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= Welcome to the Freeplane Wiki  =
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[[File:FreeplaneWiki.jpg|thumb|right|      [https://www.freeplane.org/mapsOnline/?map=IndexWiki.mm Index wiki] ]]
  
[[Image:Download.png|left|71x67px|link=http://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/|Download Freeplane]] ''Boost your brain with Freeplane''  
+
You can navigate this wiki in different ways. The navigation menu on the left directs you to main support areas. Pages on detailed topics can be found in the mind map ''Index wiki'' on the right. Many pages of this wiki are tagged at the end of the page with Categories. You can click on the Category at the end of the page to display an index of all pages of the same Category.
'''[http://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/ Download Freeplane and read project news on SourceForge]'''
 
  
 +
You are invited to use and contribute to this wiki, to share information and tips about Freeplane and its features.
 +
<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">NOTE: because of spammer attacks, editing of this wiki is now only allowed for registered wiki editors. If you want to become a wiki editor, [https://sourceforge.net/u/dpolivaev/profile/send_message write] to the Freeplane team which user name and e-mail you want to use for the registration.</span> So we can create a new user account and let the wiki generate password and send it to the mail address you provide.
  
 +
We use forum https://www.freeplane.org/forum for discussions and issue tracker https://www.freeplane.org/tickets for bug reports and feature requests.
 +
The old forum content is available read only at https://www.freeplane.org/forum2012 .
  
Dear Freeplane users,
+
[[Support#This_wiki| Read more..]].
  
You can use this wiki to share information and tips about Freeplane and its features.  
+
{{TOC|align=right}}
 +
<center>
 +
<big>'''''Free mind mapping and knowledge management software''''' </big>
 +
</center>
 +
[[Image:Download.png|center|71x67px|link=https://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/files/|Download Freeplane]]
 +
<center>
 +
<big>'''[https://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/ Download Freeplane now!]''' </big><br>
 +
(this downloads the stable version 1.10.3) <br>
 +
[https://www.freeplane.org/info/history/history_en.txt change log]&nbsp;&nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Fixed_security_vulnerabilities|fixed security issues]]<br>
 +
Download last development versions ([https://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/files/freeplane%20preview/ '''''preview'''''])<br>
 +
Try it and give [https://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/reviews/ '''your opinion'''].
 +
<br>
  
You can create new pages and edit all existing pages including this one after you [http://freeplane.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Main_Page register and log in].  
+
Freeplane is a free mind mapping program under the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_General_Public_License GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later]. <br>
 +
See [[Support#Installation|''Support'']] for installation instructions, language support and special buttons and keys for Macintosh.<br>
 +
</center>
  
You can subscribe to [http://freeplane.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php?title=Special:RecentChanges&feed=atom atom feed] to be informed about all changes in this wiki. Using [http://www.feedmyinbox.com/ this web service] you can get daily e-mail notifications whenever the content changes. The same service can also be used for notifications about any changes of the project pages on the Source forge.  
+
<big>Freeplane is the Community Choice Source Forge Project of the Month for June 2014 and for November 2016 and the Staff Choice for July 2014 and December 2020.</big>
  
*[[Think Tank]]
+
==What it is==
 +
[[File:WhatIsMindMapping.jpg|thumb|right|[https://www.freeplane.org/mapsOnline/?map=WhatIsMindMapping.mm What is mind mapping]]]
 +
Freeplane is a free and open source software application that supports thinking, sharing information and getting things done at work, in school and at home.  The software can be used for [https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Mind_map '''mind mapping'''] and analyzing the information contained in mind maps. Freeplane runs on any operating system that has a current version of Java installed. It can be run locally or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_application portably] from removable storage like a USB drive.
  
*Users might be interested in the [[Translation How-To]].<br><br>
+
==Freeplane basics==
 +
<center>{{#ev:youtube|-5KH64Skpnc}}</center>
  
__TOC__
+
== Application areas==
 +
[[File:FreeplaneOverview_en.jpg|thumb|right|[https://www.freeplane.org/mapsOnline/?map=freeplaneApplications.mm Application areas] ]]
 +
Freeplane supports much more than classic static mind mapping. This is illustrated by the mind map ''Application areas'' on the right, which summarizes the kind of tasks supported by Freeplane.  Click on the hyperlink below the image to navigate the map. Read the node called ''Caption'' to learn how to navigate the map and unhide hidden information. Click the node ''Demonstration creating a map'' to see how easy it is to make a map.
  
