Scapple - Short Review

Writing Tools



Product Overview of Scapple

Scapple, developed by Literature & Latte, is a versatile and intuitive mind mapping and note-taking application designed for Windows and Mac users. It serves as a virtual sheet of paper where users can freely capture, organize, and connect their ideas in a highly customizable and visual manner.



What Scapple Does

Scapple mimics the experience of scribbling ideas on a piece of paper and drawing lines between related thoughts, but with the added benefits of digital flexibility. It allows users to write notes anywhere on the screen, connect them using lines or arrows, and arrange them in any desired configuration. This tool is ideal for brainstorming, mind mapping, idea organization, and visual thinking.



Key Features and Functionality

  • Freeform Note Creation: Users can create notes anywhere on the screen by simply double-clicking. Notes can be moved, resized, and stacked in columns of related ideas.
  • Drag and Drop Interface: Connecting notes is as simple as dragging and dropping one note onto another. This feature enables easy and intuitive linking of related ideas.
  • Customizable Appearance: Scapple offers extensive customization options, including different colors, shapes, and sizes for notes. Users can adjust the visual look of their mind maps to suit their categorization and thinking style.
  • Integration and Export Options: Scapple allows users to import content from other programs by dragging files (such as text files, pictures, or PDFs) into the Scapple window. Notes can also be exported to popular formats or printed. Additionally, notes can be easily dragged into Scrivener for further development.
  • Advanced Organization Tools: Users can create background shapes to group notes, label connections, and stack notes in columns. This helps in compartmentalizing related ideas and maintaining a clear and organized mind map.
  • Full Screen Mode and Zooming: Scapple includes full screen mode and zoom in/out capabilities, allowing users to work comfortably and focus on their ideas without distractions.
  • iCloud Syncing: For Mac users, Scapple supports iCloud syncing, ensuring that your work is accessible and up-to-date across all your devices.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts and MathType Support: The application includes easy-to-remember keyboard shortcuts to streamline tasks and also supports MathType for mathematical expressions.


Additional Benefits

  • Flexibility and Freedom: Scapple does not force users to make connections between notes; every note is equal, giving users complete freedom to experiment with how their ideas fit together.
  • Free Trial and Pricing: Scapple offers a free trial, and its starting price is $15 for a one-time purchase, making it an affordable tool for various users, including freelancers, startups, and SMEs.

In summary, Scapple is a powerful yet simple tool that excels in mind mapping and note-taking, offering a flexible and highly customizable environment to capture, organize, and connect ideas visually. Its intuitive interface and robust features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their brainstorming and idea management processes.

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