Scapple
Free-form note canvas from the makers of Scrivener, for Mac and Windows
Quick Overview
| Company | Literature & Latte Ltd |
|---|---|
| Category | Mind Mapping Software |
| Headquarters | Truro, United Kingdom |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - United Kingdom |
| Data Location | Local files on your computer |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Not applicable (installed app) |
| Main Features | Free-form notes anywhere on the page, connecting lines, drag notes into Scrivener, 30-day trial, per-platform licence |
| Pricing | Per-platform licence; price shown in the store and not verified |
| Best For | Writers and planners who want a blank page rather than a fixed tree |
| Replaces | XMind, MindManager |
Detailed Review
Scapple comes from Literature & Latte Ltd, whose privacy page gives Lowin House, Tregolls Road, Truro, Cornwall as its address. The company also makes Scrivener.
It works like a virtual sheet of paper: notes go anywhere, and lines connect whichever ones you choose.
No fixed structure
Most mind mapping tools force a central topic with branches. Scapple does not, so related thoughts can be joined in any direction and several clusters can live on one page.
That makes it suited to rough outlining, for example a plot, an argument or a research question.
Link to Scrivener
Notes can be dragged straight into Scrivener, which turns a rough map into the start of a draft. The FAQ page describes a 30-day trial that counts days of use and a 30-day refund policy.
Licensing
Licences are single-platform, so a macOS licence does not unlock the Windows version. The company explains this keeps prices lower for people who run only one platform.
Limitations to Consider
There is no cloud workspace, no live collaboration and no web version, so it is a single-user desktop tool. Licences are bought per platform, and the Windows build (1.4.2) is an older version than the macOS build (1.5.4) according to the downloads page. Its price is loaded by script on the store, so it is not quoted here.
Who Should Use Scapple
Individual writers, students and planners on Mac or Windows who want free-form notes and connecting lines.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free-form layout with no forced tree
- Connects with Scrivener
- 30-day trial
- Local files
- 30-day refund policy
Cons
- Desktop only, one user
- No live collaboration
- Separate licence per platform
- Windows version older than the Mac version
Alternatives to Scapple
Other European mind mapping software worth comparing before you decide:
MindMeister
Germany · Browser mind maps hosted in Germany, with a free plan
Mindomo
Romania · Mind and concept maps with outline and Gantt views
MindNode
Austria · Founder-owned mind mapping app for Apple devices
SimpleMind
Netherlands · One-off purchase mind mapping app for four platforms
See all European mind mapping software or compare them directly against XMind on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The trial is the full version for 30 days of use.
No. The FAQ says licences are per platform.
No. It is an installed app for macOS and Windows. For a browser tool see <a href="/tool/mindmeister">MindMeister</a>.