COMPARE · DATA, MAPS AND REFERENCES
OPML vs FreeMind for NotebookLM mind maps
Short answer
Both export a NotebookLM mind map as an editable tree, and both are free. OPML is an outline format: best for outliners such as Workflowy and OmniOutliner, and accepted by many mind-map apps. FreeMind is a mind-map format: best for XMind, Freeplane and MindNode.
Side by side
| OPML (.opml) | FreeMind (.mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Outlines | Mind maps |
| Opens in | Workflowy, OmniOutliner, Logseq, XMind, MindNode | Freeplane, FreeMind, XMind, MindNode, MindMeister |
| Keeps hierarchy | Yes | Yes |
| Keeps colours and positions | No | App dependent |
Which to choose
- Choose OPML (.opml) if you will turn the map into a document outline or a task list.
- Choose FreeMind (.mm) if you will keep working on it as a visual map.
Free or Pro?
Free, with no daily export quota and no website account needed. Pro covers the extension only; it does not include a Google subscription or raise NotebookLM's own limits. Current prices are on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
OPML (.opml) or FreeMind (.mm): which is better?
Neither in general. Choose OPML (.opml) if you will turn the map into a document outline or a task list. Choose FreeMind (.mm) if you will keep working on it as a visual map.
What if my app accepts neither?
Export Markdown. Most tools can paste an indented list, and Markmap renders Markdown as a map.
Related guides
How to export NotebookLM mind maps to OPML. You get a structured outline file that outliners and mind-mapping tools import as a hierarchy.
How to export NotebookLM mind maps to FreeMind. You get a .mm file, the FreeMind format that XMind, MindNode, Freeplane and MindMeister can import as an.
Yes. Export a NotebookLM mind map as FreeMind (.mm), OPML or Markdown with NotebookLM Ultra Exporter, all free with no daily quota, then use File, Import in.
PNG is a fixed-resolution picture that works everywhere, including slides, chats and documents.
CSV is the most widely accepted table format, used by Google Sheets, Airtable, Notion and databases.
Both carry a NotebookLM source list into a reference manager. BibTeX is the native format of LaTeX and Overleaf and is read by Zotero, JabRef and Paperpile.
Batch export saves several NotebookLM notes and reports as separate files in one go, zipped together.
NotebookLM flashcards can go to either for free. Anki is a spaced-repetition app that schedules each card for long-term memory and works offline.