= What is Freeplane&nbsp;=
+
In the center of the map, ''Application areas'' you see the central topic (root node) of the map. Extending from it are branches with subtopics (child nodes). At the border you see free topics (free nodes) which are independent of the root-tree. All topics can be formatted or styled and can contain text, hyperlinks, pictures and more; and can be connected with labelled lines or arrows. Also a topic (node) can represent hidden information which displays when the user wants it or can be automatically executed (formula). Content can also be password protected or connected to a particular time or filter.
 +
==Functions==
 +
[[File:freeplaneFunctions.jpg|thumb|right | [https://www.freeplane.org/mapsOnline/?map=freeplaneFunctions.mm Freeplane functions]]]
 +
<!-- [[File:freeplaneFunctions.jpg|thumb|right | [https://www.freeplane.org/mapsOnline/?map=Freeplane_FeatureMap.mm Freeplane features]]] -->
 +
Freeplane supports the above application areas with the following functions:
 +
* Note taking with freely positionable, unconnected nodes (like post-it’s);
 +
* Ordering ideas (nodes) into a hierarchy connected by lines (edges);
 +
* Classifying nodes with metadata (attributes) and style types (system styles, user defined styles, level styles);
 +
* Grouping nodes with visual containers (clouds) and accolade (summary node);
 +
* Connecting nodes with dynamic links, free lines (connectors) and labels;
 +
* Automatically styling nodes (with a bubble, color, edge type, etc.) according to hierarchical level and content (conditional styles, automatic edge color, level styles);
 +
* Structuring nodes in terms of content (text, scientific formula, calculation, icon, image and hyperlink) and presentation area (core, details, notes, attributes, images and tooltip);
 +
* Changing views by hiding content (folding branches, filtering, roll-up of details and hiding extensions in tooltip), finding, scrolling and navigating;
 +
* Tasking with calendar and reminders;
 +
* Password protecting of whole map and of individual nodes with DES encryption;
 +
* Ease of use with inline- and dialog editors, object oriented main menu, context menu’s, multi-language support, spell checker, properties panel, drag& drop functionality, hot keys, options for batch execution, publishing, sharing and selectable preferences;
 +
* [[Approximate_search|Approximate Search]] (similarity search) which allows to find search terms in a text, even if there is no ''exact'' match (e.g. "setup" = "set up" or "flie" = "file").
 +
* [[LaTeX_in_Freeplane|Support for LaTeX formulae]] underneath/in nodes
 +
* Easy extension of functionality with [[Add-ons|add-ons]] and home made [[Scripting|scripts]];
 +
* Integration with Docear academic literature suite;
 +
* Extensive support through Wiki and Forum; and tutorial and documentation in the form of a mind map.
  
Freeplane is a free Mind Mapping software. It is a redesigned version of well known FreeMind created by one of its key developers. The software architecture is mainly written in Java, thus supported platforms are&nbsp;:
+
The map called ''Freeplane functions'' illustrates the main functions of Freeplane. Besides it provides an index with hyperlinks to the tutorial an documentation where you can read more. The links are hidden at first, but become visible and can be clicked if you hover with the cursor over a function (node). This is another example of the power of Freeplane. (To experience these functions, open ''Help > Getting Started'' in the Freeplane program and select Index).
  
*Microsoft Windows
+
==Add-ons and Scripts==
*Portable version  
+
It is possible to extend the functionality of Freeplane using [[Add-ons]] and [[Scripting|scripts]]. You can make your own add-ons and scripts using the built in scripting language Groovy (based on JavaScript), and beginning with version 1.5 other languages, like python. Check page [[Add-ons_(install)]] for add-ons other users have made and shared. They can be downloaded and installed with a simple mouse click. [[Add-ons (Develop)|Instructions are available]] if you want  to make your own add-ons.
*Linux
 
*Apple Mac OS.
 
