Download mind mapping software. IMindMap: the official editor for creating mind maps

An intellect map, or mental maps (mind-maps) is a display of an effective way to think, remember, remember, solve creative problems, as well as the ability to present and visually express your internal information processing processes, make changes to them, improve them. Mind maps - is a tool that allows you to:

  • it is easier to work with information: remember, understand, restore logic.
  • it is convenient to use for the presentation of the material and a visual explanation of one’s position to the interlocutors
  • makes it easier to make decisions, create plans, develop projects.
offers a fresh selection of 8 great mind mapping software. We are sure that these programs will help you use mind-mapping technology at 100%. In the selection you will find many free applications and you can easily choose the best option for yourself.

1 Google

Coggle is a free online project collaboration application. In this program, you can develop handy beautiful mind maps. The interface of the program is simple, but at the same time it has many functions that make the process of creating a mind map incredibly simple. The program supports the use of images, custom color schemes and the ability to view document history. Keeping a history of changes allows you to revert to earlier versions of the created map if you hit a dead end in the current version. Mind maps created with Coggle can be exported as PNG or PDF.

2.Xmind

XMind is a popular cross-platform mind mapping software that runs on Windows / Mac / Linux platforms. The program has several versions: free with reduced features and paid with advanced functionality. One of the main advantages of the program is its support and compatibility with the Microsoft Office package. And a nice addition is the ability of the program to work with Gantt charts.

3. Freemind

The program is an open source free application that runs on any platform that supports Java. In general, the program has all the necessary set of functions for creating high-quality mind maps. The only disadvantage of the program is the outdated design of mind maps.

4. Mind Node

MindNode is a paid mind mapping app for Mac/IOS. The program has a modern minimalist design and is very easy to use. It supports integration with all Apple devices, works well both on the iPad and in the mobile version. The application allows you to export created mind maps to JPG, PDF, TIFF, text formats, and also supports mind map export to the format of a competing Freemind program. For users unfamiliar with the program, a trial version of the program with a limited set of MindNode Lite functions is available.

5. BubbleUs

Bubble.us is a free online mind mapping application. The application allows you to create simple mind-maps and export them as images. The functionality of the program, in comparison with the simple solutions of MindNode and Coggle, seems a bit fancy, but still the program solves the task and creates good mind maps. The program runs on flash and will not work on smartphones.

6.MindMeister

MindMeister is a paid online mind mapping application. Provides several options for a subscription fee, and also provides the opportunity to use the program for free. On a free basis, you can build 3 mind-maps with limited export options. The application has a user-friendly interface and all the necessary set of functions, which allows you to understand the simplicity and convenience of smart card technology. The disadvantage of the program is the possibility of full use only with regular payment, so it is more suitable for those who use mind maps regularly. The program is Russified.

7. Mapul

Mapul is a paid online mind mapping application. Like MindMeister, Mapul is a monthly subscription service. The program stands out among all other applications with its fancy mind-map design.

8. WiseMapping

WiseMapping is a free online mind mapping application powered by open source HTML5. The program can be used directly on the developer's website, or you can download the open source code of the program and install it on your own web server. The application has the entire set of functions for working with smart card technology.

Everyone who has used mind-mapping technology at least once knows how convenient, multitasking and simple it is. Apparently, this is why the compilation of mind maps (or mental maps) is beginning to enjoy such popularity. Mind maps are used to record ideas, associations; they help to brainstorm, plan work within the framework of the project, draw up a brief business analysis of the situation, and are also used to draw up notes, write down abstracts from books and magazines read.

We offer a fresh selection of 8 excellent programs for compiling mind maps. We are sure that these programs will help you use mind-mapping technology at 100%. In the selection you will find many free applications and you can easily choose the best option for yourself.

And if you have not used the mind map method in your work until today, it's time to try it!

Coggle

Coggle is a free online project collaboration application. In this program, you can develop handy beautiful mind maps. The interface of the program is simple, but at the same time it has many functions that make the process of creating a mind map incredibly simple. The program supports the use of images, custom color schemes and the ability to view document history. Keeping a history of changes allows you to revert to earlier versions of the created map if you hit a dead end in the current version. Mind maps created with Coggle can be exported as PNG or PDF.

