We stand with Ukraine to help keep people safe. Join us
All Apps
Best AppsReviewsComparisonsHow-To
Scapple free download for Mac

Scapple

Version 1.4

Free-form mind-mapping tool.

4.3
Based on 30 user ratesRead reviews & comments
$18.00
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now

Scapple overview

Scapple is the software equivalent of how I work out my rough ideas on paper. (If I didn't hate the word "brainstorming" so much, I'd probably call it brainstorming software.) When I'm in the early stages of any project, whether that's a writing project or a software project, I tend to throw a bunch of ideas down on a big piece of paper, spacing out as-yet unrelated ideas, clustering related notes, and drawing connections between them, trying to work out how everything fits together.

In short, then, Scapple is a tool for getting early ideas down as quickly as possible and making connections between them. The main advantage of doing this in Scapple instead of on paper is that you don't run out of paper (the Scapple canvas expands to fit as many notes as you want to create), you can move notes around to make room for new ideas and connections, it's easy to delete and edit notes, and it's easy to export your notes into other applications when you know what you want to do with them.

I'm well aware that there's already a plethora of mind-mapping software out there. Where Scapple is slightly different from most is that it doesn't force you to make any connections, and it doesn't expect you to start out with one central idea and branch everything else off that. Instead, you are free to write anywhere on the virtual paper and individual notes can be a short or as long as you like. Creating and removing connections is as easy as dragging one note onto another. Most importantly, because its purpose is to allow you to get ideas down and make connections between them quickly, Scapple is dead simple to use. Although I'm currently writing a full manual for it, the QuickStart Guide a little further down should contain everything you need to dig in and get using Scapple.

What’s new in version 1.4

Updated on Nov 17 2020

Version 1.4:

Scapple 1.4 provides compatibility for both macOS 11 Big Sur and Apple Silicon.

Big sur
  • UI and icons updated to match the new look of macOS 11 Big Sur.
Apple silicon
  • Scapple is now a Universal app, running natively on both Silicon and Intel machines.
Changes
  • Drawing and zooming optimised - Scapple should now be much faster with large boards.
  • Added a preference that allows you to use solid lines instead of dashes for connections without arrows.
  • Numerous refinements and bug fixes.

Information

License

Shareware

Size

13.9 MB

Downloads

18520

App requirements

  • Intel 64
  • OS X 10.10 or later
Try our new feature and write a detailed review about Scapple. All reviews will be posted soon.

What customer like

Value
Performance
User Experience

What needs improvements

Customization

Scapple qualities

Value
5.0
Ease of use
5.0
Features
4.0
Reliability
5.0
Customer support
4.0

Write your thoughts in our old-fashioned comment

MacUpdate Comment Policy. We strongly recommend leaving comments, however comments with abusive words, bullying, personal attacks of any type will be moderated.
0.0

(0 Reviews of )

There are no reviews yet
  • Comments

  • User Ratings

Macbookpro
Macbookpro
Nov 16 2020
1.3.4
5.0
Nov 16 2020
5.0
Version: 1.3.4
It's been updated to 1.4 to be Big Sur and Apple Silicon compatible. Plus, there are other improvements, refinements, etc. Great app to get ideas down
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
Jul 4 2019
1.3.3
0.0
Jul 4 2019
0.0
Version: 1.3.3
Oh good. Now it can check for updates. I was back on v1.3.02 and hadn't manually checked to see it had been updated, until now.
Dr-Sparks
Dr-Sparks
Mar 17 2019
1.3.2
0.0
Mar 17 2019
0.0
Version: 1.3.2
"Scapple 1.3.2 30 Nov 2017". MacUpdate's date at the top is not correct. That date was about Scapple 1.3.1. The 1.3.2 version that downloads was launched in January, 2019: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scapple/release-notes?os=macOS
DrPfaff
DrPfaff
Jul 20 2018
1.3.1
5.0
Jul 20 2018
5.0
Version: 1.3.1
An unbelievably simple app that does one thing exceptionally well. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of other mind mappers, but it really helps you focus on what you need to do. It takes about one minute to learn the program, and then you never have to think about it again. I use it for planning events and software development projects. I started using the 30 day free trial, and bought it after just 4 days. Well worth it.
Teksestro
Teksestro
Nov 30 2017
1.3
5.0
Nov 30 2017
5.0
Version: 1.3
Easy to use, intuitive interface, does its with just enough features to make it incredibly attractive, without becoming complicated. To top it off, it's cheap!
Haevuus
Haevuus
Nov 21 2017
1.3
5.0
Nov 21 2017
5.0
Version: 1.3
I was beginning to despair about ever seeing this handy-dandy tool undated. In all honesty, I had begun to cast about for something else to fill the gap…and I found nothing that pleased me. Even though most offerings cost significantly more, they had bells, whistles and dancing-baloney that simply were not needed to get the job done. Sheer overkill, most of 'em.

How I see The Job: When ideas come pouring out faster than you can pigeonhole them, an app can't be asking for levels, indents, formatting decisions, background color, or any other fru-fru folderol. That just takes the precious heat of the moment and mis-directs it away from the critical brain-dump.

