Productivity · Review · Updated 16 October 2026
MindManager reviewMind maps that turn into project plans, with Gantt views and Microsoft integrations
Very good
Brent score, out of 5
MindManager is a mature mind-mapping tool that goes further than brainstorming: maps become task lists, Gantt charts and schedules, with deep links into Outlook, Excel, SharePoint and Teams. It is a strong fit for project managers and consultants in Microsoft-heavy workplaces. It costs more than simple mapping apps, the web-only Essentials plan is limited, and features differ between Windows, Mac and web.
Price
From AU$154/year (Essentials, web); 30-day free trial
Free option
Free trial
Best for
Project managers who plan in maps and need Gantt and schedule views
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Best for
- Project managers who plan in maps and need Gantt and schedule views
- Consultants and analysts who structure complex information for clients
- Teams working in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Outlook and Excel
- Enterprises that need volume licensing, SSO and an admin portal
Skip it if
- Students or casual users who only need quick free mind maps
- Mac-first users who expect every Windows feature (some are Windows only)
- Teams wanting a full project management system with time tracking
A project starts as a messy set of ideas, notes and emails. Then it has to become a plan with owners, dates and dependencies. Most people use one tool to think and another to plan, and the link between them gets lost.
MindManager is built to bridge that gap. You brainstorm in a mind map, then switch the same map into Gantt, schedule or outline views, assign resources and share it through Microsoft Teams or SharePoint.
This review covers what Essentials and Professional include, the platform differences that matter, the pricing to expect and the simpler tools worth considering.
What is MindManager?
MindManager is long-running visual planning software from Corel. It builds mind maps, concept maps, flowcharts, timelines, process maps and Gantt charts from one interface. Topics can carry dates, priorities, resources, costs and attachments, so a brainstorming map can turn into a working project plan. It is sold as Essentials (web), Professional (Windows, Mac and web, by subscription or one-time purchase), Enterprise (volume licensing and IT admin) and a Microsoft Teams edition.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Many diagram types: mind maps, concept maps, flowcharts, Gantt charts, timelines, process maps and more
- Project planning with start and due dates, resources and costs, plus Gantt and schedule views
- Integrations with Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Project, Planner, To Do and Lists
- Snap tool captures content from desktop, browser or mobile into a queue
- Runs on Windows, Mac, web, Chromebook, Teams, iOS and Android
- Professional is also sold as a one-time purchase, not only a subscription
What could be better
- Higher price than basic mind-mapping apps; Professional lists at AU$262.90/year before promotions
- Essentials is web only with basic core features and no desktop apps
- Content control and SharePoint Linker are Windows only, and features vary by platform
- Real-time co-editing is a separate subscription add-on for some licenses, and Jira integration is a paid add-on
Overall
Very good
- Features4.6
- Ease of use3.9
- Value3.9
- Support4.0
Key features of MindManager
Multiple diagram types
Create mind maps, concept maps, flowcharts, knowledge maps, timelines, process maps and workflow diagrams from one tool. A template library and themes give you a starting point for common planning tasks.
Project planning and Gantt
Track start and due dates, resources and project costs on map topics. Switch to Gantt, schedule, outline, icon and tag views, and export Gantt charts as HTML5.
Microsoft integrations
MindManager links with Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Project, Planner, To Do and Lists. An Excel Data Mapper maps spreadsheet columns to topics, resources and tags.
MindManager Snap
Snap captures content from your desktop, browser or phone into a queue that appears the next time you open MindManager. Shared queues let teams send items to each other.
Sharing and co-editing
Publish maps to a web link with view, comment or edit access. Real-time co-editing lets colleagues work on the same map; for some licenses it is a separate subscription add-on.
Cloud storage and places
MindManager Files provides cloud storage for maps, and Places connects to SharePoint, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box and iCloud.
MindManager pricing
Checked 2026-10. Prices can change; confirm on Corel Corporation’s site.
