Difference between pages "Free mind mapping (and related types) software" and "Sandbox"

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The general policy of WikIT is not to deal with mind mapping '''software''' (see [[Policies of WikIT#Policy_on_mind_mapping_software|Policies of WikIT]]) because this is first and foremost a wiki about information maps and visual aids to thinking.  It covers what they are, how to use them, which type to choose when, and how to make them.
+
I track discussions about mind mapping on Twitter and in blogs, and I often hear or read the question "Which is the best mindmapping software?" Anyone who gives you a single, immediate answer either knows you and your mindmapping activities very well, or is likely recommending the one that they've become familiar with themselves.
  
But there are regular inquiries on Twitter and in forums about free mind mapping software, so to provide answers, InformationTamers have put together this list.  We built this article, with permission, using the most complete source for details of information mapping software on the Web: '''[http://www.mind-mapping.org/ Mind-mapping.org]'''.  Hat tip to Vic Gee who put Mind-mapping.org together and keeps it up to date.
 
  
Mind-mapping.org has a good capability for selecting software by map type and operating system (click on the 'Refine software list' tab at the top right of its web page), and shows the price. Unfortunately, it doesn't allow you to filter on price or choose to see only the free ones.  This article is therefore a quick list to current software that is free or has a free option.  It excludes applications that have a time limit on their operation, for example, free trial software or web applications.
+
== What's "best"? ==
 +
What is "best" depends ''so much'' on how you use mind maps. Some people use them for study, some for planning projects, some for organizing information, some for sparking ideas and facilitating brainstorming sessions, some for planning the writing of a report or blog. Some mindmap alone, others mindmap in groups. Most of us probably do all of these from time to time, so we need a quiver full of arrows to choose from, some free, some not so free.
  
"Free" here is as in beer, not in freedom, though some of the software listed is open source, so is free in both senses.
+
== One package can't support all of those user profiles ...  ==
 
+
… so here's my take:
Of course a pencil and paper is always free - or almost.
+
=== For study, learning and memorization ===
<br><br>
+
... the colorful ones are said to help in retaining information: '''iMindmap''', '''Inspiration''', and for Mac '''MyThoughts''' and '''Mindnode''' are good candidates if you study alone; if you're part of a study group that likes mind maps, then software that supports collaboration may be a better fit: '''Bubbl.us''' is really easy to learn and use.  For students, there is also free software that lets you make simple but colorful maps. Look at '''''[[Free mind mapping (and related types) software#Mind maps|this list]]''''' for more than 25 packages, all free with some able to make very attractive maps.
 
+
<center>
== 3D concept and mind maps ==
+
{|
{| class="wikitable"
+
| valign="middle"|[[Image:big_goalsetting.jpg|240px]]
 +
|
 +
| valign="middle" height=42|[[Image:Nitrogen-cycle.jpg|240px]]
 +
|
 +
| valign="middle" height=42|[[Image:MyThoughts.jpg|240px]]
 
|-
 
|-
!width="200pt"|Software
+
| align=center|[http://www.imindmap.com/ iMindmap]
!width="180pt"|Licence
+
|
!width="120pt"|Platform
+
| align=center|[http://www.inspiration.com/ Inspiration]
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
+
|
 +
| align=center|[http://www.mythoughtsformac.com/ MyThoughts for Mac]
 
|-
 
|-
| [http://www.topicscape.com/student-edition.php 3D Topicscape Student Edition]  
+
| valign="middle" height=42|[[Image:MindNode2.jpg|240px]]
| Free
+
|
| Windows
+
| valign="middle" height=42|[[Image:Bubbl.jpg|240px]]
| [[Image:Topicscape_SE2.0.jpg|thumb|right|Topicscape SE screenshot]]
+
|
 +
| valign="middle" height=42|[[Image:Free.jpg|170px]]
 
|-
 
|-
| [http://conspicio.bowskill.org.uk/?page=main Conspicio Mindmapper]  
+
| align=center|[http://www.mindnode.com/ Mindnode]
| Free
+
|
| Windows
+
| align=center|[http://bubbl.us/ Bubbl.us]
| [[Image:Conspicio.jpg|thumb|right|Conspicio screenshot]]
+
|
 +
| align=center|[[Free mind mapping (and related types) software#Mind maps|The free software list]]
 
|-
 
|-
| [http://morcego.arca.ime.usp.br/tiki-index.php Morcego 3D Network Browser]
 
| Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image: Morcego.jpg|thumb|right|Morcego screenshot]]
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
+
</center>
== Concept maps ==
+
<br>
The term 'Concept maps' is used rather loosely in this list to mean 'anything can connect to anything' in contrast with mind maps where there is a strong hierarchy and central topicFor a proper definition please refer to the WikIT article on [[Concept maps]], [[How to make a concept map]] and [[Concept maps or mind maps? the choice]].
+
=== For planning projects and managing projects ===
{| class="wikitable"
+
... '''MindManager''' works well for project management, especially with with add-ons like '''Gyronix ResultManager''' and '''Power Markers'''.  This is not a low-cost solution, but for professional managers, the return is greatIf you have a lot of project information to organize, then use '''3D Topicscape Pro''' - it can import a '''MindManager''' map, so as a project grows, the 2D map can also provide a framework for the 3D map to hold collected information and research materials;
 +
<center>
 +
{|
 +
| valign="middle"|[[Image:MindManager.jpg|194px]]
 +
|
 +
| valign="middle"|[[Image:ResultsManager.jpg|180px]]
 +
|
 +
| valign="middle"|[[Image:Power-Markers.png|210px]]
 +
|
 +
| valign="middle"|[[Image:Topicscape-project-information-organizer.jpg|220px]]
 
