# MindNode – Classic — user reviews

> 122 indexed App Store user reviews of MindNode by IdeasOnCanvas GmbH, rated 4.50/5 from 1,923 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindnode-classic/id1218718027/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindnode-classic/id1218718027.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 1,509 · 4★ 160 · 3★ 54 · 2★ 38 · 1★ 136

## What do users think of MindNode?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Smooth and intuitive interface
- 🧠 Excellent for organizing thoughts and ideas
- 🌐 Seamless sync across devices
- 💻 Great for both personal and professional use
- 🎨 Beautiful and customizable themes

**Cons**

- 💰 Subscription model frustrates some users
- 🔒 Locked features behind paywall
- 🐛 Occasional sync and stability issues
- 🔀 Limited layout and connection options

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Files disappearing or becoming corrupted
- App crashing after recent updates
- Inability to restore previous purchases

**Most requested features**

- Add audio recording capability
- Improve handwriting and Apple Pencil support
- Allow more flexible node connections and layouts
- Provide a one-time purchase option

## Newest reviews (16 of 122)

### 2/5 — Features locked

*2024-11-09*

It’s ok… but I would love it way more if a few more features were free. Something as simple as being able to highlight the text or change the colour of the text. I know you can pay to unlock simple features but is just so annoying for something so simple.

### 4/5 — Great mind-mapping, so close, but…

*2024-09-02*

I’ve had a Mind Node subscription for years, and used it with much success. It is great for brainstorming as long as you have a regimented perspective with the hierarchical way that layouts and node creation and connection works in the app. However, keep in mind, that’s not the full nature of *brainstorming*! Things are not always strictly hierarchical, nor pure parent-child relationships. Sometimes logic is more mesh-oriented, parents defer to other parents, or a linear flow or connection needs to be represented without imposing hierarchy or priority or parent-child type relationships. 

Full disclosure — I’m an app-developer myself, and I find that design often suffers from the limitation of narrow perspective — and how an app is used (or can be) informs well about design. I want so badly to use Mind Node as my single brainstorming app, but the inability to gracefully do simple linear flows without imposing hierarchy requires me to have another graphing / diagramming app — I cannot rely on Mind Node as my sole app for brainstorming. I’ve seen other user reviews requesting the same thing. The ability to create and connect nodes without imposing hierarchy or rank visually on nodes (think: just a simple flow chart) would be a major improvement in the app, and would align more closely with the nature of true brainstorming. Here’s to hoping for that in the future!

**Developer response:** Hi, thank you for your feedback! We're glad you enjoy using MindNode. Also, since we value the opinions of our users highly, we will consider your suggestions and discuss them with the team in the near future. Best regards,
Jessica

### 4/5 — Great, except for one problem.

*2024-08-31*

Once you create a new document and are actually on the document, the experience is smooth and relatively simple. But getting to the document, that’s the hard part. At least it is for me. Whenever I open it, i can’t find my document because the only tabs there are for me is Recents and Shared. And since the document I was working on doesn’t show up, there is no way for me to find it. I don’t know, maybe I’m doing something wrong. But there should be a tab or group or something where you can see ALL of the mind maps you’ve ever created at once, even if they’re years old. If they fix this, then I will without a doubt give this app a 5 star rating.

**Developer response:** Hi, thank you for your feedback! I understand your point. However, did you know you can sort your files (for example) by date created? Therefore, click the sort files icon in the upper left corner of your Finder. I hope this helps you find your documents faster. Best regards,
Jessica

### 2/5 — Used it for years… now subscription

*2024-06-29*

I used it for so many years and loved it. It was a one time pay with paid upgrades for each new major version like software should be. Then they went the subscription route.

**Developer response:** I'm sorry you're feeling this way! Some of the reasons that led to our switch in the business model are that subscriptions allow us to deliver updates to our users much more frequently. They also provide us with a stable roadmap for the future where we can continue to adopt new Apple technologies on time. In addition, it also makes pricing much more predictable for the customers.
Using our free version you can create and edit MindNode documents. We support basic editing features like creating new nodes, adding titles, reordering nodes, and folding child nodes. The Free Editor also allows the importing and exporting of all supported file formats. This may be an alternative for you:) Best regards,
Jessica

### 3/5 — Fine

*2023-05-03*

At first glance seems pretty swell, personally I need more visual appeal to use it. If you like simple you might be good with this app but editing the style is paid so not gonna work for me..