Essentials
AU$154/year
annual subscription, incl. tax
- Web version for individuals
- Basic core diagram and planning features
- Online storage support
Professional
AU$262.90/year list (AU$197/year on promotion at time of checking)
annual subscription, incl. tax
- Windows, Mac and web
- Advanced planning, Gantt and multiple views
- Publishing, sharing and co-editing
- Upgrades to the latest versions
Professional (one-time purchase)
Check current pricing
perpetual license
- Desktop Windows and Mac
- Advanced core capabilities
- Upgrade terms differ from the subscription
Enterprise
Special pricing available
quote
- Teams and SharePoint Linker
- IT admin portal and SSO
- Volume discounts and premium support
Watch out: Prices shown are the Australian prices including tax and are per user; other regions see local pricing, and promotional discounts change, so check the live price before buying.
See current MindManager pricing →What people use MindManager for
Planning a product launch
A project manager brainstorms every launch task in a map, adds owners and due dates, then switches to Gantt view to spot clashes. The plan is shared through Teams so everyone sees the same version.
Structuring a client report
A consultant maps interview findings by theme, links source documents to topics and exports the structure as an outline for the final report. The map doubles as the presentation in the client workshop.
Capturing ideas on the go
A manager uses Snap on a phone to send links, notes and photos into a queue during the week. On Monday, they drag the items into the team's planning map.
How to get started with MindManager
- 1
Start the 30-day fully functional free trial.
- 2
Pick a template (project plan, meeting or brainstorm) or a blank mind map.
- 3
Add topics, then give key topics dates, owners and priorities.
- 4
Switch to Gantt or schedule view to check timing.
- 5
Share or publish the map, then choose Essentials, Professional or Enterprise.
MindManager alternatives
| Product | Choose it when |
|---|---|
| MindManager 4.2 | Project managers who plan in maps and need Gantt and schedule views |
| ClickUp4.4 | Choose it if you want a full project management tool that also includes basic mind maps and whiteboards. |
| XMind | Choose it for cheaper, attractive mind maps when you do not need Gantt charts or Microsoft integrations. |
| Miro | Choose it for freeform team whiteboarding and workshops rather than structured project maps. |
MindManager: frequently asked questions
Is there a free version of MindManager?+
There is no permanent free plan. MindManager offers a 30-day fully functional free trial, and an Enterprise trial for organizations.
How much does MindManager cost?+
For Australian buyers, Essentials is AU$154 a year and Professional lists at AU$262.90 a year including tax, with promotional pricing sometimes shown. Professional is also sold as a one-time purchase, and Enterprise is quoted.
What is the difference between MindManager Essentials and Professional?+
Essentials is the web version for individuals with basic core features. Professional adds the Windows and Mac desktop apps, advanced planning and Gantt, multiple views, publishing, co-editing, Snap and upgrades to the latest versions.
Does MindManager work on Mac?+
Yes. MindManager supports Windows, Mac, web, Chromebook, Microsoft Teams, iOS and Android. Some features, such as Content Control and SharePoint Linker, are Windows only.
Can I buy MindManager as a one-time purchase?+
Yes. MindManager Professional has a one-time purchase option alongside the annual subscription. The subscription includes upgrades to the latest versions; check the one-time terms for upgrade rules.
Does MindManager integrate with Microsoft Teams?+
Yes. There is a MindManager for Microsoft Teams edition, and Enterprise includes Teams support. Professional also links with Outlook, Excel, Word, SharePoint, Project, Planner, To Do and Lists.
Final verdict
Is MindManager worth it?
If your projects start as a tangle of ideas and end up in spreadsheets, MindManager can keep both in one place. Start the 30-day trial, map your next project and switch it to Gantt view to see the plan take shape. If you live in Microsoft 365, the integrations alone may justify the price.
Start 30-day free trialAffiliate link · we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Reviewed by
Amjid Ali, Founder and editor
Amjid Ali is a Melbourne-based AI and automation lead, author of five books on infrastructure, automation and digital transformation, and a corporate trainer whose courses on n8n, Proxmox, firewalls and ERP have taught thousands of IT professionals.
Last updated 16 October 2026 · How we review
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MindManager 4.2
From AU$154/year (Essentials, web); 30-day free trial