|-
 
|-
!width="200pt"|Software
+
| align=center|[http://www.mindjet.com/ MindManager]
!width="180pt"|Licence
+
|
!width="120pt"|Platform
+
| align=center|[http://www.gyronix.com/ ResultsManager]
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
+
|
 +
| align=center|[http://www.olympic-limited.co.uk/mindmanager-add-ins/power-markers/ Power Markers]
 +
|
 +
| align=center|[http://www.topicscape.com/ Topicscape]
 
|-
 
|-
| [http://www.topicscape.com/student-edition.php 3D Topicscape Student Edition]  
+
|}
| Free
+
</center>
| Windows
+
<br>
| [[Image:Topicscape_SE2.0.jpg|thumb|right|Topicscape SE screenshot]]
+
=== When organizing information ===
 +
... for moderate amounts of information, '''MindManager''' or '''FreeMind'''; for larger amounts and especially to cope with information overload, try '''Topicscape Pro''';
 +
<center>
 +
{|
 +
| valign="middle"|[[Image:MindManager.jpg|194px]]
 +
|
 +
| valign="middle"|[[Image:FreeMind2.jpg|230px]]
 +
|
 +
| valign="middle"|[[Image:Topicscape-project-information-organizer.jpg|220px]]
 
|-
 
|-
| [http://www.bubbl.us Bubbl.us]  
+
| align=center|[http://www.mindjet.com/ MindManager]
| Free
+
|
| Web based
+
| align=center|[http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page FreeMind]
| [[Image:Bubbl.us.jpg|thumb|right|Bubbl.us screenshot]]
+
|
 +
| align=center|[http://www.topicscape.com/ Topicscape]
 
|-
 
|-
| [http://cayra.net/ Cayra]
+
|}
| Free (Defunct but still available from download sites)
+
</center>
| Windows (may not work in Win7)
+
<br>
| [[Image:Cayra.jpg|thumb|right|Cayra screenshot]]
+
=== To spark ideas and facilitate brainstorming sessions ===
|-
+
... '''MindManager''', '''FreeMind''', or any mindmapper than can be controlled easily from the keyboard, because you don't want to be constantly moving your hands between keyboard and mouse;
| [http://cmap.ihmc.us/ CmapTools]
+
<center>
| Free to personal, education and government users'''<nowiki>*</nowiki>'''
+
{|  
|Windows, Mac, Linux
+
| valign="middle"|[[Image:MindManager.jpg|194px]]
| [[Image:Cmap.jpg|thumb|right|CmapTools screenshot]]
+
|
|-
+
| valign="middle"|[[Image:FreeMind2.jpg|230px]]
| [http://www.coffee-soft.org/home.aspx CoFFEE]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:CoFFEE.jpg|thumb|right|CoFFEE screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://compendium.open.ac.uk/institute Compendium]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Compendium.jpg|thumb|right|Compendium screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.conzilla.org/wiki/Overview/Main Conzilla]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Conzilla.jpg|thumb|right|Conzilla screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.glinkr.net/ Glinkr]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Glinkr.jpg|thumb|right|Glinkr screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://hypergraph.sourceforge.net/ Hypergraph]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Hypergraph.jpg|thumb|right|Hypergraph screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.gnome.org/~dscorgie/labyrinth.html Labyrinth]
 
| Free
 
| Linux
 
| [[Image:Labyrinth.jpg|thumb|right|Labyrinth screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www2.ucsc.edu/mlrg/mlrgtools.html LifeMap]
 
| Free
 
| Mac
 
| [[Image:LifeMap.jpg|thumb|right|LifeMap screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.southbeachinc.com/ Southbeach Modeller]
 
| Free
 
| Windows
 
| [[Image:Southbeach_Modeller_Screenprint_0.9.3.1g.PNG|thumb|right|Southbeach Modeller screenshot]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| [http://www.visuwords.com/ Visuwords]  
+
| align=center|[http://www.mindjet.com/ MindManager]
| Free
+
|
| Web based
+
| align=center|[http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page FreeMind]
| [[Image:Visuwords.jpg|thumb|right|Visuwords screenshot]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| [http://vue.uit.tufts.edu/index.cfm VUE (Visual Understanding Environment)]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:VUE.jpg|thumb|right|VUE screenshot]]
 