Xmind

XMind is a popular cross-platform mind mapping software that runs on Windows / Mac / Linux platforms. The program has several versions: free with reduced features and paid with advanced functionality. One of the main advantages of the program is its support and compatibility with the Microsoft Office package. And a nice addition is the ability of the program to work with Gantt charts.

Freemind

The program is an open source free application that runs on any platform that supports Java. In general, the program has all the necessary set of functions for creating high-quality mind maps. The only disadvantage of the program is the outdated design of mind maps.

is a paid application for creating mind maps on Mac / IOS. The program has a modern minimalist design and is very easy to use. It supports integration with all Apple devices, works well both on the iPad and in the mobile version. The application allows you to export created mind maps to formats: JPG, PDF, TIFF, text formats, and also supports mind map export to the format of the competing Freemind program.

For users unfamiliar with the program, a trial version of the program with a limited set of MindNode Lite features is available.

BubbleUs

Bubble.us is a free online mind mapping application. The application allows you to create simple mind-maps and export them as images. The functionality of the program, in comparison with the simple solutions of MindNode and Coggle, seems a bit fancy, but still the program solves the task and creates good mind maps. The program runs on flash and will not work on smartphones.

The program is a paid online mind mapping application. Provides several options for a subscription fee, and also provides the opportunity to use the program for free. On a free basis, you can build 3 mind-maps with limited export options. The application has a user-friendly interface and all the necessary set of functions, which allows you to understand the simplicity and convenience of smart card technology. The disadvantage of the program is the possibility of full use only with regular payment, so it is more suitable for those who use mind maps regularly. The program is Russified.

Mapul

Mapul is a paid online mind mapping application. Like MindMeister, Mapul is a monthly subscription service. The program stands out from all other applications with its fancy mind-map design.

The program is a free online application for creating mind maps, running on HTML5 open source code. The program can be used directly on the developer's website, or you can download the open source code of the program and install it on your own web server. The application has the entire set of functions for working with smart card technology.

Tamara Gerasimovich

Getting Acquainted

Mind maps are a schematic representation of the key ideas of a book, the main points of a speaker's speech, or your most important action plan. With their help, it is convenient to restore order in the information chaos. Mind maps have many names - mental map, mind mapping, mind map, mind map, mind map.

The word mind is translated as mind. Psychologists are sure: by drawing cards with felt-tip pens on sheets, you will really become smarter and unlock the potential of your brain. Let's leave these thoughts to scientists and talk about the practical implementation of mind mapping.

What, where and how to draw?

The map vaguely resembles a tree. Or a spider. Or an octopus. In general, something that has a center and branches.

In the center is the main idea or problem. Key points depart from it. Each item is also, if necessary, split into several smaller items. And so on, until the whole problem is clearly worked out.

How good is the map format?

  1. Schematic text is perceived better than a sheet, because it is shorter and simpler.
  2. Saves time to process information.
  3. In the process of compiling a map, memorization of the material improves.
  4. When working on projects with the help of coloring branches, areas of responsibility are clearly shown.


How to create cards

Let's not be smart and complicate - we will use the algorithm of the author of the maps, Tony Buzan.

  • Observe the hierarchy of thoughts;
  • In the center is the most important question. Graphic images (drawings, pictograms) are welcome;
  • Give images, blocks, rays volume. So the map is easier to perceive;
  • Leave a distance between the blocks, do not fence the palisade of the rays;
  • If you need to emphasize the connection between elements, use lines, arrows, the same colors;
  • Express your thoughts briefly and clearly. Simple font, one keyword above the corresponding line, the main lines are smooth and bolder, the words are placed horizontally.

Mind map - like a Glavred service, only for the brain. Helps to clean the garbage from thoughts.

Mind maps are useful...

...in work:

  • Plan work projects. In many programs, it is possible to share access with all team members. Changes are made to the map, tasks are prioritized, the execution process is controlled;
  • Prepare and hold meetings. With the help of maps, you will draw up a speech outline, highlight key points, and establish the logic of the story. The programs have the ability to create a presentation - this will help you visualize the materials for the planning meeting;
  • Make a strategy. Maps are perfect in my opinion. They help to go from the general to the particular;
  • Do some brainstorming. Some programs even have a special mode.

...in training:

  • Write down the key ideas of the seminar, lectures. Such a summary will help to remember the train of thought of the teacher;
  • Organize information. You always have free space to add an important thought.

