What is Mind Mapping Software
With Mind Map software you will be able to create maps on your computer. The software comes with graphics, symbols, colors and
basically anything you need to make a personalized Mind Map
Why Use Mind Mapping Software
When I am mapping out something for work, I always use software because it gives me a professional, clean look. My maps
are definitely NOT works of art, so showing them around the office is not my idea of getting respect :-) although, it would
generate a lot of laughs.
Also, when using the software, it's so easy to print out color copies for meetings or to hand to my colleagues.
Mind Mapping software is not convenient for all things, like note taking. You really have to find what works for you. My best guess
is that you will use both handwritten maps and software-created maps, depending on the situation.
Of course if you are great at drawing, you may find the software is a hindrance...then there is the rest of us who love the
software because it makes us look good!!
Free Mind Mapping Software
O.K., I'm including a list of free Mind Mapping software only because I feel like I should. There is only one free mapping software
that I've enjoyed using and that is Mindomo. I prefer to pay for something and get customer support.
On the other hand, people all over the Internet use free software and never have a problem. The choice, my friends, is
up to you.
Mind Mapping Software Paid Version
The following is by no means a comprehensive list of Mind Mapping software. It will be updated as time goes on.
I am including the lowest listed price. The prices are correct as of the time of this writing, but I can't guarantee
that by the time you read this the price will be the same as listed here.
In some instances, I've included a little information about the site.
|
3D Topicscape
|
Windows
|
$49.99
|
Free student version is available.
|
|
ConceptDraw
|
Windows and MAC
|
199.00
|
30 day free trial available. This is a high end product. Extremely professional
website and easy to navigate. This is definitely a business office product because of the price.
|
|
i2Brain
|
Java based
|
$82.00
|
Demo version available that runs from your web browser.
|
|
iMindmap
|
Windows
|
$99.00
|
Seven day free trial available. Here we go! I would expect nothing less than an excellent website
from the inventor of Mind Mapping. I was not disappointed. This site is great because it gives you so much information about mind mapping.
You will find information about how mind mapping can be helpful in your business, in education and in your personal life.
Even if you are not interested in purchasing the software, this site is worth a look because of all the background information
you will find.
|
|
Inspiration
|
Windows, Mac and PalmOS
|
$69.00
|
30-day free trial available. This is really interesting because it has some packages that are geared toward kids.
In fact the product listings are categorized by age. There is Kidspiration for grades K-5 and Inspiration
for grades 6-adult. If you navigate to the "Educators", "Parents" or "Personal or Business Use" from the homepage, you will
find more information and it is quite helpful with good examples.
|
|
MindGenius
|
Windows
|
$58
|
Seven day free trial available. This has a home, education and business version. Nice website, easy to navigate
around.
|
|
MindManager
|
Windows and MAC
|
$349.00
|
30 day trial for Windows and 21 day trial for MAC. Don't ask me why the trial time is different
for Windows and MAC, I have no idea! This is definitely a high-end business office software (notice the price). The website if clean
and easy to read.
|
|
MindMapper
|
Windows
|
$49.95
|
This comes in several different versions from kids ($19.95) to business mapping. You have to buy it from a
distributor which is different from most Mind Mapping software.
|
|
MindMeister
|
Web-based
|
Up to $4/month
|
At first I thought, "Why would I want to map Online?" But there really are huge advantages to mapping on line.
You can share your maps with others. Your maps are always available to you, no matter what computer you are working from.
|
|
Mindomo
|
Web-based.
|
This is a subscription of $6/month
|
I absolutely love this mapping tool. I have been using the free version. Even in the free version the
variety of tools is great. You can even export the maps to a PDF or graphic as well as publish your map to the web for viewing
by others. There is a good chance that we will be upgrading to the monthly subscription of this program. It's just that good.
|
|
NovaMind
|
Windows and MAC.
|
$49.95, 30 day free trial is available
|
This program is available in different versions from beginners to business version.
|
|
OmniGraffle
|
Mac
|
$39.95.
|
N/A
|
|
SmartDraw
|
Windows
|
$197.00, Free trial available.
|
Business graphics software that includes mindmapping and other functions.
This is also available for different professions like legal and healthcare.
|
|
Visual Mind
|
Windows.
|
$109.00, 30 day trial available.
|
N/A
|
|
Wisdomap
|
Web-based.
|
This is a subscription program that ranges from $7 to $37 per year.
|
Yes, that's right! Per year. What a great price. This is really
for education and it is excellent. Wisdomap creates a very clean mind map. You can add information that shows up in the side bar
about each keyword in your map.
|
|
XMIND
|
Windows and MAC
|
$99.95 for the educational version. Demo version available.
|
Definitely a professional software for mapping.
It has many different things you can do with it such as create a fishbone charts, tree charts, logic charts.
The site has a lot of great information on it and gives several screen shots that show the different features.
It's a bummer that there is no free trial, but you can check out the demos. The demos are videos and that just doesn't do it for me.
I like demos where you can actually try out the product.
|
Free Mind Mapping Software
|
FreeMind
|
Java-based
|
|
Labyrinth
|
Python-based (I have no idea what that means and if you don't then you shouldn't use it!)
|
|
Mind42
|
Free collaborative online mindmapping software. This site actually did not intimidate me...do I tried to sign up...and
tried...an tried. The activation email never would come through. Of course, I could contact them...but I'm not sure it's worth it.
|
|
MyMind Mac OS X
|
Ummmm, I'm not a Mac person so you're on your own with this.
|
|
Mindomo
|
Web based. This has a paid and free version. I am really amazed at what the free version has to offer. I use it all the time.
|
|
VUE
|
Java-based. VUE stands for visual understanding environment. It is an open source project that is from Tufts
University. It was developed to "create tools for managing and integrating digital resources in support of teaching,
learning and research." (www.vue.tufts.edu)
|
|
WikkaWiki
|
PHP-based and uses MySQL. You can embed or link to FreeMind (see above) mind maps. This is so beyond me!
But I'm sure some of you reading this will eat it up.
|
|
WiseMapping
|
Web-based
|
More Mind Mapping Ideas
Get your thoughts organized and amaze you friends and co-workers! Seriously, once I started using this method it was so easy to
organize projects at home and at work. Jump in and let your imagination run wild.
If you are a visual person and want some mind mapping tips, this video is for you. You will see up close how to do a mind map and
get some tips on successful mind mapping that will help you or your child remember information. This is a great way to study for tests and
improve grades.
Mind Mapping is a great way to get your thoughts organized. I don't know anyone who does not have to organize
something, if not multiple things. Especially in business. I use mapping all the time to organize projects,
meetings, etc. Once you start, you can't stop!
Study skills is the perfect place to implement mapping. I can think of six ways to use mapping as I am sitting here
writing this, here you go:
outlining
to study battles in a war
map out topics such as energy force and matter
schedule all class syllabi so you don't miss any assignments
map out a story line
use a map as a review tool for exams.
There you go and that's just the tip of the iceberg as far as mapping goes.
I often use mapping for home projects. Using maps to plan our family get aways helps me
remember all those pesky little details. Things like medicines we may need, maps, flashlights, etc. Try
using a map for your next trip. You will be sure to find it handy and helpful.
For some great examples of computerized maps, visit Mindomo.