 
|}
 
|}
'''<nowiki>*</nowiki>'''Some people find navigating the '''Cmap''' site idiosycratic -- the interface is a little unusual -- so here's the skinny:  
+
</center>
:*Under most of the concept boxes there's a small icon
+
<br>
:*hover over that and you will see a text link just below
+
=== When planning writing, reports or blogs ===
:*click on it.  
+
... many writers swear by '''Scrivener''', though it's visual form is an outline not a mind map; For small reports I use '''MindManager''' to produce a skeleton contents list with some draft content in place, because it can export to Word files.  For large reports, where there's a lot of research and reference information needed to develop the report and support points made, I plan, gather and organize the information in '''Topicscape Pro''' which has a number of text output options.
:*Some links are to other very similar looking Cmaps, so you may think that it's linked back to the same pageIt hasn't.   
+
<center>
:*Still lost, here to speed you on your way is the [http://cmap.ihmc.us/download/ download link for Cmap].
+
<gallery caption="" widths="200px" heights="140px" perrow="6">
 +
Image:ScrivenerOutline2.jpg|[http://www.literatureandlatte.com/screens5.html Scrivener]
 +
Image:MindManager.jpg|[http://www.mindjet.com/ MindManager]
 +
Image:Topicscape-project-information-organizer.jpg|[http://www.topicscape.com/ Topicscape]
 +
</gallery>
 +
</center>
 +
<br>
 +
=== To design a web site or other publication ===
 +
... '''MindManager''' can export a web site, built from and following the structure of a mind map.  There's a simple [http://www.gandanet.com.hk/Information-mapping-software-functions/ example here] that was made this way.  '''WriteMaps''' is useful for website maps, as well, especially if you're designing a site in collaboration with others, because it's on line so doesn't need software to be downloaded and you can view the map in a hierarchical or an outline view.
 +
<center>
 +
<gallery caption="" widths="200px" heights="140px" perrow="6">
 +
Image:MindManager.jpg|[http://www.mindjet.com/ MindManager]
 +
Image:WriteMaps.jpg|[http://writemaps.com/ WriteMaps]
 +
</gallery>
 +
</center>
 +
<br>
 +
=== For organizing your personal tasks ===
 +
... if your life is simple and under control, '''FreeMind'''; If you have many projects on the go at once, then '''3D Topicscape Lite''';
 +
<center>
 +
<gallery caption="" widths="200px" heights="140px" perrow="6">
 +
Image:FreeMind2.jpg|[http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page FreeMind]
 +
Image:Topicscape-Lite.jpg|[http://www.topicscape.com/introduction-Topicscape-Pro-Lite.php Topicscape Lite]
 +
</gallery>
 +
</center>
 +
<br>
 +
=== If you often work in dispersed teams or groups ===
 +
... and the group is attuned to a mindmapping approach, then look at the many web based products, like '''Mind42''', '''MindMeister''', '''Mindomo''' or '''Wisemapping'''.  See which one fits your budget - the first two are free, but the others have more capabilities and are subscription-based.  Even the charged-for ones offer a limited-access free account.  If you collaborate in planning or designing, these browser-based mappers satisfy a real need.<br>The ones I just mentioned have a mind mapping orientation (they build round a central topic), but if you prefer a concept map and more freedom of node placement, then I recommend '''bubbl.us'''.  It is easy to use, and the '''beta version''' even allows adding linking phrases between the nodes.  This is necessary if you want to make real concept maps.  The regular version is a masterpiece of user friendliness.  In the beta version, several functions are handled differently, and personally, I find it less convenient and less visually attractive but if you need linking phrases, use it by all means, it is still good.
 +
<center>
 +
<gallery caption="" widths="120px" heights="90px" perrow="6">
 +
Image:Mind42a.jpg|[http://www.mind42.com/ Mind42]
 +
Image:Mindmeister.jpg|[http://www.mindmeister.com/  MindMeister] 
 +
Image:Mindomo2.jpg|[http://www.mindomo.com/ Mindomo]
 +
Image:Wisemapping.jpg|[http://www.wisemapping.com/ Wisemapping]
 +
Image:Bubbl.jpg|[http://bubbl.us/ Bubbl.us] ([https://bubbl.us/beta/ Beta])
 +
</gallery>
 +
</center>
 +
<br>
 +
=== For presentations with mind maps ===
 +
... many mind mapping applications can be used for presentations and provide a welcome relief from PowerPoint to some people.  A recent newcomer has been designed specifically for presentations, though: '''Prezi'''.  If you give presentations or want to put them on the Web, you should look at this '''''[http://prezi.com/mojdt36mrozf/mixing-mind-and-metaphor/ example]''''' to see how it could change what your audiences see and engage with.  You need to watch the example to understand the effect of the zooming, swinging and sliding round this map during the presentationThe static image below cannot convey this.
 +
<center>
 +
<gallery caption="" widths="200px" heights="140px" perrow="6">
 +
Image:Prezi2.jpg|[http://prezi.com/ Prezi]
 +
Image:Prezi.jpg|[http://prezi.com/ Prezi]
 +
</gallery>
 +
</center>
 +
<br>
 +
=== For concept maps ===
 +
I mentioned these in relation to bubbl.us and collaborative browser-based apps, but the grand-daddy is '''Cmap'''.  I love this free tool and, though I make less than 10% of my 2D maps with it, when I do use it, it's because it is the best tool for rigorous thinking, reflection and verifying our understanding of a topic. The download link is not immediately visible, so here's help: [http://cmap.ihmc.us/download/ Download Cmap here].  '''Inspiration''' can also make concept maps.
 +
<center>
 +
<gallery caption="" widths="200px" heights="130px" perrow="6">
 +
Image:Management-reason-emotions.png‎|[http://cmap.ihmc.us/conceptmap.html Cmap Tools]
 +
Image:Nitrogen-cycle.jpg|[http://www.inspiration.com/ Inspiration]
 +
</gallery>
 +
</center>
 +
<br>
 +
== PC or Mac? ==
 +
Your computer will limit choice to some degree.  Mac users have less choice and though some software runs on Windows and Macs, updates to the Windows version will often be released before the Mac.  Here's a quick list of Mac mapping software: Free: FreeMind; Xmind; MindNode. Not free: Novamind; iMindmap; MindManager; Curio; Mythoughts; ConceptDraw.
 +
 
 +
== Two drivers for mapping ==
 +
I've been mapping for more than thirty years but soon after starting, I concluded that there are two motivations for using mind maps and similar types: Where the mindmapping <b>process</b> is what's really important - to help you think something through or get new ideas; and where the <b>resulting mindmap</b> is important as a finished product that will be shared with others in some way.  You will encounter both at one time or another, depending on why you're making the map, whether others will see it and the life of the project that it's part of.
  