**Developer response:** Thank you for sharing your opinion. Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 5/5 — Game changer. Used for many years, and recommend to everyone

*2023-03-30*

I recently upgraded to the subscription model. Its superb for mind mapping, so easy to use on phone and mac. I can use it on the go! Would love to use it for other things like timelines or flow charts. Hope they expand to include different formats.

**Developer response:** Thank you so much! I've added your wish for timelines and flow charts to our list of suggested features and will bring it up with the team. I can't promise that this will make it into the product in the near future. However, we review everything users send to us carefully. Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 5/5 — Easy to use, highly functional, simple, clean and anti-distraction

*2023-03-14*

I love how I can get started easily on a sketching ideas and plans. There is room to make things detailed and highly customizable; but the app is designed so well that I don’t feel distracted by those features when I’m creating. They really are designed to not get in the way. 

Usually with mindmapping software, I start excited but then get overwhelmed or distracted with all the bells and whistles. The bells and whistles are here in MindNode, but the flow is so great that for the first time I was able to just start sketching ideas out. After about 10 minutes, I had the 13 different initiatives I’m involved in at work mapped out. 
A) The relief to my brain was great. B) Off loading that weight and visually seeing it mapped out did something in the way I see work that has helped me be more effective. Paying the yearly amount for the expanded features was a no brainer, and I’m excited to support this software’s development. 

P.S. A couple of my favorite features that I don’t see anywhere else are (1) The ability to easily have multiple master nodes in the same canvas. This helps me feel like I don’t have to have the grand plan set out before I start. It removes barriers to starting and provides a high amount of flexibility in moving things around as the ideas are refined. (2) The ability to have the flow of the nodes go left to right (and not radial like most mind maps). This just works better for my brain.

**Developer response:** Wow, thank you so much for this detailed review! It's so nice everytime we hear about MindNode  doing exactly what it is supposed to do. Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 5/5 — Super slick and streamlined

*2023-02-26*

Out of all the mind mapping tools I’ve used over the years, this is the most fluid and enjoyable to use. I especially enjoyed the intuitive and simple tap, drag and drop controls and the super neat little animations as the previous nodes move over to make room.

The only nit I have to pick is that it took me a little while to memorise what the main tools in the toolbar were by just looking at the icon. 

I get this as part of SetApp, unsure if I’d like to otherwise pay for a subscription for this type of app (since I don’t use it all that regularly)

**Developer response:** Thank you! Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 3/5 — Mind Node Power User - iPad UX

*2023-02-24, version 2023.0.3*

I've been using mind node on the Mac for many years, as an entrepreneur and product designer, it's how I organize my brain. When I got mind node for the iPad Pro, I was disappointed. As a UX designer myself, I have some well-formed suggestions I hope the developers will consider: The app is fine with a keyboard, but the potential is for the app to work better with the pencil, so mind noding feels like hand drawing a mind map, with the app beautifully formatting the hand entry as the user progresses. Here's how 1) Pencil mode. When the user is entering data with a pencil, the app should recognize this and: A. Not have the keyboard pop up when text is being entered by scribble. B. Use the pencil for drawing, NOT scrolling. Fingers can be used to move around and zoom... pencil is a drawing/writing/manipulating tool only! 2) drawing an oval in an open area should create a new main node 3) drawing a line from an existing node should create a child node 4) scratching out a node should delete it Those are the biggies. It's close! Devs: spend some time using your app with the pencil, imagine you are drawing these mind nodes... I should never need my keyboard, and basic actions like adding and removing nodes should be lightning fast and natural, like I'm drawing the diagram and the app is nicely formatting it as I go. In any case, thanks for making my favorite app...keep going!

**Developer response:** Thank you for sharing your ideas with us! I'll make sure to discuss it with the team. Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 4/5 — Fantastic!

*2023-01-06, version 2022.4.3*

This app is fantastic! It feels like an app Apple would have written and it keeps up with new OS features. It’s an app I cannot recommend enough to get your life, projects and ideas mapped and organised. 

I love that there is no account to create and sign into. Just open and drop down your ideas. Syncing and other features works out of the box!