  
Freeplane is available in differents languages. Current available translations are: English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Croatian.  
+
==Presenting mind maps==
 +
Once you have a mind map you may want to use and present it. RoAn-Presentation provides a combination of mind mapping with Powerpoint- and Prezi like presentation, using automatic filtering and zooming. Stepping the presentation not only unfolds nodes, but also displays hidden details, centers the current node and more. In short it supports traversing a mind map, taking over abundant clicking from the user. You may download and install addon RoAn-presentation
 +
[[Add-ons_%28install%29#Roan-Presentation|'''here''']].
  
Freeplane is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
+
==Why you want it==
 +
[[File:WHY_Freeplane1.2Narrative.jpg|thumb|right| [https://www.freeplane.org/mapsOnline/?map=WhyFreeplane.mm Why Freeplane] ]]
  
<br>
+
Freeplane aims for maximum ease and speed of use. Occupying the middle ground between an editor and a diagramming tool, Freeplane allows the user to add content as quickly and naturally as they would in a text editor, yet producing structured content that can be manipulated as easily as a diagram. The workflow is unimpeded by the need to think about and manually place each piece of information; the user can intuitively input content as paragraphs and headings, and easily reorganise at a later stage. The width and other aspect of each topic (node) can be set independently and a node can be defined to behave indepently from the nodes in the tree structure, to be ''free positionable''. The use of adaptable styles makes formatting an easy job and conditional styles make it automatic. A growing set of node extensions provide for details, metadata, scalable images, in-line hyperlinks and more which can be independently controlled to be visible or not. Freeplane maps can be easily integrated with Internet pages as in this wiki. And Freeplane is integrated with the [http://docear.org ''Docear academic literature suite''].  Although Freeplane functionality is intended for non-programmers, the Freeplane project offers potential programmers a versatile [[Scripting:_Example_scripts| scripting]] language. Programmers may easily develop powerful extensions and students are stimulated to learn programming in a natural and stimulating environment. Freeplane also has a powerful mechanism to install [[Add-ons|packages]] of scripts, icons, images, language dictionaries for spell checking and other preferences including a different menu structure; and which can be used by non-programmers.
  
= Freeplane features =
+
Freeplane was created because of [http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Freemind_refactoring_plan short-comings] in the design of the popular open source mind mapping program [http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page Freemind]. Freeplane has been [[Relationship_to_FreeMind| refactored]] from Freemind to make its code and packages more modular, make it easier for new [[Contributors|software developers]] to contribute to Freeplane development, and to release new versions of Freeplane more often.
  
== The most important new features ==
+
FreeMind users can have a look at the [[Freeplane features you were missing in FreeMind| list of the most helpful features]] missed in FreeMind and available in Freeplane.
  
*Better inline_editor for all plain text nodes
+
=Documentation=
*[[Edge-like connectors|Edge like connectors]] (available from connector pop-up menu)
+
[[File:FreeplaneTutorial_en.jpg|thumb|right|[https://www.freeplane.org/mapsOnline/?map=freeplaneTutorial.mm Tutorial] ]]
*[[External objects]]: External bitmap and SVG images can be attached using menu Insert-&gt;External object and resized
+
The versatility of Freeplane is demonstrated by the fact that the main user documentation is contained in mind maps. The mind map on the right shows the basic ''Tutorial'' for using Freeplane. The actual version of this map is contained in the Freeplane program in menu ''Help > Tutorial.''
**Image size can be reseted double clicking on the bottom right corner
+
This wiki contains a page ''[[Freeplane_Tutorial_Extensions| Freeplane_Tutorial_Extensions]]'' with use cases which can be navigated or can be downloaded and extended. For some of the examples there are animations illustrating the making of the map. See [[:Category:Translation|Translated wiki pages]] if the page ''Freeplane Tutorial Extensions'' has been translated into your language. The advanced user is helped with detailed documentation in Freeplane's''Help > Documentation'' and by many specific wiki pages explaining things like ''[[Scripting]]'', ''[[Formulas]]'' and ''[[Add-ons]]''. The [[Mind_map_gallery| mind map galleries]] provide a place for sharing mind maps in several languages. Online help is available at the open Forum, see below. It is possible to create a high quality animation or video of using Freeplane, see [[Video's_and_animations_How-to| how to]].
**Images can be scaled by dragging the bottom right corner
 