== Development platforms for map forms ==
+
=== ... because it makes you think ===
These are programs that allow you to build programs that make information maps.  One stage removed from the end-user software that most visual thinkers use. Because they are flexible, picking one representative screenshot is impossible.  It is best to visit the sites to see the full scope of some of these, which can make an amazing range of map types.
+
In the first case, someone walking up to the map you produce may not be able to make much sense of it, but provided you can understand it, it's how you got there that will matter most. You're not building it to share. Then, ease of use of the software will be important so that it does not get in the way of the process of thinking. You need to look out for keyboard shortcuts, ease of moving round the map and searching, and ways of connecting maps. MindManager and FreeMind are fairly good for this and provide quite a lot of freedom in layout to suit your own immediate needs. You have to find out how to turn off auto-layout, though.
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
|-
+
=== ... because you have something to share ===
!width="200pt"|Software
+
In the second, your colleague's comprehension of the map will be important, so a tool that produces clear and businesslike results is needed. Whether this means it's appropriate to stick to auto-layout and not too much color will depend on the business culture. Publishers of the on-line web application [http://www.comapping.com/ Comapping] claim to have researched their left-to-right mindmapping style and found this easier to introduce to mindmap novices, though you may soon want to move on to maps that allow more flexibility. Alternatively, a product that can turn a mindmap into an outline may be useful in winning over people who are not 'visual thinkers'. MindManager and Inspiration can both do this.
!width="180pt"|Licence
+
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
+
Personally I use MindManager 8, 3D Topicscape Pro (naturally as much of it is my design), and sometimes FreeMind. I played with [http://www.text2mindmap.com/ text2mindmap] for a while, because it takes a different approach: Key in a text outline and it produces a mindmap from it. It's amusing, but it does confine the user to a rigid hierarchy and that's something I find very limiting.
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
+
 
|-
+
== Mobile mapping ==
| [http://www.creativesynthesis.net/blog/projects/graph-gear/ Graph Gear]
+
 
| Free
+
Finally, I have to mention mind mapping on a mobile phone. Working on these tiny screens is moderately painful (once you've got over the 'Wow!' factor), but there can be times when stuck on a train, for example, you might want to whip out your smartphone and start mapping. Here, then, is a [http://www.informationtamers.com/WikIT/index.php?title=Mind_mapping_on_the_run list of applications] that you can consider for such moments. Of those I've tried, iMindMap is the standout in this tiny format.
| Web based
+
 
| [[Image:GraphGear.jpg|thumb|right|Graph Gear screenshot]]
+
I haven't tried on mapping an iPad yet, but I've seen some good comments from those who have.
|-
+
 
| [http://jgraph.com/ JGraph]
+
== What have I missed out? ==
| Free option
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:JGraph.jpg|thumb|right|JGraph screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.jsviz.org/ JSViz]  
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:JSViz.jpg|thumb|right|JSViz screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://prefuse.org/gallery/ Prefuse]
 
| Free (please visit the gallery! One thumbnail most inadequate)
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Prefuse.jpg|thumb|right|Prefuse screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://genie.sis.pitt.edu/ GeNIe & SMILE]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:SMILE.jpg|thumb|right|SMILE screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.pantha.net/index.php?NodeID=2 transLucid]  
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:transLucid.jpg|thumb|right|transLucid screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.yworks.com/en/index.html yEd]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:yEd.jpg|thumb|right|yEd screenshot]]
 
|}
 
  
== Diagrams, Flowcharts ==
+
Many excellent software packages!  A couple of standouts that I haven't mentioned and really ought to are '''[http://www.xmind.net Xmind]''' and '''[http://www.novamind.com/ NovaMind]'''.
These applications can be used to make mind maps and concept maps, but they are mostly equipped to make more general diagrams and do not have features that support mind or concept maps specifically.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://creately.com/ Creately]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:CreatelyScreenShotWiki.png|thumb|right|Creately screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://live.gnome.org/Dia Dia]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Linux, Unix
 
| [[Image:Dia.jpg|thumb|right|Dia screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.drawanywhere.com/ DrawAnywhere]  
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:DrawAnywhere.jpg|thumb|right|DrawAnywhere screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.gliffy.com/ Gliffy]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Gliffy.jpg|thumb|right|Gliffy screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.graphviz.org/ GraphViz]
 
| Free
 
| Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:GraphViz.jpg|thumb|right|GraphViz screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.imaginationcubed.com/LaunchPage ImaginationCubed]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:ImaginationCubed.jpg|thumb|right|ImaginationCubed screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://thinkature.com/ Thinkature]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Thinkature.jpg|thumb|right|Thinkature screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://draw.labs.autodesk.com/ADDraw/draw.html Project Draw]
 