The only thing that is missing for 5 stars IMO is collaboration support that came out in iOS 16 to truly make it a power user Apple app.

### 4/5 — Almost perfect

*2022-12-28*

I tested ALL the mind mapping tools on App Store and landed on this one.  The two features that are missing are full cross platform support (link Mindmiester) and the ability to clip directly into a map. I'm aware of the quick entry feature in premium but this collects your clips into a separate list which then needs further manipulation to add them to your map. Other than these two things the app is very good and reasonably priced.

**Developer response:** Thank you for sharing!! Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 5/5 — Great for ADHD

*2022-12-12, version 2022.4.2*

This is the only app I have used that helps me to braindump and follow where my thoughts lead. I've been able to map out ideas in a way that usually took several journal pages or noted to capture. I love the to do list feature because it means my thoughts reached a final place and now requires action.

### 5/5 — Very useful just wishing it was not another subscription

*2022-10-15, version 2022.3.4*

After trying a couple of times I got it right. It’s fun and very helpful on my everyday life. Just wish there was a licensed version not subscription, just for my peace of mind. I would pay for it, definitely. There is no competition. Simple the best app for mind maps.

### 5/5 — Really well made tool

*2022-09-29*

Very simple to use mind mapping tool. Works well across Mac and iPhone. It’s great for capturing some quick ideas in your existing mind maps on the iPhone.

**Developer response:** Thank you!! Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 5/5 — Perfect

*2022-09-23, version 2022.3.2*

A simple and effective way of building systems. Edit: when I am deep into a session I can’t click on the plus to make a node after some time. I have to left click then select. If I restart the app, then it is fixed. This could be a bug or a result of maxing out my computer’s performance; I have many chrome tabs open. I have a 16 in macbook pro.

### 3/5 — 2 Parents 1 Child

*2022-09-19*

Im SO confused why having 2 parents and 1 child would not be a feature? SO confused…?

Otherwise its a great program. Just don’t understand

**Developer response:** Hi Brett! We looked into this feature a couple of times in the past and, unfortunately, it's no as trivial to implement it into MindNode as it might seem at first. However, we're very aware how highly in demand it is with our users and we're going to give it another shot. Best regards, 
Vanessa

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Amazon app wasted by subscription model

*2024-11-09*

You can only add to the right of the nodes on free plan, like what?

### 1/5 — Usability stripped out and resold

*2024-05-24*

I bought the Pro version of this app a while back and absolutely loved it.

I’m disappointed to now see that the features I enjoyed and payed a premium for (albeit a one off payment) have now been stripped out and I’m being asked to “upgrade” for the privilege of using features I’ve already bought. The app is not worth using without the annual subscription and I’m not paying again.

Back to pen and paper for me.

**Developer response:** Hi Bess, thank you for your feedback. I'm sorry you're feeling this way. To offer you even more features we decided to switch to a subscription model a while ago. However, since we have no intention to take anything away from our users you can still use the version of MindNode you originally purchased, regularly. If you have any trouble accessing MindNode please contact us at support@mindnode.com so we can have a further look into this issue. Best regards,
Jessica

### 1/5 — Was a great App

*2022-09-12*

Mindnode was a great App. I have used it for over 7 years. It has now been modified so that all the functionality I used to enjoy is only available through a paid subscription. I paid £7.99 for this App and, legally, I believe I’m entitled to enjoy the same functionality I originally paid for? I think it would be stupid to buy-back the lost functionality and then in a few years have access removed again. Better to go with an alternative product.

**Developer response:** Please use the following steps to reinstall MindNode 4:
1. Open the App Store app
2. Click on the account icon in the upper right corner
3. Locate the entry "Purchased"
4. MindNode 4 should be in this list, locate it and click the download icon next to it.

Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 1/5 — Where did my mind maps go?

*2022-07-27, version 2022.2.4*

I tried MindNode, and was enjoying it. I had made several mind maps. However, today when went to make another mind map, and to look at my maps, they all have completely disappeared! Where did my mind maps go? This could have been a nice tool to add to my very useful repertoire of apps. But it is a liability if it’s going to just delete hours of my hard work! Where did my mind maps go?