With Scapple, you can just start clicking all over the field, splattering the background with your gems of concept. Then when the creative firestorm has charged on by, you can go back in cool reflection and start making sense of it all. Scapple has enough formatting and connecting bits to keep the ideas sitting softly in your right brain, or once you drag everthing into a fixed structure you can use, just export it on down the road to your operating apps.

Yeah, it took Keith Blount a little time to re-visit this little tool, but when he weighed-in and took it to 1.3, he made it significantly better without gumming up the works. I don't think he even raised the price.

And hey…fifteen bucks?! For that you get a five-star, go-to gizmo!
ivanm
ivanm
Jun 25 2017
1.20.1
5.0
Jun 25 2017
5.0
Version: 1.20.1
I love Scapple so much – it has become my brain's extension in the last 5 years. I use it for to-do lists, product design drafts, game designs, software development notes, cheatsheets of what I've learned, etc.

Yes, it's not updated for years but there's not so much to add. It's a great virtual whiteboard with some mind-mapping features.
le-petit-compositeur
le-petit-compositeur
May 28 2017
1.20.1
4.5
May 28 2017
4.5
Version: 1.20.1
Great app, no redundant bells and whistles, just the most important elements put into freeform canvas.
Funjoy
Funjoy
Dec 29 2016
1.20.1
4.0
Dec 29 2016
4.0
Version: 1.20.1
Basic, basic, basic ... but useful. For an app that hasn't been updated in more than two years I still find it useful to make/draw back-of-the-envelope style mindmaps. It's simple and attractive, but lacking basic features present in mindmap apps like iThoughts or MindNode like groups and locking. Also, for an app that hasn't been updated in more than two years $15 seems a bit too high. Lately I've seen this app included in a bunch of app-bundle deals and it's a lovely addition to have but I am not sure I'd recommend it at the current $15 price.
Max-G
Max-G
Feb 3 2016
1.20.1
3.5
Feb 3 2016
3.5
Version: 1.20.1
While for the most part this app is great, it certainly needs some fine-tuning. Imho basic features like group/ungroup and lock/unlock are missing. And changing the appearance of connections/arrows is a crime. I do hope this isn't abandonware, the app is way to good to let it slip away. An alternative for Scapple seems to be the app 'Big Hairy Goal'. Although not working together with Scrivener as seamlessly as Scapple, imported BHG-files do show up as picture and allow drag/drop of text v.v.
Hkim
Hkim
Feb 27 2014
1.1
5.0
Feb 27 2014
5.0
Version: 1.1
This is a killer application for me. It is so simple and because of that is flexible. I missed the old version of Stickybrain and for me, this is the successor. I would highly recommend Scapple for anyone that wants to sketch out ideas or workflow or their thoughts in general.
Ronnb
Ronnb
Feb 21 2014
1.1
5.0
Feb 21 2014
5.0
Version: 1.1
This is a most excellent bit of software in both flexibility and design. Unlike other "mind-mapping" software, it is easy to use. Maybe I would have called this "foolscap" instead of "Scapple", but it is a must-buy for me.
anonymous-rabbit-5199
anonymous-rabbit-5199
Feb 8 2014
1.1
5.0
Feb 8 2014
5.0
Version: 1.1
All other similar tools are too boastful and cluther your mind with too many features, whereas Scapple gets to the point: what's on your mind and how does it relate to your other entries?
Philosopherdog
Philosopherdog
Jan 20 2014
1.1
5.0
Jan 20 2014
5.0
Version: 1.1
Simply brilliant. But what do you expect from the author of Scrivener. I've always found other mindmapping tools too limiting. A dropbox sync setting would be nice for those working on more than one machine. Love to see an iPad companion to this app.
Ckueny
Ckueny
Nov 6 2013
1.1
2.5
Nov 6 2013
2.5
Version: 1.1
It seems that my mouse pointer slipped, and Macupdate's web site translated this into a 2.5-star rating for Scapple which I never posted and can't remove. I've only started to evaluate Scapple, but rather than leave Macupdate's spurious low rating, I'll give it five starts all around. It looks useful, and if it's even half as good as their Scrivener, it's a winner.
suzaiinwatsongmailcom3940
suzaiinwatsongmailcom3940
Jul 27 2013
1.0
3.0
Jul 27 2013
3.0
Version: 1.0
Scapple seems like that it is a good mind mapping tool but i want to read the reviews of this tool. can please anyone share. http://www.mindmappingsite.com/sw-tool-reviews/software-reviews
macuser96