| Free for non-commercial use
 
|Web based
 
| [[Image:ProjectDraw.jpg|thumb|right|Project Draw screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.dabbleboard.com/draw Dabbleboard]
 
| Free option
 
|Web based
 
| [[Image:Dabbleboard.jpg|thumb|right|Dabbleboard screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.yworks.com/en/index.html yEd]
 
| Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:yEdDG.jpg|thumb|right|yEd screenshot]]
 
|}
 
  
== Hyperbolic trees ==
+
Xmind has a very capable and professional-looking free version suitable for business mapping, and a Pro option - both give you access to an online facility. I do use this occasionally, and would use it more if I did not already have a MindManager license.
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://www.graphviz.org/ GraphViz]
 
| Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:GraphViz.jpg|thumb|right|GraphViz screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://hypergraph.sourceforge.net/ Hypergraph]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Hypergraph.jpg|thumb|right|Hypergraph screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.randelshofer.ch/treeviz/index.html Treeviz]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Treeviz.jpg|thumb|right|Treeviz screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.yworks.com/en/index.html yEd]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:yEdHT.jpg|thumb|right|yEd screenshot]]
 
|}
 
  
== Information & knowledge management ==
+
NovaMind is widely noted for producing very attractive maps, but with what I already have, I can't justify to myself the extra cost. If you are in the market for a mind mapping software license and haven't committed yet, you should take a look at Novamind.
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://www.topicscape.com/student-edition.php 3D Topicscape Student Edition]
 
| Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| Windows
 
| [[Image:Topicscape_SE2.0.jpg|thumb|right|Topicscape SE screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.eyeplorer.com/eyePlorer/ eyePlorer]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:eyePlorer.jpg|thumb|right|eyePlorer screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.creativesynthesis.net/blog/projects/graph-gear/ Graph Gear]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:GraphGear.jpg|thumb|right|Graph Gear screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.jsviz.org/ JSViz]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:JSViz.jpg|thumb|right|JSViz screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://protege.stanford.edu/overview/protege-frames.html Protégé-Frames (protege)]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Protege-frames.jpg|thumb|right|Protégé-Frames screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://protege.stanford.edu/overview/protege-owl.html Protégé-OWL (protege)]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Protege-OWL.jpg|thumb|right|Protégé-OWL screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://freshmeat.net/projects/xebece/ Xebece] '''<nowiki>+</nowiki>'''
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Xebece.jpg|thumb|right|Xebece screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.visuwords.com/ Visuwords]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Visuwords.jpg|thumb|right|Visuwords screenshot]]
 
|}
 
'''<nowiki>+</nowiki>'''Xebece was previously known as Calientra or Ontographics
 
  
== Maps of Arguments, Belief, Idea support, Debates, Decisions and Influence ==
+
== More about mind mapping ==
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://www.argunet.org/ Argunet]
 
| Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| Web based or desktop
 
| [[Image:Argunet.jpg|thumb|right|Argunet screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://cohere.open.ac.uk/ Cohere]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Cohere.JPG|thumb|right|Cohere screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://debategraph.org/ Debategraph]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Debategraph.jpg|thumb|right|Debategraph screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://prefuse.org/ Prefuse]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Prefuse.jpg|thumb|right|Prefuse screenshot]]
 
|}
 
  
== Mind maps ==
+
I'm on Twitter as @roygrubb where I frequently answer questions about information mapping and softwareI hope I'll see you there!   ('''[http://twitter.com/roygrubb Follow me on Twitter]'''.)
The term 'Mind maps' is used rather loosely in this list to mean supporting a central topic form with a hierarchy around itFor better definitions, and explanations of a term that is used in widely different ways, see other articles here, such as [[What is a mind map?]], [[How to make a mind map]], [[Buzan's mind map guidelines in practical use]], and [[Concept maps or mind maps? the choice]].
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://www.topicscape.com/student-edition.php 3D Topicscape Student Edition]
 
| Free
 
| Windows
 
| [[Image:Topicscape_SE2.0.jpg|thumb|right|Topicscape SE screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://bookvar.net/ Bookvar]
 
| Free
 
| Windows
 
| [[Image:Bookvar.jpg|thumb|right|Bookvar screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://cayra.net/ Cayra]
 
| Free (Defunct but still [http://download.cnet.com/Cayra/3000-2076_4-10777905.html available from]<br>[http://download.cnet.com/Cayra/3000-2076_4-10777905.html download sites])
 
|Windows
 
| [[Image:Cayra.jpg|thumb|right|Cayra screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://code.google.com/p/chartr/ CharTr]
 
| Free
 
| Linux
 
| [[Image:CharTr.jpg|thumb|right|CharTr screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://creately.com/ Creately]
 
| Free
 
| Web-based
 
| [[Image:CreatelyScreenShotMindMap.png|thumb|right|Creately Mindmap screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://en.ekpenso.com/ Ekpenso]
 
| Free
 
| Adobe Air, Web based, Google Gears
 
| [[Image:Ekpenso.jpg|thumb|right|Ekpenso screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page FreeMind]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:FreeMind.jpg|thumb|right|FreeMind screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/ Freeplane]
 
