Mind mapping software allows the user to create a diagram that can be used to visually organize information.
Sometimes known as spider diagrams, mind maps serve as a means of brainstorming thoughts without worrying about order and structure, as these can be adjusted at a later time. A mind map is a way of diagramming concepts, tasks, words, or items, arranging and linking them around a central point, using a graphical representation. A mind map can turn a lot of tedious information into a highly organized diagram that corresponds to how a human brain works. Studies have found that mind mapping can improve learning efficiency up to fifteen percent over traditional note-taking.
A mind map can also function as a simplified content management system (CMS), allowing the user to store data in a central location for the sake of organization.
Mind mapping software is used in educational situations, in notetaking, brainstorming, or as a mnemonic technique for memorization, but they are also used in business planning, programming, and other applications.
Although a mind map can be drawn by hand, or as notes during a classroom lecture, meeting, or planning session, the use of mind mapping software greatly enhances the task. Some mind mapping programs support the attachment of files or graphics. Mind mapping software allows users to organize large amounts of data, which can be integrated or retrieved for use in other applications, such as spreadsheets and other documents, websites, and graphics.
The focus of this category is on mind mapping software, by whatever name.
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The online mind mapping system can be used to create a graphical representation of ideas and concepts, which serves as a visual thinking tool for the structuring of information. Web-based, there is nothing to download. Mind maps can be saved as images, shared, or used in collaboration with others. A free thirty-day trial is available, along with monthly or annual billing plans, with options for managing user licenses for organizations or teams. Account options are stated.
https://bubbl.us/
DebateGraph is a cloud-based service designed to assist communities and individuals in deliberating and deciding upon complex issues, facilitating dialogue on these issues. The mind or issue-mapping software allows planners to begin with a central topic, adding a growing list of subtopics that may intersect and flesh out all of the considerations relating to the topic at hand. A gallery of topical discussions built around DebateGraph is offered as examples of what can be done with the software.
https://debategraph.org/
Used by individuals, schools, universities, and organizations, iMindQ is a mind map software that incorporates a variety of mapping styles for business, educational, and personal use, and can be used to produce mind maps, concept maps, flowcharts, Gantt charts, organizational charts, WBS charts, and other types of diagrams. Its products and uses are highlighted, and pricing options are available for Mac and Windows versions, including a free trial, annual subscription, or purchase.
https://www.imindq.com/
The site highlights software for mind-mapping and information organization, including applications for creating mind maps, concept maps, argument maps, outlines, hierarchical organizers, and 2D/3D knowledge managers, featuring more than four hundred software tools, most of which are currently maintained, as well as others that are no longer supported but available from download sites, and some that are included as a historical record but defunct.
https://www.mind-mapping.org/
Developed by Mindjet, MindManager was acquired by Corel Corporation in 2016. It is used to form unstructured ideas and data into dynamic mind maps or diagrams, giving users and others a clearer understanding, encouraging free-form thinking, and fluid organization. Its products include MindManager for Windows, MindManager for Mac, and MindManager Enterprise, each of which is highlighted here, and a trial version may be downloaded for the Windows and Mac versions.
https://www.mindjet.com/
Created by Meister Labs, MindMeister features an online version and free applications for the iPhone, iPad, and Android, allowing users to collaborate and brainstorm online, plan projects, develop strategies, create presentations, or organization thoughts and ideas. Four options are offered for its web-based product, one free, as well as three monthly subscription plans, priced per user, per month. The features and limitations of each are presented side-by-side, for comparison.
https://www.mindmeister.com/
Created for Mac operating systems, MindNode is a mind-mapping application that can be synced from a user’s Mac to his iPad or iPhone, making it available anywhere. Its features include a fully automatic layout, a variety of themes to choose from, and more than 250 stickers that can be adjusted to fit the color of any branch. Other options include an outline view that displays the mind map in a linear layout, as well as the ability to spotlight one branch at a time, eliminating distractions.
https://mindnode.com/
Operating on a HTML5 platform, Mindomo is an online mind mapping application that supports collaboration, concept mapping, and outlining, although free and premium desktop versions are also available for purchase and downloading. Its education, business, and personal uses are highlighted, along with an overview of mind mapping concepts, video tutorials, and examples of mind maps, and its plan options are described, with prices and features compared side-by-side.
https://www.mindomo.com/
Offered through monthly or annual subscription plans, Novamind also offers a free subscription that is limited to mind maps of up to twenty-five topics. Accessed online, the software allows subscribers to organize their ideas by placing them on an interactive visual map. Beginning with a central topic, users can brainstorm and organize all of the details of a project while creating a viewable representation of the project along the way. Its features, pricing, and support services are outlined.
https://www.novamind.com/
Developed by Mind Technologies, Visual Mind is based on mind mapping techniques and is available with four product options: Visual Mind Basic for individuals, Visual Mind Business for professional users and businesses, Visual Mind Academic for students, teachers, and academic institutions, and Virtual Mind Server, which is a separate application enabling multiple users of its Basic, Business, or Academic editions to share the application in real-time.
http://www.visual-mind.com/
On a page that was itself exported directly from Vym, the mind-mapping software’s features are highlighted in several ways. Vym (View Your Mind) is a tool that can be used to generate and manipulate maps that show the user’s thoughts, serving as an aid to creativity and organization, time management, and planning. Available in versions supporting several different operating systems, the mind-mapping application is released under the GNU General Public License.
http://www.insilmaril.de/vym/
Created in 2017, XMind is a mind mapping application that supports mind maps, fishbone diagrams, tree diagrams, organization charts, and spreadsheets. Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms, as well as for iOS and Android, versions are available under the terms of the LGPL license, while other versions are available by subscription or purchase. Each of its options is featured here, along with a gallery of mind maps created with various versions of the software.
https://www.xmind.net/
