Mindly is a visual mind mapping app known for its intuitive, orbital interface that helps users capture thoughts, structure ideas, and plan concepts in a clean, distraction-free way.
It’s particularly popular among creative thinkers and students for brainstorming sessions and outlining complex topics.
However, Mindly is primarily geared toward mobile and macOS users, leaving Windows users in need of powerful alternatives that offer similar or expanded functionality.
If you’re a Windows PC user looking to brainstorm visually, organize your thoughts, or map complex workflows, there are several other mind mapping tools that rival or surpass Mindly in most areas.
Let’s take a look at some of the best.
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1. XMind
XMind is one of the most feature-rich mind mapping tools available for Windows.
Known for its sleek design and flexible layout options, XMind allows users to create everything from simple idea trees to complex organizational charts.
It supports multiple map structures, including logic charts, fishbone diagrams, timelines, and matrix views.
Users can also integrate icons, images, and hyperlinks for enhanced visualization. The interface is clean and modern, with focus mode and dark mode options.
2. MindMeister
MindMeister is mainly popular for its cloud-based mind mapping software that works flawlessly on Windows using a browser.
Additionally, there is a desktop app available for Windows along with the mobile apps. You can also access MindMeister through its integration with Microsoft Teams.
MindMeister excels in collaboration, allowing multiple users to contribute to a single map in real-time, making it perfect for team projects or online classes.
The interface is intuitive and colorful, with rich formatting tools and icon sets to bring your ideas to life.
MindMeister also integrates with tools like MeisterTask for seamless project planning. You can add notes, images, and links to each node, and export your maps in various formats.
It’s an excellent choice if you value both visual clarity and collaboration.
3. Mindomo
Mindomo combines the benefits of mind mapping with task management and presentation tools, making it highly versatile.
It works online and offline with a native Windows app and supports concept maps, outlines, and Gantt charts.
You can easily switch between visual mind maps and structured outlines, allowing for both creative thinking and logical planning.
Mindomo also offers real-time collaboration, multimedia attachments, and integration with cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
It’s especially useful for students, educators, and business professionals.
4. EdrawMind (formerly MindMaster)
EdrawMind offers a wide range of mind mapping templates and themes, providing users with a visually rich and easy-to-use platform.
It supports drag-and-drop functionality, multi-branch structures, and an outline mode for linear thinkers.
With EdrawMind, users can insert images, notes, hyperlinks, and even hand-drawn annotations.
The Windows version includes offline access and local file saving, making it great for enterprise or academic environments.
It also includes presentation features, enabling users to turn maps into slideshow-like formats directly from the software.
5. SimpleMind
SimpleMind is a minimalist mind mapping tool that still offers impressive power under the hood.
Available on multiple platforms including Windows, it provides flexible layout options and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
Users can customize their maps with colors, fonts, and images without feeling overwhelmed by too many controls.
The app supports cloud syncing, allowing you to move between devices easily.
SimpleMind is perfect for personal idea capturing, academic planning, or even business presentations. Its balance between simplicity and functionality makes it a strong Mindly alternative.
6. Coggle
Another mind mapping tool you can use on Windows PC is Coggle. It is a clean web-based tool that runs smoothly on your browser.
Coggle is ideal for real-time brainstorming sessions and visualizing workflows with its vibrant, curved branches and collaborative features.
Each mind map begins with a central node and can branch infinitely, with users able to add text, images, and links at any point.
Coggle automatically saves progress and supports version history, so you never lose an idea.
While the free plan is limited, the paid plans unlock powerful features like multiple start points and private diagrams.
7. Scapple
Launched by the team Literature & Latte, (creators of Scrivener), Scapple is a freeform text-based mind mapping app for writers and thinkers.
Unlike traditional mind maps, Scapple lets users place notes anywhere on the canvas and draw connections manually, making it more like a digital whiteboard.
It’s especially useful for brainstorming story plots, research notes, or disjointed thoughts before turning them into structured work.
Although it looks basic, it offers high customization, note grouping, and exporting to text formats. Scapple’s minimalist approach is refreshing for users who prefer full creative freedom.
Scapple is available to download on Windows & MacOS.
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8. WiseMapping
WiseMapping is a free, browser-based mind mapping app that supports both individual and collaborative use.
It has a clean, simple interface with essential features like drag-and-drop, note attachments, hyperlinks, and image insertion.
It allows exporting maps in formats like PDF, SVG, and image files, and also provides an embeddable option for websites and blogs.
WiseMapping is open-source, making it a great option for developers and educators who want customization.
While not as flashy as premium tools, it’s reliable and effective for straightforward mind mapping needs.
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9. Ayoa
Ayoa is a visually engaging mind mapping and task management tool created by the founder of iMindMap.
It offers a unique combination of organic, curved mind maps and traditional radial layouts, making it both flexible and intuitive.
Ayoa also integrates task boards, calendars, and collaborative features to help teams brainstorm and execute ideas in one platform.
The tool supports image attachments, color coding, and live editing for real-time teamwork.
Windows users can access Ayoa via desktop app or browser. Its versatility makes it ideal for students, creatives, and professionals alike.
10. MindMapper
MindMapper is a robust mind mapping software for Windows that combines visual thinking with productivity tools. It can also be used online.
The tool allows users to create detailed, structured mind maps with options for brainstorming, planning, and task management.
Its layout options include radial, tree, and organizational charts, and it also features built-in Gantt charts and scheduling tools.
MindMapper supports integration with Microsoft Office, making it especially useful for professionals and teams working in corporate environments.
The interface is clean and functional, with drag-and-drop ease and support for attachments, hyperlinks, and notes.
It’s ideal for users who want to bridge the gap between creative thinking and structured execution.
Conclusion
While Mindly is a great tool for mobile mind mapping, Windows users have a wide variety of feature-rich alternatives to choose from.
You will love the minimalist interface of SimpleMind, collaborative features of MindMeister and Coggle, and advanced capabilities of EdrawMind. In other words, these tools offer something for everyone.
Choose the one that best fits your workflow and start mapping your ideas with power and clarity.
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