...in everyday life:

  • Plan. I use maps to create plans for the week, month, prepare for important events;
  • Make lists. It can be a list of books, movies, webinars, shopping, gifts, or just a list of things to do someday;
  • Write summaries of books you read. One main branch - one chapter. Brief thoughts, abstracts, main points fit perfectly into the card format. In addition, some programs have the ability to take hidden notes. Hover your mouse over a specific block and a window will open with a detailed description of what is written in the block.

Evaluate

I chose 15 programs (+3 from the editors) for creating mind maps. The selection includes popular drawing services and little-known ones. They differ in design, export capabilities, ease of management. Some programs are more suitable for personal use, while others help to effectively plan work and study. The description applies only to free versions. Read the review and choose the program that is convenient for you.

For your convenience, I have also prepared a comparison table of the capabilities of all the programs presented in the table.

MindMeister


Mind Meister Features:

Rates:

  1. Free basic package. It has only 3 cards. You can export them only in the form of text, you can also receive one card for an invited friend;
  2. Personal plan ($4.99). Unlimited cards, multi-page printing, export to drawing, PDF, priority support;
  3. Pro plan ($8.25). Everything in the previous plan plus Sign in to Google Apps for Domains, multi-user licensing, export to .docx and .pptx, custom map themes for the whole team, getting statistics and reports;
  4. Business plan ($12.49). Everything in the previous plan plus the creation of groups within the program, the creation of a user domain for logging in, support for export and backup, priority support around the clock.


My impressions

The program is worthy of attention if you have small requests. MindMeister even in the free version has a fairly wide functionality: different styles and colors of blocks, changing the color of the text and its style. A small menu appears on the right and with the toggle buttons you change the design mode. Convenient, compact, simple. Maps are easy to draw: select the block from which the next rays should go, and click on the plus sign. If you want to color the blocks and add icons, emoticons, it will work too.

Mind Mup


Mind Mup Features:

  • There are all the basic features for creating high-quality design;
  • Simple control;
  • Free export to PDF (link available within 24 hours);
  • Maps are synchronized if there is one account on the devices;
  • Import pictures from disk or cloud in 2 clicks.

Rates:

  1. Free package. Users of the free version can create public maps up to 100 KB for a period of 6 months;
  2. Individual Gold ($2.99/month). Unlimited number of cards, up to 5 messages in the mail, the volume of cards is up to 100 MB, storage on Google Drive;
  3. Team Gold ($50/year for 10 users, $100/year for 100 users). Unlimited number of maps, work with Google/GAFE;
  4. Corporate Gold ($100/year). Unlimited number of users and maps created by them, work with Google/GAFE.


My impressions

The MindMup program is ideal for beginners because there is no chain of complex actions. You can insert a picture or edit an inscription with two clicks, create new blocks or delete them with one click. At the same time, the map looks aesthetically pleasing, it is understandable and logical. It can be personalized by adding photos. At the time of adding, you can easily change the size of the image, place it under the text or on the side.

Mind42


Features of Mind42:

  • Only the main functionality: adding icons, notes, main and additional nodes;
  • Laconic card design;
  • Export in JPEG, PDF, PNG and several more;
  • You can add your map to general Mind42 groups or view other people's maps;
  • Possibility of joint work on the map;
  • Sets the block task execution priority. Viewing the priority is easy if you hover over the special icon.


My impressions

It seems that the creators of the program have already decided a lot for me. For example, they set their own order in which the branches will be located, offered only one type of font and blocks. But on the other hand, you can set the priority and progress of tasks. In general, the capabilities of Mind42 are modest, like young girls in ancient Russia.

XMind


Features of XMind:

  • A large number of templates: fishbone, business plans, SWOT analysis and other useful things;
  • Stylish design, bright design - a background for the whole map or separately for blocks, a large selection of styles, lines, colors and shapes;
  • Brainstorming;
  • Convenient creation of presentations.

Rates:

  1. Free. All kinds of charts and cloud sync.
  2. XMind: ZEN Desktop ($4.58/month) Fully functional desktop version.
  3. XMind: ZEN Desktop + Mobile ($4.99/month). Desktop + mobile version.
  4. XMind: ZEN Mobile ($1.24/month). Mobile version.
  5. XMind 8 Pro ($129). In the PRO account, export is available in PDF, PPT, SVG, OpenOffice, more than 60,000 icons, Gantt charts, presentation and brainstorming modes.


