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TheBrain vs CmapTools: catalog facts
TheBrain	CmapTools
Free The desktop app is free according to the developer's site.	Free Free to download, with the project funded partly by donations.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS
Ideas can link to many contexts without duplication Long-developed product with a large user base	Purpose-built for concept maps with labelled links Desktop versions for Windows, macOS and Linux plus iPad
Network-style interface takes time to learn Not open source	Narrow focus on concept maps rather than general diagrams Closed 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
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

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