil Project is Free and Open SourceScapple is Paid and Proprietary
  3. Excalidraw icon
     71 likes

    Excalidraw is an open-source whiteboard tool that lets you easily sketch diagrams that have a hand-drawn feel to them. Available directly online as a web app and also through CodeSandbox to easily see how the code works, and the app is available for self-hosting.

    73 Excalidraw alternatives
    Excalidraw screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Interactive Whiteboard
    2.  Shared whiteboard
    3.  Real time collaboration
    4.  Export to SVG
    5.  Mind Mapping
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  End-to-End Encryption
    9.  Free hand drawing
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Support for Layers
    12.  Cloud Sync
    Excalidraw iconScapple Icon

    Excalidraw VS Scapple

    Is Excalidraw a good alternative to Scapple?
     
  4. TreeSheets icon
     138 likes

    A "hierarchical spreadsheet" that is a great replacement for spreadsheets, mind mappers, outliners, PIMs, text editors and small databases.

    49 TreeSheets alternatives
    TreeSheets screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Hierarchical Structure
    2.  Mind Mapping
    3.  Nested Notes
    4.  List management
    5.  Freeform notes
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Outliner
    9.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    10.  No Tracking
    11.  Kanban Board
    12.  No registration required
    TreeSheets iconScapple Icon

    TreeSheets VS Scapple

    Is TreeSheets a good alternative to Scapple?
     
  5. Freeplane icon
     248 likes

    Freeplane is a powerful and free software for building mind maps. It is a redesigned version of the well known FreeMind , and is created by one of FreeMind's key developers.

    80 Freeplane alternatives
    Freeplane screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Java

    Top Freeplane Features

    1.  Mind Mapping
    2.  Knowledge Management
    3.  Summary Nodes
    4.  Project Tracking
    5.  Support for scripting
    6.  Portable
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Hierarchical Structure
    9. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX
    10.  Conditional styles
    11.  Shared Nodes
    Freeplane iconScapple Icon

    Freeplane VS Scapple

    Is Freeplane a good alternative to Scapple?
     
  6. FreeMind icon
     472 likes

    Free and open source, Java-based mind-mapping app for the desktop featuring a hierarchical editor that emphasizes folding.

    106 FreeMind alternatives
    Example: Computer

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux

    Top FreeMind Features

    1.  Mind Mapping
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Brainstorming
    4.  Simple installation
    5.  Hierarchical Structure
    6.  Distraction-free Writing
    7.  Mind Map view
    8.  Shortcut keys
    9.  Java based
    10.  Knowledge Management
    11.  Minimap
    Discontinued

    Last version from 2016. See https://sourceforge.net/projects/freemind/files/

    FreeMind iconScapple Icon

    FreeMind VS Scapple

    Is FreeMind a good alternative to Scapple?
     
  7. Lucidchart icon
     534 likes

    Lucidchart is a cloud-based platform that promotes teamwork through diagramming, collaboration, and data visualization. It serves millions worldwide, offering flowcharts, UML, real-time collaboration, Visio support, and browser access. Designed for innovation and understanding, it integrates easily into work...

    47 Lucidchart alternatives
    Lucidchart Templates and Examples: With hundreds of template examples to choose from, you can start diagramming in no time.

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    Top Lucidchart Features

    1.  Real time collaboration
    2.  Flow Chart
    3.  Web-Based
    4.  Export to PDF
    5.  General-purpose diagramming
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Support for @mentions
    8.  Works Offline
    9.  AI-Powered
    10.  Charts
    11.  Scalable UI
    12.  Online collaboration
    Lucidchart iconScapple Icon

    Lucidchart VS Scapple

    Is Lucidchart a good alternative to Scapple?
     
    • Some users think Lucidchart is a great Scapple alternative, some don't.

    • Lucidchart is the most popular Android, iPhone, iPad, SaaS & Android Tablet alternative to Scapple.

    • Lucidchart is Freemium and ProprietaryScapple is Paid and Proprietary
  8. LimanDoc icon
     9 likes

    LimanDoc is a simple yet powerful tool for visualize files, diagrams, and construct a mind map with the possibility to edit Markdown text. It is an offline first desktop app with a 2D canvas that allows a preview of the inner folders (boards).

    33 LimanDoc alternatives
    LimanDoc screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux

    LimanDoc Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  PDF support
    4.  Cross-Platform
    5.  Infinite canvas
    6.  Infinite hierarchical depth
    7.  Unlimited Canvas Area
    8.  Flow diagram visualisation
    LimanDoc iconScapple Icon

    LimanDoc VS Scapple

    Is LimanDoc a good alternative to Scapple?
     
  9. SimpleMind icon
     47 likes

    Mind mapping helps you organize your thoughts, remember information and generate new ideas. We've created a beautiful, intuitive app, so you can mind map wherever you are and whenever you want.

    95 SimpleMind alternatives
    SimpleMind screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Mind Map view
    2.  Cloud Sync
    3.  Brainstorming
    4.  Kanban Board
    5.  Dark Mode
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Hierarchical Structure
    9.  No registration required
    10.  No Tracking
    11.  Quick search
    12.  Sync with iCloud
    SimpleMind iconScapple Icon

    SimpleMind VS Scapple

    Is SimpleMind a good alternative to Scapple?
     
  10. Mindomo icon
     154 likes

    Mindomo is the easiest online software for creating mind maps, concept maps, outlines and various other types of diagrams. The following features make it the perfect choice both for business and education:

    126 Mindomo alternatives
    Mindomo screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Firefox

    Top Mindomo Features

    1.  Gantt-charts
    2.  Real time collaboration
    3.  Cloud Sync
    4.  Hierarchical Structure
    5.  Built-in Note Taker
    6.  Online collaboration
    7.  Sorting by folder
    8.  Planning
    9.  Outliner
    10. Google Drive icon  Google Drive integration
    11.  Export to PDF
    12.  Backup to Google Drive
    Mindomo iconScapple Icon

    Mindomo VS Scapple

    Is Mindomo a good alternative to Scapple?
     
  11. vym icon
     27 likes

    VYM (View Your Mind) is a tool to generate and manipulate maps which show your thoughts. Such maps can help you to improve your creativity and effectivity. You can use them for time management, to organize tasks, to get an overview over complex contexts, to sort your ideas etc.

    89 vym alternatives
    vym screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak

    vym Features

    1.  Hierarchical Structure
    2.  Concept Mapping
    3.  Inline editing
    vym iconScapple Icon

    vym VS Scapple

    Is vym a good alternative to Scapple?
     
  12. Scrintal icon
     15 likes

    Scrintal offers a visual approach to brainstorming, merging mind mapping with networked note-taking. Ideal for problem-solving, project planning, and study outlining, it accommodates various file types, tags, and colors, forming a comprehensive knowledge base for writers and researchers.

    109 Scrintal alternatives
    Scrintal screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    Properties

    1.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Built-in viewer
    2.  Unlimited storage
    3.  Support for MarkDown
    4.  Real time collaboration
    5.  File Tagging
    6.  Shared Folders
    7.  Cloud Sync
    8.  Live Preview
    9.  No Coding Required
    10.  Syntax Highlighting
    11.  Mind Mapping
    12.  Knowledge base
    Scrintal iconScapple Icon

    Scrintal VS Scapple

    Is Scrintal a good alternative to Scapple?
     
13 of 29 Scapple alternatives