My impressions

Using XMind is definitely worth it. I thought about the paid version, but for now I have enough of the stripped-down free version. The program has a lot of possibilities. Choosing it for simple planning or taking notes is like driving a Ferrari through the countryside. The program is more suitable for professional teamwork. I like XMind for its design and ease of drawing.

MindJet Mindmanager


Ming Manager Features:

  • The templates are categorized - meetings and events, management, strategic planning, personal productivity, troubleshooting, flow charts;
  • It resembles Word in terms of design possibilities - it is just as simple and easy to choose the text color, flowchart shape, fill, font, alignment, bulleted lists;
  • Prioritization of actions. You can set the order of tasks, put beacons such as "risk", "discuss", "postpone", "expenses", "for", "against";
  • You can brainstorm, build Gantt charts, link maps to each other. Easily switch between map tabs;
  • There is a MindManager Plus web account for saving files to the cloud;
  • Data transfer from Microsoft Outlook.

Rates:

Perpetual license. For Mac it costs 13,000 r, for Windows 25,000 r. Creation of interactive maps, setting time frames for completing tasks, exporting maps in various formats.


My impressions

Mindmanager offers a lot of educational materials, technical support service works. The design of the card can be both concise and playful if you so desire. Management is simple, all the necessary buttons are at hand. If you study this program thoroughly, then it is quite possible to use it for home and work. Data is inserted into the map from Excel, Outlook, you can attach other maps. Personally, I do not need so many functions yet.

Personal Brain


Personal Brain Features:

  • From the design, you can only change the theme;
  • Most features are available after purchasing paid work packages;
  • Complex program management;
  • Shows a 3D view of the mind map.

Rates:

  1. Basic paid package ($219). Available printing, adding files, links, pictures, notes;
  2. Pro packages ($299). Provides integration of the calendar and events, spell checking, saving reports, multi-page printing, map export. The difference between the Pro License, Pro Combo, TeamBrain packages is the desktop version and cloud storage.


My impressions

Didn't like it. First, I went through the quest to install the application, put checkmarks and dots in the required fields. Then she opened the map and was disappointed in the management. If you click in the wrong place, the central block changes and you are disorganized. Well, the design is dark. In general, I did not make friends with her.

iMind Map


Features of iMindMap:

  • The program offers 4 modes: fixing ideas and thoughts, brainstorming, creating mind maps, converting data into 2D and 3D presentations, PDF files, tables and other formats;
  • About 130 kinds of styles;
  • There are hints at the beginning of work: click on the icon, use Tab and Enter;
  • There is a spell check;
  • Very bright animated presentations;
  • You can make notes for each branch, use icons from the series finance, transport, arrows, calendar, communications, flags, numbers, people, etc., change flowchart formats, set deadlines and priorities, add audio files;
  • Time map;
  • Import files in IMX, Doc, Docx, IMM, MM, MMAP format;
  • Export files as PDF, SVG, 3D image, table, web page, project, audio, DropTask, Power Point presentation, archive to zip file.

Rates:

  1. For home and study (80€). Create and edit maps, add images, create art projects, add links and notes, 30 days of use, one license;
  2. Maximum (190€). Adds to the possibilities of the previous package more brainstorming, creating presentations, exporting videos from YouTube, integration with DropTask, three-dimensional image, converting to different formats, a license for a year and 2 computers;
  3. Maximum Plus (250€). Adds books and discs by Tony Buzan, the founder of mind maps, to the possibilities of the previous package.


My impressions

One of the best programs I have used. I would put XMind and MindMup next to it. Very easy to manage. Easily switch between fixation, brainstorming, mind maps and time maps, draw blocks and relationships between them. If you want to recreate the atmosphere of drawing with markers on whatman paper, then in iMind Map you can draw branches by hand.

bubbl


Bubble features:

  • Not very convenient control, you need to get used to it;
  • Only the general color scheme changes, you cannot change the font, text color or node shape separately;
  • 3 cards are created for free;
  • The map is saved in JPEG, PNG, HTML formats.

Rates:

  1. Premium ($4.91 per month). Create an unlimited number of maps, track the history of changes, add files and images;
  2. Corporate rate. It has multiple licenses available, user account management, user branding creation. The cost of the corporate plan depends on the number of accounts and the subscription period.