Update:  The developer contacted me to give support, but nothing worked, nothing to recover in iCloud, all MindNode documents have disappeared of the face of the earth.  😢

### 1/5 — Life Changing

*2022-05-05, version 2022.2.2*

I have a way of doing things but this has introduced me to a new way of spatial mind mapping. I absolutely how clean the UI is and how I can add notes inside of nodes. Since I started school this is the only way I can take notes and clearly organize everything. I advise anybody wanting to try something new, to use this app and give it 100% effort. I will add just a few “personal” things I hope they add, these are just my own opinion and reflect no negativity to the app: More in depth note section and better way to add bullet points. MOREEEEE COLORS If the connections could “flow” better instead of some kind of boomerang looking line. Again this is just my personally opinion, this app is amazing and I know new users will love it! Keep up the amazing job!

Edit: It’s been a month since i posted but i am a subscriber to there monthly service, i have lost a very important mind map that I was using for school had all my notes everything three months down the drain because it is corrupted and it will not open so and I can’t figure out why it’s corrupted it’s just gone disappeared just like that. I can’t find it anywhere every time open up the MindMap it won’t open. Because of this I’m leaving a one star review because I don’t like all my work going down the drain for no reason and there’s no explanation either how does a MindMap get corrupted?

**Developer response:** Thank you very much!! I've added your wishes to our list of suggested features and will bring it up with the team. I can't promise that this will make it into the product in the near future. However, we review everything users send to us carefully. Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 1/5 — Update Wiped All My Documents

*2022-05-05*

Logged in today to use one of my many mind-maps, only to find that everything’s gone. Everything. Support is zero help - “missing documents”, “missing”, “gone”, “cannot find”, and every variation I can think of brings up no search results.

The entire point is to record my thoughts for later, so what’s the point of this program if I can’t then bring the data back up?

**Developer response:** Hi Lana! So sorry to hear this happened. 

Unfortunately, iCloud keeps having hiccups like this. In most cases, files can be recovered from Recently Deleted on iCloud.com.

However, in some cases users could not see their files there and had to recover them as outlined here:
https://9to5mac.com/2019/10/23/recover-lost-icloud-documents-files/

We're also investigating these issues at the moment and it would be super helpful if you could describe what you did before the file loss happened and answer some questions that might help us get to the bottom of this and send us the answers to support@mindnode.com: 
1. What MindNode and iOS version are you using? 
2. Please check if there are any crash logs on your device for MindNode and send them to us. Here's how you can find them: https://help.getpocket.com/article/1098-how-to-find-the-iphone-ipad-app-crash-logs
3. It would also be very helpful if you could provide us with the file access log from your device. This log contains document access activity, including current and previous document and folder names. No document content will be included in the log!
We will treat this information as personal information and will never share it outside the team. We will only keep this information as long as we investigate your issue and for a maximum of one month.
You can send us this information using the following steps:
a. On the Browse tab, select the gear icon in the upper left corner to bring up the About MindNode screen
b. Select the entry "Settings" 
c. Shake your device to bring up a dialog to access debug settings, select "Show Settings"
d. Scroll down the list to the entry "File Access Log" and select it
e. An email sheet will pop up. Please send us this email.

Thank you so much in advance! I know it's a lot. But it's our best chance of getting behind what's going on. 

Maybe you also have a Time Machine or other backup of your files where they can be recovered. 

Regards, 
Vanessa

### 1/5 — Confusing

*2022-03-25*

I’m a Product Manager but either technically challenged or the app isn’t intuitive. Without buying the subscription I can’t even see how to edit and add nodes to a thought. Very weird and what looked good quickly caused me disappointment. Sorry but you lost me

**Developer response:** Very sorry to hear this! If there's anything we can help with please send us an email to support@mindnode.com, we'll get back to you asap. Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 1/5 — 流氓軟體公司

*2021-10-21*

把之前客戶購買的版本升級，然後強制客戶升級並且按月付費，不然就無法打開過去的文檔。這種做法與流氓搶錢沒有分別。鄙視😒

### 1/5 — Just downloaded, doesn’t open, just crashes

*2021-10-10*

Looked good so just downloaded, but doesn’t open, just crashes back to home screen.

### 1/5 — No customer service

*2021-01-12, version 2020.6.1*

I purchased the program in 2018 for my Mac. Just emailed support today with an upgrade question and received an auto response from the company. The response contained only the text of my email. No message regarding them being in touch, no response timeline , no instructions. What’s the point in getting my email back? 