| Free. And for now, files are compatible with FreeMind.
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Freeplane2.png|thumb|right|Freeplane screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.gliffy.com/ Gliffy]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Gliffy.jpg|thumb|right|Gliffy screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.glinkr.net/ Glinkr]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Glinkr.jpg|thumb|right|Glinkr screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://hypergraph.sourceforge.net/ Hypergraph]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Hypergraph.jpg|thumb|right|Hypergraph screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://freehackers.org/~tnagy/kdissert.html Kdissert]
 
| Free
 
| Linux
 
| [[Image:Kdissert.jpg|thumb|right|Kdissert screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.mind42.com/ Mind42]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Mind42.jpg|thumb|right|Mind42 screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://eric-blue.com/projects/mindmapviewer/ Mind Map Viewer (Eric Blue)]
 
| Free
 
| Web based, for MindManager files
 
| [[Image:MindMapViewer.jpg|thumb|right|Mind Map Viewer screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.mindnode.com/ MindNode]
 
| Free
 
| Mac
 
| [[Image:MindNode.jpg|thumb|right|MindNode screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://mindraider.sourceforge.net/ MindRaider]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Linux
 
| [[Image:MindRaider.jpg|thumb|right|MindRaider screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.kde-apps.org/content/show.php?content=55242 Semantik]
 
| Free
 
| Linux
 
| [[Image:Semantik.jpg|thumb|right|Semantik screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.text2mindmap.com/ Text2Mindmap]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Text2Mindmap.jpg|thumb|right|Text2Mindmap screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://thinkature.com/ Thinkature]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Thinkature.jpg|thumb|right|Thinkature screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.thinkgraph.com/english/index.htm ThinkGraph]
 
| Free
 
| Windows
 
| [[Image:ThinkGraph.jpg|thumb|right|ThinkGraph screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://thoughtex.net Thoughtex]
 
| Free
 
| Windows
 
| [[Image:Thoughtex.jpg|thumb|right|Thoughtex screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://upsilon.cc/~zack/blog/posts/2006/10/tomboy_mindmap/ Tomboy mindmap]
 
| Free
 
| Linux
 
| [[Image:Tomboy-mindmap.jpg|thumb|right|Tomboy screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [https://sourceforge.net/projects/vym/ VYM (View Your Mind)]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:VYM.jpg|thumb|right|VYM screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.wikimindmap.org/ WikiMindMap]
 
| Free
 
| Web based tool to map Wikipedia topics
 
| [[Image:WikiMindMap.jpg|thumb|right|WikiMindMap screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.webofweb.net WoW (Web of Web)]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:WoW.jpg|thumb|right|WoW screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://freshmeat.net/projects/xebece/ Xebece] '''<nowiki>+</nowiki>'''
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Xebece.jpg|thumb|right|Xebece screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.xmind.net/ Xmind]
 
| Free option
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:XMind.jpg|thumb|right|XMind screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.xwiki.org/xwiki/bin/view/Code/MindMap?language=en XWiki MindMap]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:XWiki.jpg|thumb|right|XWiki screenshot]]
 
|}
 
'''<nowiki>+</nowiki>'''Xebece was formerly known as Calientra or Ontographics
 
  
== Ontologies and Taxonomies ==
+
And if you're here at WikIT, the mind mapping wiki, for the first time, you may not know that it is a vast store of free information about all types of information mapping. Why not '''[[Special:AllPages|explore now]]'''?
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://www.thechiselgroup.org/jambalaya Jambalaya]
 
| Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Jambalaya.jpg|thumb|right|Jambalaya screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://protege.stanford.edu/overview/protege-owl.html Protégé-OWL (protege)]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Protege-OWL.jpg|thumb|right|Protégé-OWL screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2105/8/460 Dendroscope]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Dendroscope.jpg|thumb|right|Dendroscope screenshot]]
 
|}
 
  
== Presentations ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://vue.uit.tufts.edu/index.cfm VUE (Visual Understanding<br> Environment)]
 
| Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:VUE.jpg|thumb|right|VUE screenshot]]
 
|}
 
  
== Treemaps ==
+
'''<big>Roy</big>'''
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://treesheets.com/ TreeSheets]
 
| Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Treesheets.jpg|thumb|right|TreeSheets screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.randelshofer.ch/treeviz/index.html Treeviz]
 
| Free
 
| Windows, Mac, Linux
 
| [[Image:Treeviz.jpg|thumb|right|Treeviz screenshot]]
 
|}
 
  
== Whiteboard ==
 
For collaboration in a free-form visual thinking space.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://www.imaginationcubed.com/LaunchPage ImaginationCubed]
 
| Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| Web based.
 
| [[Image:ImaginationCubed.jpg|thumb|right|ImaginationCubed screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://thinkature.com/ Thinkature]
 
| Free
 
| Web based.
 
| [[Image:Thinkature.jpg|thumb|right|Thinkature screenshot]]
 
|}
 
  
== Wiki-related ==
 
Visual tools specifically designed for use with wikis.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://mindraider.sourceforge.net/ MindRaider]
 
| Free &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| Linux, Windows
 
| [[Image:MindRaider.jpg|thumb|right|MindRaider screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://sourceforge.net/projects/ppqwiki/ QwikiWiki]
 
| Free
 
| Any supporting Python
 
| No screenshot found.<br>Uses FreeMind to create mind<br>maps, so see FreeMind.
 