My impressions

Nothing special. It seemed to me that the controls are complicated, the design is ordinary. Who needs a business style card - welcome!

matching


Matching Features:

  • There is only one type of card;
  • Little design options;
  • Maps can be sent to e-mail, saved in SVG, PDF, Xmind, Freemind, MindManager formats;
  • The service is used for brainstorming, event planning, training.

Rates:

Paid versions are based on the number of licenses and the version: online or desktop. One online license costs $25 per year, desktop is $49, and the maximum package of 100 licenses is $612 and $1225 is the discounted price.


My impressions

Nice program, but I don't like this map structure. I love when the main idea is in the center. The design didn't work for me either. Why is she nice then? Its simplicity, unobtrusive design. I liked how the gray color marks on the map stand out, for example, “competitor analysis”. They do not distract attention, but they are useful.

MindGenius


MindGenius Features:

  • Good for team work, educational process. Emphasis is placed on working with enterprises;
  • The design possibilities are optimal - the size, color, font type, background fill color, block shapes can be changed;
  • Add pictures, links, notes - there is such a function too;
  • There are mobile apps for iOS and Android;
  • Map export in MS Office applications, JPEG, PNG, PDF, HTML
  • A large number of different templates, there are Gantt charts, Swot-analysis, and training guides are provided for each type.

Rates:

  1. MindGenius2019 subscription ($160/year, $56/year from year 2). Includes the program itself and a subscription to the online version + updates.
  2. MindGenius2019 unlimited ($256). Includes a perpetual software license and an annual subscription to the online version. A year later, the latter can be renewed for $42.
  3. MindGeniusOnline ($16/month or $160/year) Subscription to the online version.


My impressions

Pleasant design, clear control, great features - a good program, in general. If I manage the company, I will take MindGenius into account.

Mapul


Mapul features:

  • Unusual design. Bright juicy colors of lines and blocks;
  • Maps are saved in JPEG, SVG formats;
  • Small selection of colors and fonts;
  • Not very convenient control. Lines are hard to change after drawing, text jumps around and is hard to read.

Rates:

  1. Free version. One card and 4 images;
  2. Premium package. The number of cards is unlimited. Premium can be purchased for 3, 6 or 12 months. Accordingly, $25, $35, $49.


My impressions

The design just captivated me: bright, juicy, unusual. But the drawing process let us down. I want to align the line - instead, the program draws me an additional branch. In general, if you get used to it, then Mapul can become your favorite.

Mindomo


Features of Mindomo:

  • Three accounts: teacher, businessman, student;
  • 24 card templates are offered;
  • Possibility of joint work on the map by several users. When the card is changed, notifications are sent to e-mail;
  • There is a possibility of backup;
  • Audio and video recordings, images, hyperlinks, icons, symbols are added;
  • The priority of tasks is set, comments are added to the blocks.

Rates:

Bought for six months. In all tariffs, an unlimited number of mind maps, backup to DropBox and Google. Disk, adding audio and video, password protection of cards, desktop version, synchronization between devices, 7 import formats.

  1. Premium ($36). It has 8 export formats, 1 GB memory, 1 user;
  2. Professional ($90). It has 12 export formats, 5 GB memory, 1 user;
  3. Team ($142). It has 12 export formats, 15 GB of memory, 5 users.


My impressions

After working in Mindomo, there is some pleasant aftertaste. Drawing is easy - just click on the button next to the block. Pictures are inserted easily and immediately in the optimal size. I liked that you can make notes for each block in the form of plain text or lists - very convenient.

Coggle


Coggle Features:

  • Pop-up hints in English;
  • Kind of management. New branches, for example, appear on double-click, color scheme appears on right-click;
  • There is only one map in the free version;
  • Export in PNG, PDF formats;
  • Collaboration on the map. There is a chat and comments;
  • History of changes. The slider moves along the scale, returning the map to the desired editing segment;
  • More than 1600 icons;
  • A gallery of other people's maps is available;
  • Google Drive sync, account required.

Rates:

  1. Awesome. $5 per month or $50 per year. Unlimited maps, presentation mode, shared folders, high resolution image uploads, wide range of color schemes;
  2. Organization (corporate). $8 per month. Added a separate workspace, consolidated billing, user and deadline management, corporate identity.


My impressions

Didn't like the design at all. It is not very difficult to understand the management, tips are nearby. Lines and blocks are easy to create, change direction. The slider with the cancellation of changes in the map is just a salvation.

