freeproprietary, freeLocal or hosted★ $0 forever
Apple Freeform
A bottomless Apple whiteboard for notes, links and files; databases missed the meeting.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-10
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Free tier / Free tool)
- License
- proprietary, free
- Hosting Model
- Local or hosted (your machine or their cloud)
- Platforms
- desktopmobileone-click install
- Installation
- Built into supported Apple devices or installed from Apple's App Store
- Operational Setup
- An iPhone, iPad, or Mac is required, and real-time collaboration requires Apple Account/iCloud access
- Where Your Data Lives
- Boards live on the Apple device and, when iCloud sync is enabled, in the user's iCloud account; boards can be exported as PDF
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Freeform lacks Milanote's structured columns, task lists, project templates, board organization, and browser-accessible creative workflow.
Replaces 1 paid app
Apple Freeform FAQ
Common questions
Is Apple Freeform free and open source?+
Apple Freeform is a free tool that runs on local or hosted. A bottomless Apple whiteboard for notes, links and files; databases missed the meeting.
What paid software does Apple Freeform replace?+
Apple Freeform serves as a free replacement for 1 paid SaaS application: Milanote.
How do you install and set up Apple Freeform?+
Installation: Built into supported Apple devices or installed from Apple's App Store. Setup notes: An iPhone, iPad, or Mac is required, and real-time collaboration requires Apple Account/iCloud access
What is the catch or trade-off with Apple Freeform?+
Freeform lacks Milanote's structured columns, task lists, project templates, board organization, and browser-accessible creative workflow.