Labyrinth review
A focused local map editor for text, image, and drawing thoughts.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Labyrinth is a lightweight desktop mind-mapping application for people who want to create and edit local maps without a broad collaboration or presentation workflow. Written in Python and using GTK and Cairo for drawing, it supports maps built from text, image, and drawing nodes. Users can arrange thoughts on a canvas, resize visual elements, and connect ideas with weighted links. Its focused scope suits individual Linux and Windows users who prefer an open-source tool for structured visual notes.
The editing model is straightforward. Text thoughts can be edited directly, while image and drawing thoughts can be resized and moved by dragging them on the canvas. Labyrinth supports PNG, JPEG, and SVG images, and links can be created, strengthened, weakened, or deleted. Automatic local saving stores maps in the user data directory, reducing the need for a separate save step. A browser view also supports creating, modifying, and deleting maps, giving the product an additional way to work with local map content.
Labyrinth is distributed under the GNU GPL v2 or later, which will appeal to users seeking an open-source desktop option. Its narrow local focus is also its main boundary: teams seeking shared editing, presentation features, AI assistance, or export workflows should choose a broader mind-mapping product instead. The repository currently states that no one is actively maintaining the project, and there are no published GitHub releases. Choose Labyrinth for simple, self-contained map editing on Linux or Windows; avoid it if ongoing project maintenance or a wider ecosystem is central to your decision.
Labyrinth pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports text, image, and drawing nodes
- Links thoughts with adjustable relationship strength
- Automatically saves maps locally and includes browser editing
- Where it doesn't
- Runs on Linux and Windows only
- The repository states that no one is actively maintaining it
- No published GitHub releases are available
Labyrinth fact sheet, pricing and score →
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