ConceptDraw MINDMAP


Features of ConceptDraw MINDMAP:

  • There are ready-made themes. The design features are standard: the size of the letters is changed, the background of the text and the card itself is filled;
  • The map is converted to a text list and vice versa;
  • Added hyperlinks, notes, icons, labels;
  • Wide settings for creating a presentation;
  • Maps are imported from Xmaind, FreeMaind, MindManager, Word, Power Point;
  • Export to PDF, Web Pages, MindManager, Word, Power Point. You can export the file as a checklist with completed and failed tasks;
  • You can show presentations on Skype, post on Twitter, send by email and save to Evernote;
  • In addition to maps, you can draw diagrams and various flowcharts, manage projects;
  • By default, the map is saved on the computer in the My Documents folder.

Rates:

This program has a difficult pricing. It depends on the number of users plus additional features are taken into account. For $199 you get the simplest version for 1 license, the program upgrade costs $99, the corporate package costs $299, and 10 educational licenses cost $638.


My impressions

Lots of useful features in the program. As an addition to the mind-mapping service, there is also a line of programs for creating business graphics and project management. In general, this is a huge set of tools for business.

LOOPY

LOOP features:

The service allows you to create "live" schemes in which elements move between blocks. This allows us to illustrate some cyclical processes.

Rates:

The service is free, registration is not required.

My impressions

Very little card design. The main thing is that the cards are “live”, with their help it is convenient to depict dynamic processes. The resulting scheme can be inserted into the site as an interactive element.

Draw.io


Draw.io Features

  • Registration is not required. When you first log in, choose where to save the files. If in the cloud, then you need authorization through the appropriate service.
  • Files are not saved in Draw.io, but in your storage - on Google Drive, OneDrive, or your computer's hard drive.
  • Multifunctional tool. In addition to mind maps, you can make flowcharts, simple infographics, visualize business processes, and even design page layouts.
  • There are online and desktop versions, as well as integrations with many tools, including Jira and Trello.

Rates

The tool is free without any restrictions. Except when you need to deploy a product on your server.


My impressions

For a quick sketch of thoughts and plans, the functions and features are too much. Because of this, the service is more complicated than those designed specifically for mind maps. It may take longer to create. But this is a great option when you need to make a diagram for a presentation and other similar tasks - complete freedom of action will allow you to draw it exactly the way you need it and design it in the corporate style and colors.

WiseMapping


The tool is free without any restrictions. If you install the program on your server, and some functions are missing, you can contact the developers.


My impressions

The first impression is confirmed - the tool is very simple and without bells and whistles. Of the possibilities - adding emoji, links and notes. You can also change the style of the blocks, the color of the background and borders, the style and color of the text. In my opinion, the tool is well suited for personal use and quick sketches.

Simple Mind


Features of SimpleMind

  • Works on different platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android.
  • The page size and the number of elements are practically unlimited.
  • The free version has quite a few limitations - no export, you can't add media files, links and emojis, and the ability to edit the appearance of maps is limited.
  • There is no online version, you need to download to your computer.

Rates

  1. Free basic version. Supports the standard functionality of mind maps and several design styles.
  2. Full version (from €24.99) All functionality of the program without restrictions.


My impressions

Compare

For convenience, I have prepared for you a comparative table of services. Click on the image below to download it.

We use

For drawing simple cards with plans for the day, lists and ideas, the following work well:

  • Mind Meister,
  • mind manager,
  • mind mup,
  • mind 42,
  • Wisemapping,
  • matching,
  • mapul,
  • SimpleMind.

Programs are easy to manage, all the necessary functions are right at your fingertips.

Looking for a handy tool for teamwork or strategic planning? Create presentations and assign tasks to the entire department using mind maps. Choose:

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Please enable JavaScript to view the Mind map, or mental maps (mind-maps) - this is a display of an effective way to think, remember, remember, solve creative problems, as well as the ability to present and visually express your internal information processing processes, make changes to them, improve.

Mind maps are a tool that allows you to:

  • it is easier to work with information: remember, understand, restore logic.
  • it is convenient to use for the presentation of the material and a visual explanation of one’s position to the interlocutors
  • makes it easier to make decisions, create plans, develop projects.

We offer a fresh selection of 8 excellent programs for compiling mind maps. We are sure that these programs will help you use mind-mapping technology at 100%. In the selection you will find many free applications and you can easily choose the best option for yourself.

1. Google - www.coggle.it

Coggle is a free online project collaboration application. In this program, you can develop handy beautiful mind maps. The interface of the program is simple, but at the same time it has many functions that make the process of creating a mind map incredibly simple. The program supports the use of images, custom color schemes and the ability to view document history. Keeping a history of changes allows you to revert to earlier versions of the created map if you hit a dead end in the current version. Mind maps created with Coggle can be exported as PNG or PDF.

2. Xmind - www.xmind.net

XMind is a popular cross-platform mind mapping software that runs on Windows / Mac / Linux platforms. The program has several versions: free with reduced features and paid with advanced functionality. One of the main advantages of the program is its support and compatibility with the Microsoft Office package. And a nice addition is the ability of the program to work with Gantt charts.

3.

The program is an open source free application that runs on any platform that supports Java. In general, the program has all the necessary set of functions for creating high-quality mind maps. The only disadvantage of the program is the outdated design of mind maps.

4. MindNode - www.mindnode.com

MindNode is a paid mind mapping app for Mac/IOS. The program has a modern minimalist design and is very easy to use. It supports integration with all Apple devices, works well both on the iPad and in the mobile version. The application allows you to export created mind maps to formats: JPG, PDF, TIFF, text formats, and also supports mind map export to the format of the competing Freemind program.

For users unfamiliar with the program, a trial version of the program with a limited set of MindNode Lite features is available.

5. BubblUs - www.bubbl.us

Bubble.us is a free online mind mapping application. The application allows you to create simple mind-maps and export them as images. The functionality of the program, in comparison with the simple solutions of MindNode and Coggle, seems a bit fancy, but still the program solves the task and creates good mind maps. The program runs on flash and will not work on smartphones.

6. MindMeister - www.mindmeister.com

MindMeister is a paid online mind mapping application. Provides several options for a subscription fee, and also provides the opportunity to use the program for free. On a free basis, you can build 3 mind-maps with limited export options. The application has a user-friendly interface and all the necessary set of functions, which allows you to understand the simplicity and convenience of smart card technology. The disadvantage of the program is the possibility of full use only with regular payment, so it is more suitable for those who use mind maps regularly. The program is Russified.

7. Mapul - www.mapul.com

Mapul is a paid online mind mapping application. Like MindMeister, Mapul is a monthly subscription service. The program stands out among all other applications with its fancy mind-map design.

8. WiseMapping - www.wisemapping.com

WiseMapping is a free online mind mapping application powered by open source HTML5. The program can be used directly on the developer's website, or you can download the open source code of the program and install it on your own web server. The application has the entire set of functions for working with smart card technology.

The task is difficult and time is short. I want to write a report and not forget anything. If this situation occurs often in your life, then this program is for you. Meet FreeMind version 0.9.0.

FreeMind is a representative of a special class of programs that make thinking a visible process. What exactly is their know-how? They allow you to build so-called memory maps (in the English version - Mind Map, the translation of “mind map” is closer to me). There are two main principles. First, we construct a mind map diagram around a central idea. Secondly, we reduce each problem that arises at different stages of solution to a group of simpler subtasks.

In the West, this technology is quite popular. However, in our RU-net there is a community that promotes this idea. For example, the site "Visual Thinking". The author even conducts seminars for everyone.

Let's see how visual thinking technology works with an example.

So, we intend to go fishing this weekend. For the time being, it is difficult for us to imagine everything in detail, and we break the task into five subtasks: choose a reservoir, purchase worms, negotiate with a car, and purchase food and fuel.

Now let's deal with each of the tasks and break each of them into simpler subtasks.

I think the idea is basically clear. I will only add that each node should not have more than 5-7 subnodes. So the circuit will not seem overloaded.

On the left side of the toolbar, you'll see a variety of colorful and somewhat amusing icons to make the mind map more attractive.

Despite the global approach of visual thinking, the practical value of the program is most fully felt when preparing presentations, articles, and reports. Those. where a certain general scheme is first known, and then the tasks should be gradually detailed.

The program allows you to export the drawn diagram to a large number of different formats: HTML (as a diagram), JPEG and PNG (as a picture) and a number of others.

FreeMind is a program worthy of your attention. An excellent candidate for the role of a working tool for a programmer, manager or researcher. Most importantly, the program is free. Its paid analogue MindManager costs over $350.