# Trout — Mind Mapping

> Non-linear mind mapping app for organizing ideas with words, images, and sketches. (iPhone/iPad app by Digital-Dirtbag.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trout/id384470167 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Digital-Dirtbag](https://appshunter.io/developer/384470170)
- Category: Productivity, Education
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 12 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.6 · 51 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-08-04
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trout/id384470167/reviews.md

## What is Trout?

Trout is a mind mapping application that allows you to rapidly associate words and images, and help you organise your ideas in a non-linear way.

It could assist you with organising an event, writing a document or solving a problem. 
 
Your ideas can be categorised  by color and  shape and you can add sketches and photos to your map.  
 
Features
 
•Share your map as an image, PDF.
•Export OPML or markdown
•Freeform or automatic layout.
•Basic sketching for quick visual capture

## Key features

- Associate words and images
- Organize ideas non-linearly
- Categorize by color and shape
- Add sketches and photos
- Share as image or PDF
- Export OPML or markdown
- Freeform or automatic layout

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 60 Day subscription | $2.49 | per 2 months |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Free trial | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime Purchase | $9.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 12)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trout/id384470167/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Under developed!

*2020-10-28, version 3.3.0*

It’s quite difficult to come to terms with. Things don’t happen as you would expect.
It crashed on a brand new iPad after 20 minutes. When that happens and I lose everything I’ve lost confidence.....the app gets binned! And that’s what I’ve done!

Waste of money

### 5/5 — Excellent app

*2018-11-15, version 3.1.0*

After a bad start which mirrored a previous, 5 year old review of this app crashing when I tried to name my first mind map, the problem disappeared when I removed spaces from the name

The UI is discreet and stays out of the way. Tapping a free area near the bottom brings up key options. This is easy to learn, uncluttered, flexible and attractive. May not be as full featured as others like mind node and ithoughts but this app - for me - is much more productive because of ease of use and the distraction-free workspace

Impressed enough that I bought the Mac version as well. The two versions work together seamlessly via iCloud. Recommended

### 1/5 — DIASAPPOINTING

*2014-01-21, version 2.1.2*

Does not do what it (seems to) claim to do.
No help function that is helpful.
Developers page is just some random thoughts written by the developer.
Freezes sometimes.
Very non-intuitive for me.

### 2/5 — Too complicated and leggy

*2013-03-27, version 1.9.1*

.

### 2/5 — Crash Crash

*2013-03-01, version 1.9.1*

Looks like a really good application, but it keeps crashing on my iPad. I don't know why.

### 1/5 — Disappointed

*2012-11-15, version 1.9.1*

I have been looking for a user friendly mind map and this wasn't it.
There are instructions in this but I still couldn't work it out.  
I got so frustrated trying to work it out I ended up deleting it the next day.    Disappointed!!!!  Still looking!

### 5/5 — The best app ever for organizing!!!!!

*2012-04-28*

This app is amazing for categorizing and organizing different things, I'm using it for med school and it has been awesome. The ability to import pics, record, and put in hyperlinks is amazing! I've tried mindjet, mindmeister, and they either lacked in fluidity and/or customization this app has both. The only improvement that I would love to see is to be able to save pics when inside the built in web browser. In the current version you can only make a link but can't save pics or import them directly from the browser. Other than that, perfect app.

### 3/5 — Very good... But...

*2012-04-19, version 1.8*

This is precisely what I need to do story/novel planning with, and having tried it out, it does the mindmap/brainstorm thing perfectly. Except it crashes. At odd times. And then you lose what you've done since you've opened it...

I have emailed the developer and hopefully he can solve the problem, as this would otherwise get 5/5!

### 2/5 — useless

*2011-06-14, version 1.6.5*

could be a lot better with double links and not one way link. also the shapes are boring. has potential but far from being excellent. could hand write etc....

### 4/5 — Good app

*2011-02-03*

I've been looking at a number of mind mapping apps and this is the first to do a good job of cross linking. When you select a node a temporary menu shows up displaying all the links. Selecting a link will take you to that node. Even better, if the selected node is out of site, it moves you to the linked node!  This is great as it makes browsing a complex map much easier. 

Things I'd like to see (and make it to 5 stars):
Larger map
Choice to not have an icon
Ability to add more icons
Better pinch and expand to zoom in more
A browse mode that auto centers when you select a node or jump to a linked node.

## Frequently asked questions about Trout

### What is Trout?

Trout is a mind mapping application designed to help users organize their ideas in a non-linear fashion using words, images, and sketches. It supports sharing maps as images or PDFs and exporting in OPML or markdown formats.

### What devices does Trout support?

Trout is available on iPhone and iPad devices, allowing users to organize their thoughts across Apple's mobile platforms.

### How often is Trout updated?

The latest version of Trout was released on February 24, 2026, indicating a recent update. This suggests the app is actively maintained by its developer.

### What is the age rating for Trout?

Trout has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including younger individuals who can benefit from visual organization tools.

### Can I export my mind maps from Trout?

Yes, Trout allows you to share your mind maps as images or PDFs. Additionally, you can export your maps in OPML or markdown formats for use in other applications.

### Does Trout have ads?

No, Trout does not contain advertisements, providing an uninterrupted user experience for organizing ideas.

### What are the subscription options for Trout?

Trout offers a 60-day subscription for $2.49, providing a way to access premium features or extended use for a limited period.

### How does Trout help with organizing events or documents?

Trout's non-linear mind mapping approach allows you to break down complex tasks like event planning or document outlining into smaller, interconnected ideas. You can visually link related concepts, add details, and rearrange them as needed.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.5.0 — 2026-02-24

IOS 26 updates. 
Various cosmetic updates.

### 4.4.0 — 2025-06-08

- Draw on images with pencil or touch
- Various bugs fixed

### 4.3.0 — 2024-11-03

- Fixes for iOS 18 
- Improvements to dark mode

### 4.2.0 — 2024-03-03

- Updates for iOS 17
- Bugs and rough edges removed.

### 4.1.0 — 2022-12-28

- node border controls 
- node fill controls
- link width controls
- rotate sketches

## Apps similar to Trout

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [MindMap - MindMapper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindmap-mindmapper/id6736729888) | — | Free | Productivity |
| [Write in Chaos : Note in Order](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/write-in-chaos-note-in-order/id1479361467) | — | Free | Productivity |
| [Thortspace](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thortspace/id949518771) | 3.5 (4) | Free | Productivity |
| [MindPage](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindpage/id1498778559) | 4.5 (4) | $0.99 | Productivity |
| [Lucid Mind: Brainstorm Ideas](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lucid-mind-brainstorm-ideas/id1603326488) | 3.7 (3) | Free | Productivity |
| [Concept Mapping: Gloow](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/concept-mapping-gloow/id1487797118) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Productivity |

## More apps by Digital-Dirtbag

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- [GeoSplice](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geosplice/id6742348680)

All apps by Digital-Dirtbag: https://appshunter.io/developer/384470170

## Related topics

[dirtbag](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dirtbag)

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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 2026-06-01.*