What Is Mind Mapping Software?
- Best Mind Mapping App Mac Os
- Best Mind Mapping Tool
- Download Free Mind Mapping Tool
- Best Mind Mapping App For Mac 2015
Best Mind Mapping App Mac Os
If your teams and key creative workers are getting bogged down by an increasing workload of rote tasks or maybe simply swamped by too much information in this new world of interconnected big data, then mind mapping software might be able to help. These solutions focus on helping workers ideate, innovate, and even eventually execute.
This review roundup focuses on leading mind mapping software solutions in overlapping subcategories. None of the products in this category are name brands but most of them have impressive customer lists. At the low end, applications cost just a few dollars per user, and those costs extend to several hundred dollars for enterprise-worthy versions.
The list for the best mind mapping software tool is based on platform. I know that I could have used different ways to organize it. Still, most people probably benefit from a list like this. Five Best Mind Mapping Tools. MindNode is an elegant mind mapping and brainstorming app for Mac and iOS. The iOS version is designed to work well on the iPad, and makes it easy to. Mind Vector is the best mind mapping software, which is used for concept map making, brainstorming, business planning & managing ideas. This tool is available for free on iOS/iPad, iPhone and Android platform.
Two products, Bloomfire and Front & Main Honey, emphasize social aspects of traditional knowledge management approaches. Both products have a similar user experience (UX) to those of Facebook and Reddit. You could think of these as social intranets in other words. Their general use involves posting a series of online surveys, questions, or suggestions for colleagues' consideration. Colleagues, in turn, post answers and comments. Anyone can search for past discussion topics, and there's typically a way to 'like' and share the most useful threads.
The list for the best mind mapping software tool is based on platform. I know that I could have used different ways to organize it. Still, most people probably benefit from a list like this. All the other things to consider are used in the descriptions of the software. The list of tools is created with most popular and most effective tools I know. Homework: Create a mind map of hypothesis on Loan Prediction Problem III. Share your mind maps on our twitter or facebook page. Best entry will receive a special gift hamper from AV. List of 12 Mind Mapping Tools. If you are feeling inspired, it’s time to get heads on with these tools. Most of the tools listed below are free.
For example, a product engineer could post an early draft of your company's latest widget to get department-wide feedback. A saleswoman could answer negotiation questions posed by junior staff or the entire team could have a discussion about their upcoming holiday party. Traditionally, such activities would happen by email or, at best, by using an intranet message board (if not physical memos). Modern software makes these collaboration tasks easier.
Bloomfire has some integration with Salesforce Chatter. But we think the general opportunity for Bloomfire, Front & Main Honey, or similar products is limited to the extent that tech giants such as Facebook fail to make headway in selling private installations to businesses.
Three other products—Mindjet MindManager 2016 for Windows, Expert Software Applications Mindomo, and XMind—are designed with mind mapping as their main function. Such apps are a mixture of flow charting and project management tools. Among these three, XMind stands out for being based on an open-source platform. Take the same scenarios as stated earlier. Rather than just discussing company ideas in a social environment (perhaps with kludged diagrams), the mind mapping tools let colleagues consider every detail of a plan in a very formal way. They aren't nearly as fun but their structure is more appropriate for conservative corporations—which is to say, most offices, even if the social products are sexier.
Expert Software Applications Mindomo is the Editors' Choice winner in this review roundup. It has all of the same basic features as XMind and Mindjet MindManager 2016 for Windows, but also includes a basic level of social networking. It's pricey but not to an extent that would intimidate many organizations. Plus, it can ease a business into a more social decision-making mindset.
The Mind Mapping Concept
Image credit: tonybuzan.com
Mind mapping is simply a visual way to convey your thoughts and ideas. As a concept, mind mapping is widely attributed to inventor Tony Buzan who believes they are the best way to take notes. Buzan says a mind map 'harnesses the full range of cortical skills—word, image, number, logic, rhythm, color and spatial awareness—in a single, uniquely powerful manner.' In the book, The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain's Untapped Potential,' co-author Buzan describes mind maps as 'being constructed in a colorful, tree-like fashion.'
And in his article on mind maps, PCMag's Rob Marvin explains mind mapping as a 'visual means of organizing information, typically through a web-like diagram,' and describes ways in which project managers can use mind maps to visualize every moving part of their project workflow.
Ideas for Improvement
We have a few suggestions for how mind mapping products could be more even more useful; these suggestions center around adding artificial intelligence (AI) and wiki integration and beefing up security. In the social-first services, we think an interesting addition would be AI software that scans users' browsing, customer relationship management (CRM), email, and database activities to automatically suggest when useful information should be captured.
Because these products are all intended to help manage your team members' big ideas, we think they should include tools for integrating with a wiki. Other than the Bloomfire/Salesforce.com partnership, these products don't yet work deeply with CRM software and human resources (HR) products.
And, other than normal cloud service log-ins and a way to password-protect various tidbits here and there, none of the apps focus heavily on security. Some businesses may be leery of buying a product specifically to hold their employees' best ideas unless there are extremely strong security pitches. There should be an option for marking content as only accessible when you touch your device's fingerprint sensor. That way, even if you lose your phone when it's in an unlocked mode, the person who finds it still cannot access your company's best ideas.
Still, any of the mind mapping software solutions in this review roundup will be helpful to your business as they currently stand. Giving employees a structured way to record and share their ideas with each other solves the problem of good ideas being lost to cliques and unproductive meetings or at the proverbial water cooler.