*[[External script file execution|Loading and execution of external groovy scripts]]  
 
*Insert image dialog and insert external object dialog have file previews
 
*[[F-Toolbar]]  
 
*Find or Replace in all open maps
 
*Full screen mode
 
*[[Hidden Edge Style]]  
 
*Horizontal Edge Style
 
*Hot keys can be set by pressing left mouse button on menu item and holding CONTROL key
 
*[[Scripting documentation|New scripting API]]  
 
*Outline view
 
*[[Portable Freeplane]]  
 
*Selective paste from edit menu (Paste as...)
 
*Spell checker
 
*Structured HTML paste
 
  
== New filtering features  ==
+
==Freeplane books==
 +
* German: "Freeplane 1.3 kompakt" by Holger Reibold, ISBN: 978-3-95444-177-4.
  
*Date based filter
+
=Community=
*Filter conditions for numeric values return false for non numeric values
 
*Filter based on link labels
 
*[[Filter history]]
 
*Filter menu
 
*Filter tool bar can be hidden like all other tool bars,
 
*Filter status is displayed in status line
 
  
== Other features  ==
+
[[File:Nnako_CommunityStructure.png|thumb|right|link={{filepath:Nnako_CommunityStructure.png}}|community structure]]
  
*All backup or autosave files are numbered from 1 to maximum number, the bigger number the latest file.  
+
Freeplane is a non-commercial project. It lives by our active and vibrant [[:Category:Community|community]], where we try to support each other in order to develop and provide an outstanding knowledge management application. Please, feel free to discuss Freeplane and its features with other interested Freeplane users. For this purpose, we provided two forums (see structure picture on the right):
*Automatic backup for all loaded files on first save.
 
*Backup and autosave use directory ".backup" created in the map directory.
 
*Edit nodes with line breaks in in-line editor (alt+enter to quit , shift+enter for line break)
 
*Enable link pop-up menu even if neither target nor source node is selected.
 
*Exception traces for internal errors are automatically sent to freeplane team for analysis.
 
*[[Export Using XSLT]]  
 
*Hide tabs if only one map is loaded
 
*Hot keys: CONTROL + ALT + RIGHT, CONTROL + ALT + LEFT
 
*Icon actions moved in separate menu
 
*Icon toolbar hidden by default
 
*Linking to arbitrary URI integrated
 
*Links where target or source are selected are found first.  
 
*New icons: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%
 
*New navigation actions useful for presentation "next node" and "previous node". They traverse the map in depth-first order.
 
*Personal modification color can be set in prefeences
 
*Plain text search for filter in html nodes added
 
*Priority filters based on priority icons
 
*Text labels can be added to any end and in the middle of any link by link pop-up menu
 
*Text rendering mode use more exact fractional metric based version.  
 
*The action is also available from pop-up menu
 
*The attached file can be opened by double click on the image itself
 
*The same zooms applies to all maps
 
*Zoom keep selected node position
 
*Zoom saved between sessions
 
  
= Freeplane Testing  =
+
We invite you to do the following things:
  
[[How to test]]  
+
in our '''[https://github.com/freeplane/freeplane/discussions OPEN DISCUSSION FORUM]'''
  
[[Testing/release policy]]  
+
* discuss the usage of existing features
 +
* discuss the suitability of new features
 +
* discuss the development of [[Scripts_collection|existing scripts]] and new ones
  
= Scripting  =
+
New bug reports go into the [https://github.com/freeplane/freeplane/issues/new?template=bug_report.md bug reports]
  
[[Scripting|Scripting overview]]  
+
New feature requests go into the [https://github.com/freeplane/freeplane/issues/new?template=feature_request.md feature requests]
  
= Browsing this Wiki<br>  =
+
Freeplane's old user forums are archived [https://sourceforge.net/p/freeplane/discussion/758437 here] and [https://www.freeplane.org/forum2012/viewforum.php?f=1 here].
  
Many pages on this wiki are tagged with one or more of the following Categories:<br>
 
  
*[[:Category:Advanced Users|Advanced Users]] - Documentation for experienced and/or technical users<br>
+
News about new features coming in future releases of Freeplane can be found on our [[Support#Freeplane_1.2.x| preview page]].
*[[:Category:Developer Documentation|Developer Documentation]] - Information for software developers wishing to enhance or customize Freeplane<br>
 
*[[:Category:Needs Updating|Needs Updating]] - Pages which contain valuable information, though some of it needs to be updated<br>
 
*[[:Category:Old Wiki|Old Wiki ]] - Pages imported from the previous Wiki which may now be obsolete<br>
 
*[[:Category:Team Freeplane|Team Freeplane]] - Freeplane team members and project coordination<br>
 
*[[:Category:Testing|Testing ]] - Details about testing new versions of Freeplane which are under development<br>
 
*[[:Category:User Documentation|User Documentation]] - Basic information about Freeplane including usage and features<br>
 
  
= Useful links  =
+
To understand the Freeplane document structure (XML) and get it's XSD schema go to: [[Document Format |Document Format ]]
  
*Freeplane [http://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/ SourceForge page] with summary on the latest project activity
+
To understand the the project goal, see the Freeplane [[Visions| vision]].
*Freeplane [http://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/forums/forum/758437 Open discussion forum]
 
*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/files/freeplane%20testing/ Old builds repository] of Freeplane
 
*[http://freeplane.sourceforge.net/testversion/ Current test builds] of Freeplane  
 
*Icons
 
**[http://www.famfamfam.com/lab/icons/silk/ Silk Icons] organized into folders [[http://www.mediafire.com/file/dy4ynmkvmhz/Silk icons organized.zip]]  
 
**[http://www.famfamfam.com/lab/icons/flags/ Flags of the world] icons organized into folders [[http://www.mediafire.com/file/nomjzj3wmyw/Country Flags organized.zip]]
 
  
<br>
+
[[:Category:Community|Join]] the Freeplane [[Contributors|team]] not only as user but maybe as a
 +
* developer (coder and designer)
 +
* tester (writer of tutorials, screencasts and help texts)
 +
* translator (various languages)
 +
* forum moderator (care for a specific subject)
  
''Hint: all of wiki/forum/files pages (and even sections) can be easily followed via newsfeeds, so don't hesitate to subscribe!''
+
= Artwork =
 +
[[File:Freeplane frame icon 32x32.png|top|border]] Artwork for Freeplane since version 1.3 is created by [http://havepencilwilltravel.com/artwork/ Robert Gibson]
  
<br>
+
= Thanks =
 
 
= Thanks =
 
  
 
Freeplane team uses:  
 
Freeplane team uses:  
  
*YourKit Java Profiler, donated by [http://www.yourkit.com YourKit], for analysis of memory consumption and performance issues
+
*Free and open source web based translation management system [https://weblate.org Weblate] developed and [https://hosted.weblate.org hosted] by [https://cihar.com/ Michal Čihař]
 +
*[https://www.yourkit.com/overview/index.jsp YourKit Java Profiler] developed and donated by [https://www.yourkit.com/company/index.jsp YourKit LLC], for analysis of memory consumption and performance issues  
 +
*Code analyser [http://stan4j.com stan4j], developed and donated by Odysseus Software GmbH
  
[[Category:Advanced_Users]] [[Category:Developer_Documentation]] [[Category:Needs_Updating]] [[Category:Old_Wiki]] [[Category:Team_Freeplane]] [[Category:Testing]] [[Category:User_Documentation]]
+
[[Category:Developer]]

Latest revision as of 14:39, 25 June 2022

You can navigate this wiki in different ways. The navigation menu on the left directs you to main support areas. Pages on detailed topics can be found in the mind map Index wiki on the right. Many pages of this wiki are tagged at the end of the page with Categories. You can click on the Category at the end of the page to display an index of all pages of the same Category.

You are invited to use and contribute to this wiki, to share information and tips about Freeplane and its features. NOTE: because of spammer attacks, editing of this wiki is now only allowed for registered wiki editors. If you want to become a wiki editor, write to the Freeplane team which user name and e-mail you want to use for the registration. So we can create a new user account and let the wiki generate password and send it to the mail address you provide.

