Looking for detective board software to organize your investigations? Whether you're a private investigator, consultant, analyst, or researcher, the right investigation board app can transform how you track relationships and discover patterns.
This guide compares the best detective board software available in 2025, from purpose-built investigation tools to general visual mapping apps.
What to Look for in Detective Board Software
Before comparing options, understand what features matter for investigation work:
- Node types - Can you categorize entities (people, places, events, evidence)?
- Labeled connections - Can you describe relationships, not just draw lines?
- Privacy - Where is your data stored? Cloud or local?
- Search - Can you find specific items quickly as boards grow?
- Performance - Does it handle large investigations smoothly?
- Price - Subscription or one-time? Free tier available?
Best Detective Board Software Compared
1. Redstrings
Best for: Investigators and analysts who need privacy and purpose-built features
Redstrings is a detective board app built specifically for investigations and relationship mapping. Unlike general diagramming tools, it includes features investigators actually need: confidence levels, source tracking, and categorized node types.
Key Features:
- 7 built-in node types (Person, Team, Artifact, Process, Place, Event, Note)
- Labeled connections with relationship types
- 100% local-first - data never leaves your machine
- Fast native desktop app (Windows, macOS coming soon)
- Multiple boards per project
- Export to JSON and markdown reports
- AI analysis available (Pro)
Pricing: Free forever (core features) / $14.99 one-time for Pro
Pros:
- Purpose-built for investigations
- Complete privacy - no cloud, no accounts
- One-time purchase, no subscription
- Fast performance with large boards
Cons:
- No collaboration features (by design for privacy)
- macOS version coming soon (currently Windows only)
2. Milanote
Best for: Visual thinkers who want cloud collaboration
Milanote is a visual workspace for organizing ideas. While not specifically designed for investigations, its flexible board system can be adapted for detective board use.
Key Features:
- Flexible card-based boards
- Image and file attachments
- Real-time collaboration
- Web-based access
Pricing: Free (limited) / $9.99/month Pro
Pros:
- Beautiful, intuitive interface
- Good for visual mood boards
- Collaboration features
Cons:
- Not investigation-focused
- Cloud-based (privacy concerns for sensitive data)
- Monthly subscription
- No relationship labeling
3. Miro
Best for: Teams who need real-time collaboration
Miro is a collaborative whiteboard platform. It's powerful for team brainstorming but wasn't designed for investigation work.
Key Features:
- Infinite canvas
- Real-time collaboration
- Templates and integrations
- Sticky notes and connectors
Pricing: Free (limited) / $8-16/user/month
Pros:
- Excellent collaboration
- Many templates
- Integrations with other tools
Cons:
- Not designed for investigations
- Cloud-only (no local option)
- Per-user subscription pricing
- Can be overwhelming
4. Scapple
Best for: Writers and simple mind mapping
Scapple (from the makers of Scrivener) is a simple mind mapping tool. It's lightweight but lacks investigation-specific features.
Key Features:
- Simple freeform notes
- Basic connections
- Local file storage
- One-time purchase
Pricing: $20 one-time
Pros:
- Simple and lightweight
- Local storage
- Affordable one-time price
Cons:
- No node types or categorization
- No labeled connections
- Very basic feature set
- Dated interface
5. Creately
Best for: Diagramming with templates
Creately is a diagramming tool with evidence board templates. It's more general-purpose but can be configured for investigation use.
Key Features:
- Evidence board templates
- Diagramming tools
- Collaboration features
- Shape libraries
Pricing: Free (limited) / $5-10/user/month
Pros:
- Has investigation templates
- Good diagramming features
- Affordable
Cons:
- Cloud-based
- General-purpose, not investigation-focused
- Monthly subscription
Comparison Table
| Feature | Redstrings | Milanote | Miro | Scapple | Creately |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investigation-focused | Yes | No | No | No | Partial |
| Node types | 7 built-in + custom | Generic cards | Generic shapes | Notes only | Templates |
| Labeled connections | Yes | No | Limited | No | Yes |
| Local-first privacy | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Free tier | Full features | Limited | Limited | N/A | Limited |
| Pricing | Free / $14.99 | $9.99/mo | $8-16/mo | $20 | $5-10/mo |
Which Detective Board Software Should You Choose?
Choose Redstrings if:
- You need purpose-built investigation features
- Privacy is important (sensitive cases, client data)
- You prefer one-time purchase over subscriptions
- You work independently (no collaboration needed)
Choose Milanote or Miro if:
- You need real-time collaboration with a team
- Cloud access from anywhere is essential
- Your data isn't sensitive
Choose Scapple if:
- You need something extremely simple
- You're already using Scrivener for writing
- Budget is the primary concern
Conclusion
For most investigation work, purpose-built detective board software beats general diagramming tools. Features like node types, labeled connections, and confidence levels matter when you're building a case.
If privacy matters and you work independently, Redstrings offers the best combination of investigation features and local-first security. It's free to try with no account required.
Download Redstrings and see how a real detective board app compares to general-purpose tools.