macuser96
Jun 2 2013
1.0
0.0
Jun 2 2013
0.0
Version: 1.0
That's EXACTLY what I was looking for for a very long time. Everytime I was asking for an application that lets me collect ideas and/or todos, people told me to use a mind-map and/or a todo-list. They never understood that this was not what I wanted.
Radus
Radus
Apr 28 2013
1.0
5.0
Apr 28 2013
5.0
Version: 1.0
It is easy to use and fun to use. But it should be better integrated in Scrivener: - import scapple map into scrivener and open it as an external application ( now a scapple file is of "unsupported file type" ?? ) - maintain links to files dragged onto a scapple map, and give a way to open them in their favorite application But nevertheless easier than other mind mapp apps, 5 stars, but room for improvement.
darrel-2
darrel-2
Mar 20 2013
0.9.0.4
5.0
Mar 20 2013
5.0
Version: 0.9.0.4
After seeing Microsoft Office OneNote on a PC for the first time just a few weeks ago and immediately recognizing its simplicity and value, I was unable to find a comparable application for my preferred platform until now. Scapple is *exactly* what I was looking for: a free form virtual board for writing down notes and ideas without all the (mostly unused) extras and features of your typical outlining program. Till today I've been using PostIt Notes (also known as FLYNs = "effing little yellow notes") for these purposes, but very likely no more. I'll be a registered customer as soon as 1.0 is released. The only thing I don't like about Scapple is its name!
Jazzyguy
Jazzyguy
Oct 17 2012
0.9
5.0
Oct 17 2012
5.0
Version: 0.9
Great app!!! I love it!
Tulipa Armena
Tulipa Armena
Feb 1 2024
1.4
5.0
Feb 1 2024
5.0
Version: 1.4
Macbookpro
Macbookpro
Nov 16 2020
5.0
Nov 16 2020
5.0
Version: null
PJPalmer39@gmail.com
PJPalmer39@gmail.com
Jan 13 2019
3.5
Jan 13 2019
3.5
Version: null
DrPfaff
DrPfaff
Jul 20 2018
5.0
Jul 20 2018
5.0
Version: null
JohnnyFave
JohnnyFave
Apr 12 2018
5.0
Apr 12 2018
5.0
Version: null
Teksestro
Teksestro
Nov 30 2017
5.0
Nov 30 2017
5.0
Version: null
Haevuus
Haevuus
Nov 21 2017
5.0
Nov 21 2017
5.0
Version: null
ivanm
ivanm
Jun 25 2017
5.0
Jun 25 2017
5.0
Version: null
le-petit-compositeur
le-petit-compositeur
May 28 2017
4.5
May 28 2017
4.5
Version: null
Funjoy
Funjoy
Dec 29 2016
4.0
Dec 29 2016
4.0
Version: null
PeterC3149
PeterC3149
Apr 19 2016
3.5
Apr 19 2016
3.5
Version: null
licenza
licenza
Apr 13 2016
2.0
Apr 13 2016
2.0
Version: null
Max-G
Max-G
Feb 3 2016
3.5
Feb 3 2016
3.5
Version: null
hced
hced
Apr 25 2014
5.0
Apr 25 2014
5.0
Version: null
JohnV2458
JohnV2458
Apr 23 2014
4.0
Apr 23 2014
4.0
Version: null
Hkim
Hkim
Feb 27 2014
5.0
Feb 27 2014
5.0
Version: null
Ronnb
Ronnb
Feb 21 2014
5.0
Feb 21 2014
5.0
Version: null
anonymous-rabbit-5199
Feb 8 2014
5.0
Version: null
Philosopherdog
Philosopherdog
Jan 20 2014
5.0
Jan 20 2014
5.0
Version: null
Ckueny
Ckueny
Nov 6 2013
2.5
Nov 6 2013
2.5
Version: null
suzaiinwatsongmailcom3940
Jul 27 2013
3.0
Version: null
Creanima78
Creanima78
Jun 11 2013
2.0
Jun 11 2013
2.0
Version: null
EIIR
EIIR
May 13 2013
4.5
May 13 2013
4.5
Version: null
Radus
Radus
Apr 28 2013
5.0
Apr 28 2013
5.0
Version: null
Dogclaws
Dogclaws
Apr 25 2013
5.0
Apr 25 2013
5.0
Version: null
darrel-2
darrel-2
Mar 20 2013
5.0
Mar 20 2013
5.0
Version: null
Myka
Myka
Feb 16 2013
4.5
Feb 16 2013
4.5
Version: null
Jazzyguy
Jazzyguy
Oct 17 2012
5.0
Oct 17 2012
5.0
Version: null
Lord-Lightning
Lord-Lightning
Oct 17 2012
4.5
Oct 17 2012
4.5
Version: null
S/ash
S/ash
Oct 16 2012
4.5
Oct 16 2012
4.5
Version: null
$18.00
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now
How would you rate Scapple?
Similar apps
MindNode
Elegant mindmapping application.
Is this app is similar to MindNode? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
2
Upvotes
2
Total score
0
Downvotes
iThoughtsX
Mind-mapping utility on both iOS and OS X.
Is this app is similar to iThoughtsX? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
2
Upvotes
2
Total score
0
Downvotes
Delineato Pro
Stylish outliner.
Is this app is similar to Delineato Pro? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes
draw.io Desktop
Diagramming and whiteboarding app.
Is this app is similar to draw.io Desktop? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
1
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes
QuikFlow
Mindmapping for Flows.
Is this app is similar to QuikFlow? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
1
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes