Big Hairy Goal
Free-flow mind-mapping and task tracking for macOS and iOS
About Big Hairy Goal
Big Hairy Goal (BHG) is a mind-mapping, brainstorming, and progress-tracking app for macOS and iOS built by Berbie Software. It lets creatives and professionals capture ideas in freely combinable structures - mind maps, kanban boards, org charts, flowcharts, and tables - then break ambitious goals into manageable tasks. Maps sync across Apple devices via iCloud.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flexible canvas mixes mind maps, kanban, charts, and tables in one place
- Native macOS and iOS apps with reliable iCloud sync across Apple devices
- Affordable lifetime license option avoids recurring subscriptions
- Rich linking to emails, files, and notes for organizing real work
- Keyboard shortcuts keep idea flow uninterrupted
- Actively maintained since 2013 with regular updates
Cons
- Apple-only - no Windows, Android, or web version
- Single-developer indie app with a smaller support footprint
- No real-time multi-user collaboration
- Best suited to individual creatives rather than large teams
Key Features
Freeform & Hierarchical Mind Maps
Build maps that can be hierarchical or freeform, expanding and restructuring ideas as you go.
Combinable Structures
Mix mind maps, kanban boards, organization charts, flowcharts, and tables within a single canvas.
Kanban Board Views
Track progress visually by moving tasks across kanban columns inside your maps.
Task Organization & Prioritization
Mark status, order tasks, and prioritize work to focus energy on what matters.
File Linking & Attachments
Link maps to emails, files, and notes, plus attach references directly to nodes.
Color Coding & Symbols
Use colors, icons, connectors, and a 300+ SF Symbol library to visually structure ideas.
iCloud Sync
Access and edit your maps across Mac and iPad with automatic iCloud synchronization.
PDF Export
Export maps to PDF for sharing or archiving.
Pricing
- Full feature access
- macOS and iOS apps
- iCloud sync
- No commitment
- All mind-mapping features
- Kanban boards
- iCloud sync
- PDF export
- Everything in Monthly
- Lower effective monthly cost
- Ongoing updates
- Universal lifetime license
- All future updates
- macOS and iOS
Best For
Brainstorming & Ideation
Capture disorganized thoughts and expand them into a structured concept for new ideas or business plans.
Writing & Research
Outline papers, grants, and lectures while linking to notes and reference material.
Project & Task Tracking
Use kanban views to prioritize to-dos and track progress on personal or work projects.
Goal Breakdown
Turn an ambitious 'big hairy' goal into smaller, manageable tasks to stay focused and motivated.
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Ready to try Big Hairy Goal?
Start using Big Hairy Goal today and boost your productivity.
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