We use forum https://www.freeplane.org/forum for discussions and issue tracker https://www.freeplane.org/tickets for bug reports and feature requests. The old forum content is available read only at https://www.freeplane.org/forum2012 .

Read more...

Free mind mapping and knowledge management software

Download Freeplane

Download Freeplane now!
(this downloads the stable version 1.10.3)
change log  •  fixed security issues
Download last development versions (preview)
Try it and give your opinion.

Freeplane is a free mind mapping program under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later.
See Support for installation instructions, language support and special buttons and keys for Macintosh.

Freeplane is the Community Choice Source Forge Project of the Month for June 2014 and for November 2016 and the Staff Choice for July 2014 and December 2020.

What it is

Freeplane is a free and open source software application that supports thinking, sharing information and getting things done at work, in school and at home. The software can be used for mind mapping and analyzing the information contained in mind maps. Freeplane runs on any operating system that has a current version of Java installed. It can be run locally or portably from removable storage like a USB drive.

Freeplane basics

Application areas

Freeplane supports much more than classic static mind mapping. This is illustrated by the mind map Application areas on the right, which summarizes the kind of tasks supported by Freeplane. Click on the hyperlink below the image to navigate the map. Read the node called Caption to learn how to navigate the map and unhide hidden information. Click the node Demonstration creating a map to see how easy it is to make a map.

In the center of the map, Application areas you see the central topic (root node) of the map. Extending from it are branches with subtopics (child nodes). At the border you see free topics (free nodes) which are independent of the root-tree. All topics can be formatted or styled and can contain text, hyperlinks, pictures and more; and can be connected with labelled lines or arrows. Also a topic (node) can represent hidden information which displays when the user wants it or can be automatically executed (formula). Content can also be password protected or connected to a particular time or filter.

Functions

Freeplane supports the above application areas with the following functions:

  • Note taking with freely positionable, unconnected nodes (like post-it’s);
  • Ordering ideas (nodes) into a hierarchy connected by lines (edges);
  • Classifying nodes with metadata (attributes) and style types (system styles, user defined styles, level styles);
  • Grouping nodes with visual containers (clouds) and accolade (summary node);
  • Connecting nodes with dynamic links, free lines (connectors) and labels;
  • Automatically styling nodes (with a bubble, color, edge type, etc.) according to hierarchical level and content (conditional styles, automatic edge color, level styles);
  • Structuring nodes in terms of content (text, scientific formula, calculation, icon, image and hyperlink) and presentation area (core, details, notes, attributes, images and tooltip);
  • Changing views by hiding content (folding branches, filtering, roll-up of details and hiding extensions in tooltip), finding, scrolling and navigating;
  • Tasking with calendar and reminders;
  • Password protecting of whole map and of individual nodes with DES encryption;
  • Ease of use with inline- and dialog editors, object oriented main menu, context menu’s, multi-language support, spell checker, properties panel, drag& drop functionality, hot keys, options for batch execution, publishing, sharing and selectable preferences;
  • Approximate Search (similarity search) which allows to find search terms in a text, even if there is no exact match (e.g. "setup" = "set up" or "flie" = "file").
  • Support for LaTeX formulae underneath/in nodes
  • Easy extension of functionality with add-ons and home made scripts;
  • Integration with Docear academic literature suite;
  • Extensive support through Wiki and Forum; and tutorial and documentation in the form of a mind map.

The map called Freeplane functions illustrates the main functions of Freeplane. Besides it provides an index with hyperlinks to the tutorial an documentation where you can read more. The links are hidden at first, but become visible and can be clicked if you hover with the cursor over a function (node). This is another example of the power of Freeplane. (To experience these functions, open Help > Getting Started in the Freeplane program and select Index).

Add-ons and Scripts

It is possible to extend the functionality of Freeplane using Add-ons and scripts. You can make your own add-ons and scripts using the built in scripting language Groovy (based on JavaScript), and beginning with version 1.5 other languages, like python. Check page Add-ons_(install) for add-ons other users have made and shared. They can be downloaded and installed with a simple mouse click. Instructions are available if you want to make your own add-ons.

