Choosing mind mapping software to help with learning

---

Click the images below to see a larger version. To go to the site of the software mentioned, click the caption below its image.

For study, learning and memorization

The tools that easily make colorful maps are said to help in retaining information. The ability to embed images in the map is important for memory retention as well. iMindmap, Inspiration, and for Mac MyThoughts, iThoughtsX and Mindnode are good candidates if you study alone; if you’re part of a study group using maps, then software that supports collaboration may be a better fit: Bubbl.us (an online tool that runs in your browser) is really easy to learn and use. That only allows for three free maps. Then you either have to subscribe or delete one of your old maps. MindMup is another candidate – not quite as easy to use as bubbl.us (though not hard) and completely free.

For students, there are many other free tools that lets you make simple but colorful maps. Look at this list for more than 25 packages, all free with some able to make very attractive maps.

iMindmap		Inspiration		MyThoughts for Mac
Mindnode		Bubbl.us		The free mapping software list

Useful for students: The MindMaps Directory, with hundreds of maps sourced from all over the web. This allows selection by tags and map type. See for yourself the differences between mindmaps, concept maps, spidergrams, bubble diagrams, mindscapes, isomaps, logic diagrams and tree diagrams. Find how others have mapped the topic you’re working on.