|-
 
| [http://code.xwiki.org/xwiki/bin/view/Macros/MindMapMacro XWiki MindMap]
 
| Free
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:XWiki.jpg|thumb|right|XWiki screenshot]]
 
|}
 
  
= With significant limitations in Free version =
+
<small>Roy Grubb is a management consultant who has practised internationally in the USA, Asia and Europe for more than 30 years. He has been using a variety of types of mind maps for project management and to organize information for almost as long. One of his consultancy's assignments is the project management for the development of the family of software called Topicscape. He is at present based in Hong Kong.</small>
This is software for which a free version is available but with significant limitations when compared to the full version:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!width="200pt"|Software
 
! Type
 
!width="180pt"|Licence
 
!width="120pt"|Platform
 
!width="150pt"|Screenshot
 
|-
 
| [http://www.inforapid.de/html/english.htm InfoRapid KnowledgeMap]
 
| mind maps
 
| Free with nag (private use)
 
| Windows
 
| [[Image:InfoRapidKnowledgeMap.jpg|thumb|right|InfoRapid KnowledgeMap screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://my.lovelycharts.com/ Lovely Charts]
 
| diagrams
 
| Free limited option
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:LovelyCharts.jpg|thumb|right|Lovely Charts screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.mindmeister.com MindMeister]
 
| mind maps
 
| Free option with limitations
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:MindMeister.jpg|thumb|right|MindMeister screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.mindomo.com/ Mindomo]
 
| mind maps
 
| Free with ads: up to 7 maps
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Mindomo.jpg|thumb|right|Mindomo screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.thebrain.com/ PersonalBrain]
 
|Concept maps
 
| Free (no attachments allowed)
 
|Windows, Mac
 
| [[Image:PersonalBrain.jpg|thumb|right|PersonalBrain screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://prezi.com/ Prezi]
 
| presentations
 
| With the free option, all your content is public
 
| Web based
 
| [[Image:Prezi.jpg|thumb|right|Prezi screenshot]]
 
|-
 
| [http://www.wisdomap.com/ Wisdomap]
 
|mind maps
 
| Free for up to 3 maps
 
|Web based
 
| [[Image:Wisdomap.jpg|thumb|right|Wisdomap screenshot]]
 
|}
 

Revision as of 11:48, 6 June 2010

I track discussions about mind mapping on Twitter and in blogs, and I often hear or read the question “Which is the best mindmapping software?” Anyone who gives you a single, immediate answer either knows you and your mindmapping activities very well, or is likely recommending the one that they’ve become familiar with themselves.


What’s “best”?[edit]

What is “best” depends so much on how you use mind maps. Some people use them for study, some for planning projects, some for organizing information, some for sparking ideas and facilitating brainstorming sessions, some for planning the writing of a report or blog. Some mindmap alone, others mindmap in groups. Most of us probably do all of these from time to time, so we need a quiver full of arrows to choose from, some free, some not so free.

One package can’t support all of those user profiles …[edit]

… so here’s my take:

For study, learning and memorization[edit]

… the colorful ones are said to help in retaining information: iMindmap, Inspiration, and for Mac MyThoughts and Mindnode are good candidates if you study alone; if you’re part of a study group that likes mind maps, then software that supports collaboration may be a better fit: Bubbl.us is really easy to learn and use. For students, there is also free software 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.

Big goalsetting.jpg Nitrogen-cycle.jpg MyThoughts.jpg
iMindmap Inspiration MyThoughts for Mac
MindNode2.jpg Bubbl.jpg Free.jpg
Mindnode Bubbl.us The free software list


For planning projects and managing projects[edit]

MindManager works well for project management, especially with with add-ons like Gyronix ResultManager and Power Markers. This is not a low-cost solution, but for professional managers, the return is great. If you have a lot of project information to organize, then use 3D Topicscape Pro – it can import a MindManager map, so as a project grows, the 2D map can also provide a framework for the 3D map to hold collected information and research materials;

MindManager.jpg ResultsManager.jpg Power-Markers.png Topicscape-project-information-organizer.jpg
MindManager ResultsManager Power Markers Topicscape


When organizing information[edit]

… for moderate amounts of information, MindManager or FreeMind; for larger amounts and especially to cope with information overload, try Topicscape Pro;

MindManager.jpg FreeMind2.jpg Topicscape-project-information-organizer.jpg
MindManager FreeMind Topicscape


To spark ideas and facilitate brainstorming sessions[edit]

MindManager, FreeMind, or any mindmapper than can be controlled easily from the keyboard, because you don’t want to be constantly moving your hands between keyboard and mouse;

MindManager.jpg FreeMind2.jpg
MindManager FreeMind


When planning writing, reports or blogs[edit]

… many writers swear by Scrivener, though it’s visual form is an outline not a mind map; For small reports I use MindManager to produce a skeleton contents list with some draft content in place, because it can export to Word files. For large reports, where there’s a lot of research and reference information needed to develop the report and support points made, I plan, gather and organize the information in Topicscape Pro which has a number of text output options.


To design a web site or other publication[edit]

MindManager can export a web site, built from and following the structure of a mind map. There’s a simple example here that was made this way. WriteMaps is useful for website maps, as well, especially if you’re designing a site in collaboration with others, because it’s on line so doesn’t need software to be downloaded and you can view the map in a hierarchical or an outline view.


