# MindNode: Mind Map & Outline — user reviews > 219 indexed App Store user reviews of MindNode by IdeasOnCanvas GmbH, rated 4.60/5 from 299 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindnode-mind-map-and-outline/id6446116532/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindnode-mind-map-and-outline/id6446116532.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 246 · 4★ 25 · 3★ 11 · 2★ 3 · 1★ 14 ## What do users think of MindNode? Overall sentiment: neutral **Pros** - 🚀 Powerful brainstorming features - 👍 Intuitive and easy to use - 🌟 Excellent for organizing thoughts and ideas - 🌍 Seamless cross-device sync **Cons** - 🔒 Restrictive file management - 💰 Expensive subscription model - 🔍 Lack of folder organization - 🔙 Missing key features from classic version - 🐛 Bugs and stability issues **Commonly reported bugs** - Crashes on startup - Text rendering issues - Syncing problems across devices - Incompatibility with older hardware **Most requested features** - Add folder structure for organizing mind maps - Restore manual layout and positioning options - Bring back Apple Watch support - Improve export and integration with other apps - Provide more customization options for themes and formatting ## Newest reviews (13 of 219) ### 2/5 — I am moving on *2026-08-01* How can an App get worse over time? As a user over several years, I’ve noticed its evolving with trends (cloud only storage - bad move!). It’s not evolving with user needs. MORE IS LESS.. **Developer response:** We're sorry to hear that. We know this change isn't for everyone, and it definitely wasn't a decision we made lightly. At the same time, we've found a lot of benefits in the new approach and believe it will allow us to improve MindNode in the long run. Nevertheless, if you prefer the old workflow, you can still use MindNode Classic. It's available to download from our website. ### 2/5 — 한글 폰트 지원 *2026-07-29* 기존에 클래식 버전에세는 한글 서체 지원이 돼서 폰트 적용해서 정리하기 좋았는데 넥스트 버전에서는 적용이 안돼서 아쉬워요. 적용 가능할 수 있게 업데이트 해주시면 감사하겠습니다. 다른 건 다 좋아요! **Developer response:** 피드백을 보내주셔서 감사합니다! MindNode Next에서는 한국어 글꼴이 정상적으로 지원되어야 합니다. 따라서 이 문제를 저희 엔지니어들이 자세히 확인할 수 있도록 support@mindnode.com으로 연락해 주실 수 있을까요? (참고: 이 답변은 AI의 도움을 받아 번역되었습니다.) ### 3/5 — A regression *2026-07-24* MindNode Classic remains simply better than the new version. The move away from files is a serious misstep. **Developer response:** We're sorry to hear that. We know this change isn't for everyone, and it definitely wasn't a decision we made lightly. If you prefer the old workflow, you can still use MindNode Classic, it's available to download from our website. ### 4/5 — The best of the best *2026-07-06* Apple reminders syncing keeps breaking Make completed tasks more transparent to increase the contrast between completed and unfulfilled Make it possible to set dates and times in tasks Instead of the comment icon, you need to make a document attached Instead of tags, use a flag like in apple reminders. Use the importance of events (!!!), as in apple reminders. URL field Reminders fill in the field from link to the Task (not the Notes field). Notes field Reminders fill in the field from field Comment MindNode Make the creation date and time in reminders by default (currently without date and time). It is impossible to rename an already created List in Reminders. The subtask from MindNode should be in subtask Reminders **Developer response:** Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us! I'll share your suggestions with the team:) ### 4/5 — 感觉没有经典款好用。 *2026-06-28* 很习惯的按了回车键，却不是换行而是完成当前node。请把换行功能补回来，谢谢！ **Developer response:** Thank you for bringing this up. I'll share your feedback with the team and we'll investigate this! ### 4/5 — 后续版本会支持LateX公式吗？ *2026-05-26* 市面上同类型的App很多都支持LateX公式了，MindNode后续版本会考虑支持LateX公式吗？ **Developer response:** Yes, absolutely! We're currently working on this feature and it will most likely ship with the next update:) ### 4/5 — Excellent Mind Mapping - Preferred the “Pro” version *2026-05-11, version 2026.2.1* I’ve used this as my default note-taking tool for many years. I preferred the recent “MindNode Pro” version because it felt more professional - it was easy to create a condensed view of a map, and you could quickly change the color of a branch to highlight categories. In general, this new version feels more cartoonish and creates maps that are harder to work with on a laptop. I’m also really not interested in the AI features. I don’t need the mind map to brainstorm for me - that’s literally why I bought a mind map tool in the first place. Good product, I’ll still use it, but I’ll stick with Pro as long as it’s supported. If they come out with a feature by feature equivalent that works on Apple silicon, I’ll use that instead. ### 2/5 — Captif Mac *2026-05-01* Rédhibitoire. J’aime beaucoup cette application que j’utilise depuis des années. Cependant, ne pas pouvoir la partager simplement avec un environnement Windows est tout simplement rédhibitoire. Pourquoi ne pas permettre d’une interface web ? Je ne veux pas maintenir des Fichiers Mac que je ne peux pas partager professionnellement. C’est tristement que je vais me tourner vraisemblablement vers Xmind. Je ne veux pas maintenir deux systèmes en parallèle. **Developer response:** I get your point and understand why you would want MindNode for PC. We’re a small company with limited resources, specializing in creating delightful, native software for Mac and iOS. However, I'll share your idea 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. ### 2/5 — 摆脱团队不要在瞎迭代了 *2026-04-09* 这个软件20年后升级的版本越来越难用，原来一些简单好用的功能反而都删除了不知道为什么 **Developer response:** Sorry you're feeling this way! Did you know you can continue using the versions you previously purchased? You can re-install it via your AppStore account. ### 2/5 — Grid Frustrations. *2026-04-06, version 2026.2* No option to turn off this snap to grid feature. And zoom feature seems to only be zoom all the way in, or all the way out. As is, moving nodes around moves other nodes and this is very frustrating. Someone enlighten me or please devs, fix this. ### 3/5 — 不太好用 *2026-03-28* 1.文本输入框靠近窗口底部时无法单击选定、双击编辑文本，但文本框往中央位置移动后正常。2.查找功能不好用，查找关键字后只显示关键字所在条目，而非在图中突出显示，每次查找都要经过“开启焦点模式-点选条目-清空搜索栏内容”才能显示搜索内容及其上下文。3.写了两三百条后，文本输入卡顿严重，不论系统输入法还是第三方的。——要不是已经记录大量内容我真的想换个 app 了 orz **Developer response:** I'm sorry you're feeling this way! Regarding your first point, I wasn’t able to reproduce this behavior on our end. It would really help if you could reach out to us at support@mindnode.com, so we can take a closer look together. We’re also currently working on improving the search experience, as we know it can feel a bit cumbersome right now. As for the performance issues: MindNode can sometimes struggle with very large documents, but what you’re describing shouldn’t normally happen with around 200–300 entries. In some cases, this can also be related to using an older operating system. ### 2/5 — 改悪 *2026-03-24* 前のバージョンから使用していました。アップデイト版は、UI機能自体は良いのだけれど、保存場所を強制的に移動させられて、自己管理できなくなってしまったのが最悪。余計なお世話。キャンセルしました。 **Developer response:** I'm sorry you're feeling this way!  MindNode Next is a shoe-boxed app. This means that instead of storing documents on the file system, the app itself is now managing them. Documents in MindNode Next are stored in CloudKit and not in iCloud Drive or a third-party sharing provider. Most new Apple apps, like Notes, Photos, and Freeform are non-document-based apps. They all use CloudKit to store data. CloudKit is the backing sever technology Apple uses for all of its web services. Also, iCloud Drive is built on top of it. One great benefit of using a synced database in MindNode Next over files stored in iCloud Drive in MindNode Classic is that the system doesn't offload your documents and they are always there. Even when offline on an airplane. As a workaround, we’ve introduced an Alias feature, which lets you place an alias of your document on your desktop or anywhere else you prefer. And we’re also currently working on adding support for additional storage providers. ### 5/5 — Mapping Elegance *2026-03-18, version 2026.1.1* I’ve used MindNode since 2011. Have investigated many other mapping apps since (mostly to advise my unfortunate Windows users) but none match MindNode’s elegance and ease of use. New sharing features have proven a bit quirky to implement. Still wish I could share maps with their text notes appended to map elements. But these weaknesses aside, MindNode stands as my goto mapping tool for all sorts of projects and analysis. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — ‘Cloud only’ was an unwise move *2026-08-17* Stupid decision to use CloudKit solely, without any possibility of saving documents. No way of keeping them in information managers like DEVONthink — or just wherever you want, in the traditional spirit of Mac apps. **Developer response:** We're sorry you're feeling this way! We understand that this change isn't for everyone, and we definitely didn't make the switch lightly. Just to clarify, many of Apple's newer apps, like Notes, Photos, and Freeform, are no longer based on traditional files. Instead, they use CloudKit to store and sync data. CloudKit is Apple's technology for syncing data across its services, and iCloud Drive is built on top of it as well. One of the benefits we've found with the synced documents are always available in MindNode, even when you're offline. ### 1/5 — Strict Auto-Layout ruined this app *2026-08-11, version 2026.4.2* There’s no way you can lay out buy yourself, I quit ### 1/5 — Too expensive *2026-08-08, version 2026.4.2* I downloaded this years ago to play around with it but never used it. Now that I’ve learned about mind mapping and effective study habits, I decided to give it a shot. However, paying 24.99 a year to JUST change the font? Absolutely ridiculous. Going with Simplemind instead since it’s a one time purchase. ### 1/5 — This is 'cloud only'. They've hidden the old file-based version, even from subscribers. *2026-07-10* They're so obsessed with making their mindmapper cloud-only, which is incredibly inconvenient if you have to work offline and depend on being able to make your own backups (backups are impossible under this new model! Something goes wrong, you're out of luck.) I don't understand how obstinate this company is to completely overturn and remove their old file-based storage systems. I got Soulver 4, which also uses 'cloud' storage - which makes sense for transitory documents, not files you need to back up and process locally - but even *they* have an option to create locally files. It's sheer bloodymindedness on this company's part to remove one of the most foundational, basic elements of software - that you can edit and copy your own files - and hide it behind a morass of intermittently based servers. With that as a caveat, if you're using this professionally, bear in mind that this is no longer the dependable, serious piece of software and the company will pull the rug out from under paying users without notice. **Developer response:** Thanks for your feedback. We understand that the move away from file-based storage isn't for everyone, especially if your workflow relies on managing files directly in Finder or creating your own file-based backups. With MindNode Next, documents are stored in CloudKit rather than iCloud Drive. This approach has a few advantages, such as keeping your documents available offline. If you prefer working with files, you can still drag documents from MindNode onto your Desktop or the Files app to create aliases that open the original document in MindNode. We know this change doesn't fit every workflow, however, we appreciate you sharing your perspective. If you rely on this feature you can also continue using MindNode Classic, which is still available on our website and receives regular updates. ### 1/5 — インストールしただけでサブスクリプション3000円に契約になりました *2026-05-14* 表題のとおりで、インストール→起動→新規書類を作り 同期設定を確認したら 「サブスクリプション契約ありがとうございます」と表示が出ました。 すぐにサブスク設定を開いて解約をしましたが、11月に解約される表示が出ました。 これは3000円支払うのでしょうか？ Mindnodeは初期バージョンから愛用しており、今回はMindnode proからの以降を考えてダウンロードしテスト（無料版）で使ってみたいだけでした。 使用しているMacは MacBookPro 2019 iPhone13です Mindnode pro（購入済）が頻繁に落ちるようになったので、 MindeNode Outlineをしばらく無料版で使う方法を教えてください。 **Developer response:** I'm sorry this happened. If you ever run into an issue like this again, please feel free to reach out to us directly via email as well. That usually helps us respond and investigate more quickly. In general, MindNode subscriptions come with a one-week free trial. If you cancel during the trial period, you won't be charged. If the trial period ends and the subscription has not been canceled, Apple will charge you according to the plan you selected (monthly or yearly). Also, we offer a free editor, where you can use all the basic features without a subscription. If you believe you subscribed unintentionally or were charged by mistake, you can request a refund directly from Apple. Apple handles all purchases, subscriptions, and refunds for MindNode, so unfortunately we're unable to issue refunds or make changes to subscriptions ourselves. You can submit a refund request here: https://reportaproblem.apple.com/ I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions. ### 1/5 — asinine ‘cloud only’ storage. *2026-04-15* Because they’ve decided *no-one* stores documents on their computer, where they can be backed up, I can no longer recommend this. You can work around it if you import then export, but to make your own document format *non-native* is up there as one of the most ridiculous engineering decisions I can imagine. Because the files are not on your computer, you don’t get previews or quicklook renders from other applications that generate or use them. this used to be amazing for making clickable preview maps of links to other documents, but that’s now impossible, as you don’t have files any more. of course, you can import, edit, export over the local version, but at that point it’s less error prone to use something that works locally. Ironically, the new update crows “With improved Document Linking, you can connect your mind maps directly from the link panel without breaking your flow. Whether you’re organizing projects or exploring related thoughts, linking helps you build a network instead of a collection. Inline previews show where a link leads before you open it, keeping you oriented as you navigate.” So they understand the value of using their documents as link maps, they’ve just made it impossible to do with anything else. They’ve broken their software to the point that it prevents anything else from doing what they’ve made out is their great new feature. Please, just implement local document storage, like the old version did. It’s utterly insane to have pushed this into a cloud-only system, while breaking and reimplementing all the features that local storage gave (versions are very easy as a native part of TimeMachine, but you broke that and now reimplemented your own ‘versions’ as though it’s a great new feature), removing the old outline/editor side-by-side view, and muddying their names. It’s almost like someone is doing product development as a performance prank, implementing the worst features in the most cack-handed approach possible. It’s completely insane how muddled this once-great programme has become. Even more annoyingly, if you look in the package, there’s a bunch of .mindnode files. They use non-cloud documents as part of the application. Just not for long-term users, eh? **Developer response:** You're right, there is a difference between how documents are stored on MindNode Next and MindNode Classic. MindNode Classic is a document-based app, and  MindNode Next is a shoe-boxed app. This means that instead of storing documents on the file system, the app itself is now managing them. I get that the process of importing can get a bit cumbersome. However, the files should not get corrupted. Documents in MindNode Next are stored in CloudKit and not in iCloud Drive or a third-party sharing provider. The reason we made this change is that most new Apple apps, like Notes, Photos, and Freeform are non-document-based apps. They all use CloudKit to store data. CloudKit is the backing sever technology Apple uses for all of its web services. Also, iCloud Drive is built on top of it. One great benefit of using a synced database in MindNode Next over files stored in iCloud Drive in MindNode Classic is that the system doesn't offload your documents and they are always there. Even when offline on an airplane. If you have corrupted files, please reach out to us via support@mindnode.com so we can solve this issue together. ### 1/5 — Disappeared *2026-04-06, version 2026.2* Mind map I was working on just completely disappeared suddenly and can’t find it anywhere. Very disappointed because I liked this app but the work I put in for hours is just gone. ### 1/5 — 重要思维导图丢失 *2026-02-28* 编辑完一个思维导图退出后再次打开软件发现列表里消失，最近删除里也没有，感觉像完全消失了。 **Developer response:** I'm sorry this is causing you trouble! We're currently encountering a bug that sounds like the issue you're dealing with. We would apprechiate it very much if you could reach out to us via support@mindnode.com with the following information: MindNode verison, iOS version, was this a new file you created or on that already existed? This would help us a lot to fix it as soon as possible. Also, most of the time you can recover files in your iCloud. Therefore, please open this link: https://www.icloud.com and find Data recovery. ### 1/5 — Huge bug *2026-02-25* There’s a huge bug, the app is non-stop closing by itself. **Developer response:** I'm sorry this is happening to you! Could you please reach out to us via support@mindnode.com so our engineering team can have a look into this? Also it would be very helpul if you already attache the following information: • Open the Console.app • Click on the "Crash Reports" in the sidebar on the left • Drag one or more reports from the table on the top into this E-Mail (this will create attachments for each .ips file) ### 1/5 — Used to be great *2026-02-12, version 2026.1* Now you don’t have documents, it has amorphous blobs that exist in a cloud store that you can’t operate on locally or back up. I get apple notes does this, but apple notes are disposable notes; I don’t expect serious applications with subscription fees to treat my documents as cloudslop. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — 애플 생태계 최고의 앱 *2026-08-04* 저는 이 마인드 노드 앱을 애플 생태계 통틀어 최고의 앱으로 칭하고 싶습니다. 정말 깔끔한 UI 디자인과 굉장히 생산적인 문서 작성 앱, 그와 함께 자연스러운 AI 시스템의 결합으로 매일 매일 공부랑 문서 정리 하는 재미로 맥을 잠자기 모드에서 깨웁니다. 정말 개발해주셔서 진심으로 감사합니다. **Developer response:** Thank you so much! We appreciate your feedback and are happy you enjoy using MindNode. ### 5/5 — Great app. 1 recommendation *2026-08-03, version 2026.4.2* Please add a lock node feature to prevent nodes from being edited or deleted unintentionally. ### 5/5 — 최고의 마인드 노트 앱, 최고의 앱 *2026-07-08* 정말 훌륭한 앱이라고 자부할 수 있습니다. 대학 과제를 하면서 성적을 올리기 위해 여러 노트 앱을 써봤지만 이렇게 완성도 높은 앱을 통해 강의를 정리하고 마인드 노드로 정리할 수 있다는 것만 해도 맥을 비롯한 애플 생태계 구축에 큰 핵심이 될 것입니다. 정말 훌륭한 앱이고, 애플 제품을 이용하는 이유가 될 것입니다. **Developer response:** Thank you so much! We appreciate your feedback and are happy you enjoy using MindNode. ### 5/5 — Playful useful maps *2026-07-06* MindNode continues to excel. The developer is carefully designing vital features that keep the app sleek and improve usability while increasing depth. All is done in the most beautiful way. Thank you folks. ### 5/5 — Simple on the surface, powerful deep down! *2026-06-27, version 2026.3.2* Mind Node grows with you, limited only by your imagination. Ready to surprise you with sophistication wrapped in elegance… ### 5/5 — Game-changer *2026-06-10, version 2026.3.2* I am an academic researcher, and have found that MindNode has made it MUCH easier to organize thoughts and keep track of multiple projects. ### 5/5 — Great App *2026-06-04, version 2026.3* Excellent, very good software which is easy to use. Keep up the good work. Thoroughly recommended. ### 5/5 — Great app *2026-04-26, version 2026.2.1* Nice and simple, easy to use. But I hope it can expand into Windows ### 5/5 — 지금 현존하는 최고 *2026-04-26* 복잡한 기능없고 단순해서 사용하기 좋음. 윈도우와 라눅스에서 사용 가능하면 최고일텐데 아쉽네요. **Developer response:** We're happy to hear you enjoy MindNode:) Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas with us. I've added your wish 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. ### 5/5 — Très bonne application *2026-04-21* Vraiment très bien j’ai enfin trouvé une application sur Mac pour mettre mes idées en ordre, organiser ma Semaine, lancer mes idées pour différents projets ! Manque juste les Widgets sur iPhone et Apple Watch pour plus d’interaction et une meilleure visibilité **Developer response:** We're happy to hear this:) Thank you for the great feedback! There are definitely exciting things to look forward to;) --- *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.*