Presenting mind maps

Once you have a mind map you may want to use and present it. RoAn-Presentation provides a combination of mind mapping with Powerpoint- and Prezi like presentation, using automatic filtering and zooming. Stepping the presentation not only unfolds nodes, but also displays hidden details, centers the current node and more. In short it supports traversing a mind map, taking over abundant clicking from the user. You may download and install addon RoAn-presentation here.

Why you want it

Freeplane aims for maximum ease and speed of use. Occupying the middle ground between an editor and a diagramming tool, Freeplane allows the user to add content as quickly and naturally as they would in a text editor, yet producing structured content that can be manipulated as easily as a diagram. The workflow is unimpeded by the need to think about and manually place each piece of information; the user can intuitively input content as paragraphs and headings, and easily reorganise at a later stage. The width and other aspect of each topic (node) can be set independently and a node can be defined to behave indepently from the nodes in the tree structure, to be free positionable. The use of adaptable styles makes formatting an easy job and conditional styles make it automatic. A growing set of node extensions provide for details, metadata, scalable images, in-line hyperlinks and more which can be independently controlled to be visible or not. Freeplane maps can be easily integrated with Internet pages as in this wiki. And Freeplane is integrated with the Docear academic literature suite. Although Freeplane functionality is intended for non-programmers, the Freeplane project offers potential programmers a versatile scripting language. Programmers may easily develop powerful extensions and students are stimulated to learn programming in a natural and stimulating environment. Freeplane also has a powerful mechanism to install packages of scripts, icons, images, language dictionaries for spell checking and other preferences including a different menu structure; and which can be used by non-programmers.

Freeplane was created because of short-comings in the design of the popular open source mind mapping program Freemind. Freeplane has been refactored from Freemind to make its code and packages more modular, make it easier for new software developers to contribute to Freeplane development, and to release new versions of Freeplane more often.

FreeMind users can have a look at the list of the most helpful features missed in FreeMind and available in Freeplane.

Documentation

The versatility of Freeplane is demonstrated by the fact that the main user documentation is contained in mind maps. The mind map on the right shows the basic Tutorial for using Freeplane. The actual version of this map is contained in the Freeplane program in menu Help > Tutorial. This wiki contains a page Freeplane_Tutorial_Extensions with use cases which can be navigated or can be downloaded and extended. For some of the examples there are animations illustrating the making of the map. See Translated wiki pages if the page Freeplane Tutorial Extensions has been translated into your language. The advanced user is helped with detailed documentation in Freeplane'sHelp > Documentation and by many specific wiki pages explaining things like Scripting, Formulas and Add-ons. The mind map galleries provide a place for sharing mind maps in several languages. Online help is available at the open Forum, see below. It is possible to create a high quality animation or video of using Freeplane, see how to.

Freeplane books

  • German: "Freeplane 1.3 kompakt" by Holger Reibold, ISBN: 978-3-95444-177-4.

Community

community structure

Freeplane is a non-commercial project. It lives by our active and vibrant community, where we try to support each other in order to develop and provide an outstanding knowledge management application. Please, feel free to discuss Freeplane and its features with other interested Freeplane users. For this purpose, we provided two forums (see structure picture on the right):

We invite you to do the following things:

in our OPEN DISCUSSION FORUM

  • discuss the usage of existing features
  • discuss the suitability of new features
  • discuss the development of existing scripts and new ones

New bug reports go into the bug reports

New feature requests go into the feature requests

Freeplane's old user forums are archived here and here.


News about new features coming in future releases of Freeplane can be found on our preview page.

To understand the Freeplane document structure (XML) and get it's XSD schema go to: Document Format

To understand the the project goal, see the Freeplane vision.

Join the Freeplane team not only as user but maybe as a

  • developer (coder and designer)
  • tester (writer of tutorials, screencasts and help texts)
  • translator (various languages)
  • forum moderator (care for a specific subject)

Artwork

Freeplane frame icon 32x32.png Artwork for Freeplane since version 1.3 is created by Robert Gibson

Thanks

Freeplane team uses: