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Scapple vs TheBrain: catalog facts
Scapple	TheBrain
Paid One-time purchase, with a free trial available.	Free The desktop app is free according to the developer's site.
Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Notes can go anywhere with no forced central topic Connections made by dragging one note onto another	Ideas can link to many contexts without duplication Long-developed product with a large user base
Paid after the trial No Linux or mobile versions mentioned	Network-style interface takes time to learn Not open source
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.