MindMeister

MindMeister: online mind maps for thinking and collaborating

MindMeister is an online mind mapping application developed by the company Meister. It presents itself as a simple tool that allows you to visualize ideas, organize complex information, generate mind maps with artificial intelligence, and collaborate in real time. It works directly in the browser, with no downloads needed, and also has native apps for iOS and Android. The company states that the tool has more than 40 million users worldwide.

Key features

The platform lets you create mind maps quickly with drag and drop, add links, notes, emojis, and images, and organize information in a single view. Notable capabilities include expanding and collapsing branches, working with multiple maps on one canvas, using an outline mode for those who prefer a linear structure, and customizing the style with one-click themes and color schemes. Maps can be exported to PDF, Word, or PowerPoint.

Real-time collaboration is a core feature: users can invite others via a link, edit the same map simultaneously, add comments and mentions, and use presentation mode to present ideas without leaving the map.

AI map generation and security

Meister AI is an integrated mind map generator that lets you create a customizable map from a text prompt or by uploading a file, such as a PDF, presentation, spreadsheet, or image. Afterward, the user can continue editing with AI to expand branches, shorten text, add notes, or organize the entire map.

On security, the company states it is ISO 27001 certified, fully GDPR compliant, and hosts data in Germany. It also offers admin controls and security best practices.

Applications by user profile

MindMeister targets different audiences. For educators, it allows creating visual lesson plans, organizing topics and materials, and running group brainstorming activities. For students, it makes it easier to understand complex topics, prepare for exams, and collaborate on group projects. In the enterprise setting, it helps visualize projects and align teams, with GDPR compliance, ISO 27001 certification, SAML single sign-on, and role-based access controls. For small and medium-sized businesses, the tool is presented as a way to bring the team together for visual planning and brainstorming, with integration with MeisterTask to turn ideas into tasks.

Use cases

The platform describes specific applications such as creating mind maps, brainstorming sessions, study and research, and team meetings. In study and research, it helps master difficult topics more quickly, improve memory, and attach notes directly to the map. In meetings, it facilitates creating a visual agenda, using presentation mode, and capturing decisions and tasks directly on the map.

Free plan and paid plans

MindMeister offers a free plan that allows creating up to three mind maps with real-time collaboration, sharing, and basic exports, with no credit card required. The free plan also includes templates, presentation mode, iOS and Android apps, and AI map creation while this feature is in beta. Paid plans start at $6.50 per month and unlock unlimited maps, advanced exports, and integrations.

History and company

Meister was founded in 2006 by Till Vollmer and Michael Hollauf. In 2007, MindMeister launched in private beta, presented as the world's first collaborative mind mapping tool. In 2008, MindMeister won the Red Herring 100 Europe award and the company received an angel investment of €600,000. In 2015, MeisterTask was launched. In 2021, Meister raised $52 million in funding, led by Verdane Capital. The company is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and has more than 160 team members distributed across Europe.