If you claim to have customer service, please provide actual customer service. A notice of received inquiry is fine as long as it contains info from your company about when you’ll be in touch, which lets customers know you’ll actually respond.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2024-09-03*

Old Review: Once you create a new document and are actually on the document, the experience is smooth and relatively simple. But getting to the document, that’s the hard part. At least it is for me. Whenever I open it, i can’t find my document because the only tabs there are for me is Recents and Shared. And since the document I was working on doesn’t show up, there is no way for me to find it. I don’t know, maybe I’m doing something wrong. But there should be a tab or group or something where you can see ALL of the mind maps you’ve ever created at once, even if they’re years old. If they fix this, then I will without a doubt give this app a 5 star rating.

Edit: Ok, my problem is fixed. My iPad was just acting weird so I shut it down and then restarted it, and now everything’s working again. Amazing app!

**Developer response:** Hi, thank you for your feedback! I understand your point. However, did you know you can sort your files (for example) by date created? Therefore, click the sort files icon in the upper left corner of your Finder. I hope this helps you find your documents faster. Best regards,
Jessica

### 5/5 — fantastic mind mapping app

*2024-08-09*

this minding app is a real pleasure to use, especially as it syncs  across your mobile and onto your MacBook so you can work on the roof and then refine in the office, also great as it backs up to the cloud as I had a terrible experience with losing all my mind maps to a crappy mind mapping app which saved on a local drive, definitely worth the money also great for communicating concepts to the team and collaborators

**Developer response:** Hi, we're very happy to hear you enjoy using MindNode and it enhances your workflow! Best regards,
Jessica

### 5/5 — My go to note taking tool

*2024-07-01*

Love this elegant interface  - have used this program for over 10 years 
It’s is consistently the best and is idea for setting up and prioritizing ideas /plans & lists

**Developer response:** Happy to hear you enjoy MindNode:) We are glad to have you as a user for such a long time! Best regards,
Jessica

### 5/5 — Safety

*2024-04-23*

I return here whenever there's a real crisis. It's very well built, helps me think, and doesn't make me miserable. Deep-linking to nodes, and slightly better thinking around the Shortcuts actions, would be appreciated but I'm happy for the team to take their time. They know what they're doing from the points of view of user experience and stability, unlike nearly everyone else.

**Developer response:** Hi, thank you for your nice feedback, I'll definitely pass it along to the team! I'm happy to hear you enjoy MindNode so much:) Also, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and ideas with us. I've added your wishes for deep linking to nodes and enhancing our shortcut actions to our list of suggested features and will bring it up with the team. I can't however promise that it will make it into the app soon. Still, we review everything users send to us carefully. Best regards,
Jessica

### 5/5 — Brain frendly

*2024-03-06*

I spent many years waiting for that tool. It unveils all the thoughts i have around an idea and helps me sort everything.

**Developer response:** Hi Josias, thank you for your great feedback! I'm happy to hear you enjoy MindNode:) Best regards,
Jessica

### 5/5 — Services MDA Inc

*2024-02-01*

iPhone Kim Hallee

### 5/5 — Still the best

*2024-01-02*

I've been using mind note since the beginning. It has been great over the years, and still is one of the best of its kind.

**Developer response:** Thank you so much!! Best regards,
Jessica

### 5/5 — Bottom up & Top down

*2023-09-21*

This app helps me take advantage of my natural bottom-up thinking and quickly and easily switch to a top-down view for brainstorming or whenever I encounter a snag on my grasp of a projects scope or prioritization process. 

I use the outline view for everyday scheduling and the mind map view for brainstorming projects.  This app compliments my AuDHD brain wonderfully!

**Developer response:** That's so wonderful to hear! Thank you!! Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 5/5 — I really like this app

*2023-09-06*

It’s easy and intuitive to use and the end result looks very good as well. Best mind mapping app for iOS and mac that I’ve tried.

**Developer response:** Thank you!! Best regards, 
Vanessa

### 5/5 — Mindnode is for people that don’t have wall space

*2023-07-23*

I don’t live in a place with wall space OR a board big enough for one, so this app is perfect especially with UI & big improvements over the years.

**Developer response:** Couldn't have said it better! Thank you!! Best regards, 
Vanessa

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*