For organizing your personal tasks[edit]

… if your life is simple and under control, FreeMind; If you have many projects on the go at once, then 3D Topicscape Lite;


If you often work in dispersed teams or groups[edit]

… and the group is attuned to a mindmapping approach, then look at the many web based products, like Mind42, MindMeister, Mindomo or Wisemapping. See which one fits your budget – the first two are free, but the others have more capabilities and are subscription-based. Even the charged-for ones offer a limited-access free account. If you collaborate in planning or designing, these browser-based mappers satisfy a real need.
The ones I just mentioned have a mind mapping orientation (they build round a central topic), but if you prefer a concept map and more freedom of node placement, then I recommend bubbl.us. It is easy to use, and the beta version even allows adding linking phrases between the nodes. This is necessary if you want to make real concept maps. The regular version is a masterpiece of user friendliness. In the beta version, several functions are handled differently, and personally, I find it less convenient and less visually attractive but if you need linking phrases, use it by all means, it is still good.


For presentations with mind maps[edit]

… many mind mapping applications can be used for presentations and provide a welcome relief from PowerPoint to some people. A recent newcomer has been designed specifically for presentations, though: Prezi. If you give presentations or want to put them on the Web, you should look at this example to see how it could change what your audiences see and engage with. You need to watch the example to understand the effect of the zooming, swinging and sliding round this map during the presentation. The static image below cannot convey this.


For concept maps[edit]

I mentioned these in relation to bubbl.us and collaborative browser-based apps, but the grand-daddy is Cmap. I love this free tool and, though I make less than 10% of my 2D maps with it, when I do use it, it’s because it is the best tool for rigorous thinking, reflection and verifying our understanding of a topic. The download link is not immediately visible, so here’s help: Download Cmap here. Inspiration can also make concept maps.


PC or Mac?[edit]

Your computer will limit choice to some degree. Mac users have less choice and though some software runs on Windows and Macs, updates to the Windows version will often be released before the Mac. Here’s a quick list of Mac mapping software: Free: FreeMind; Xmind; MindNode. Not free: Novamind; iMindmap; MindManager; Curio; Mythoughts; ConceptDraw.

Two drivers for mapping[edit]

I’ve been mapping for more than thirty years but soon after starting, I concluded that there are two motivations for using mind maps and similar types: Where the mindmapping process is what’s really important – to help you think something through or get new ideas; and where the resulting mindmap is important as a finished product that will be shared with others in some way. You will encounter both at one time or another, depending on why you’re making the map, whether others will see it and the life of the project that it’s part of.

… because it makes you think[edit]

In the first case, someone walking up to the map you produce may not be able to make much sense of it, but provided you can understand it, it’s how you got there that will matter most. You’re not building it to share. Then, ease of use of the software will be important so that it does not get in the way of the process of thinking. You need to look out for keyboard shortcuts, ease of moving round the map and searching, and ways of connecting maps. MindManager and FreeMind are fairly good for this and provide quite a lot of freedom in layout to suit your own immediate needs. You have to find out how to turn off auto-layout, though.

… because you have something to share[edit]

In the second, your colleague’s comprehension of the map will be important, so a tool that produces clear and businesslike results is needed. Whether this means it’s appropriate to stick to auto-layout and not too much color will depend on the business culture. Publishers of the on-line web application Comapping claim to have researched their left-to-right mindmapping style and found this easier to introduce to mindmap novices, though you may soon want to move on to maps that allow more flexibility. Alternatively, a product that can turn a mindmap into an outline may be useful in winning over people who are not ‘visual thinkers’. MindManager and Inspiration can both do this.

Personally I use MindManager 8, 3D Topicscape Pro (naturally as much of it is my design), and sometimes FreeMind. I played with text2mindmap for a while, because it takes a different approach: Key in a text outline and it produces a mindmap from it. It’s amusing, but it does confine the user to a rigid hierarchy and that’s something I find very limiting.

Mobile mapping[edit]

Finally, I have to mention mind mapping on a mobile phone. Working on these tiny screens is moderately painful (once you’ve got over the ‘Wow!’ factor), but there can be times when stuck on a train, for example, you might want to whip out your smartphone and start mapping. Here, then, is a list of applications that you can consider for such moments. Of those I’ve tried, iMindMap is the standout in this tiny format.

I haven’t tried on mapping an iPad yet, but I’ve seen some good comments from those who have.

What have I missed out?[edit]

Many excellent software packages! A couple of standouts that I haven’t mentioned and really ought to are Xmind and NovaMind.

Xmind has a very capable and professional-looking free version suitable for business mapping, and a Pro option – both give you access to an online facility. I do use this occasionally, and would use it more if I did not already have a MindManager license.

NovaMind is widely noted for producing very attractive maps, but with what I already have, I can’t justify to myself the extra cost. If you are in the market for a mind mapping software license and haven’t committed yet, you should take a look at Novamind.

More about mind mapping[edit]

I’m on Twitter as @roygrubb where I frequently answer questions about information mapping and software. I hope I’ll see you there! (Follow me on Twitter.)

And if you’re here at WikIT, the mind mapping wiki, for the first time, you may not know that it is a vast store of free information about all types of information mapping. Why not explore now?


Roy


Roy Grubb is a management consultant who has practised internationally in the USA, Asia and Europe for more than 30 years. He has been using a variety of types of mind maps for project management and to organize information for almost as long. One of his consultancy’s assignments is the project management for the development of the family of software called Topicscape. He is at present based in Hong Kong.