Products such as Front & Main Honey have an extremely low barrier to entry, XMind has impressive developer tools (and can be improved by letting your programmers run wild with its open-source code base), and Expert Software Applications Mindomo represents the beginning of what could be, as the subcategories of social intranets and mind mapping software discover each other. Bloomfire is a powerful cloud app, and Mindjet MindManager 2016 for Windows has strong Microsoft Office integration. The field decidedly lacks an app that does all of these things very well, but it will be interesting to check back in 12 months to see where things stand.
Featured Mind Mapping Software Reviews:
Expert Software Applications Mindomo Review
MSRP: $36.00Pros: Social and mapping features combined, not just one or the other.
Cons: Six-month licensing.
Bottom Line: Mind mapping software solution Expert Software Applications Mindomo is the Editors' Choice winner for its Comments feature that strengthens its social prowess and mind-mapping power.
Read ReviewBloomfire Review
MSRP: $9.00Pros: Gamification incentives. Strong analytics.
Cons: Limited enterprise integration.
Bottom Line: Mind mapping software solution Bloomfire is a good choice for visual-centric teams that need performance analytics.
Read ReviewIdeaflip Review
MSRP: $16.00Pros: Appealing, easy-to-use user interface (UI). Easy to collaborate. Guests invited by paid members can access boards for free.
Cons: No analytics.
Bottom Line: Ideaflip is a great mind mapping tool for capturing ideas and building mind maps, though it lacks analytics tools that some teams may require.
Read ReviewCorso Innovation Management Review
MSRP: $3.00Pros: Integrates ideas with your company's roadmap. Can set up challenges and mind maps.
Cons: Some learning curve involved.
Bottom Line: Corso Innovation Management mind mapping software offers features to manage all of your business processes including idea generation, but it's not the easiest to use.
Read ReviewMindjet MindManager 2016 for Windows Review
MSRP: $349.00Pros: Microsoft Office integration.
Cons: Built-in spreadsheet and browser are intriguing, but probably not necessary for most users.
Bottom Line: Mind mapping software solution Mindjet MindManager 2016 for Windows is a solid idea management and mind mapping performer.
Read ReviewDatastation Innovation Cloud Review
MSRP: $28.39Pros: Uncluttered user interface (UI). Lots of reports. Phone support available. Most features are customizable.
Cons: Separate websites and separate targets for regular and enterprise plans is a bit confusing;
Bottom Line: Datastation Innovation Cloud simplifies the process of collecting ideas from employees, but if you're looking for mind-mapping software, you'll have to look elsewhere.
Read ReviewiMindQ Review
MSRP: $9.19Pros: PC- and Mac-compatible. Free online version.
Cons: Collaboration only available via Microsoft SharePoint. Dated user interface (UI).
Bottom Line: iMindQ is easy to use and includes a lot of great brainstorming tools, but its collaboration features are limited.
Read ReviewXMind Review
MSRP: $79.00Pros: Good features for developers. Evernote integration. Portable installation.
Cons: Not the speediest application.
Bottom Line: Idea management software solution XMind is a good idea mapping application if your IT team can tweak it as needed.
Read ReviewFront & Main Honey Review
MSRP: $4.00Pros: Very low cost. Easy to use and learn. Alternate email interface.
Cons: Limited feature set.
Bottom Line: Idea management software solution Front & Main Honey is a useful service for small to midsize businesses (SMBs) and organizations that want a low barrier to entry.
Read ReviewIdearium Review
MSRP: $214.64Pros: Lots of plans. Helpful onboarding walkthrough.
Cons: No phone number. No response from email support. Pricey.
Bottom Line: Idearium is a decent product with a variety of plans from which to choose, but it's rather pricey, especially considering the company is unresponsive to contact attempts.
Read Review
Mind mapping is a terrific visual method for capturing thoughts and ideas. For business or personal use, a mind map is ideal for brainstorming sessions and helps you organize your concepts easily.
If want a stellar mind mapping app for Mac, the App Store has plenty. The problem is that most are paid and expensive at that. But luckily there are several free mind map apps that have great features and are a breeze to use.
1. SimpleMind
Getting started with SimpleMind Lite is just as the name implies: simple. This mind mapping software has an intuitive interface that lets you create a mind map in a snap.
First, pick your style. You can choose from a variety of options like bright colors, chart, grayscale, and colors on black. Then to add nodes, you can either click the plus sign on your current node or the Add Child Topic button from the toolbar. To insert text into a node, click the T on the current node or double-click inside the shape.
Other features include:
- Undo and redo buttons
- Print and zoom options
- Freeform or horizontal layouts
- Color palettes and custom colors
- Easy deletion and clipboard options
You can use SimpleMind Lite for free and without ads. But if you would like additional features like Dropbox and Google Drive sync, media and document options, or app customizations, check out the paid version.
And remember, you also have other types of Mac apps that support visual thinking.
Download:SimpleMind Lite (Free)
Download:SimpleMind ($30)
2. XMind: ZEN
If you want a free mind mapping tool that lets you begin with a template, check out XMind: ZEN. You can choose from over 25 templates that offer different colors, layouts, and diagram styles.
To add nodes, click either the Topic or Subtopic buttons from the toolbar. To insert text, just double-click inside the shape. You can freely move the nodes without losing their connections or turn subtopics into main topics.
Other features include:
- Full set of icons such as priority, numbers, tasks, stars, and symbols
- Stickers for education, business, travel, sports, weather, and more
- Zen mode for full-screen mode with a night-view option
- Ability to add notes or summaries to nodes
- Sharing via local file save, social media, or URL
Xmind: ZEN gives you awesome features for free. But if you would like to unlock the iOS or full versions, you can check out the in-app subscription plans. You might also take a peek at mind map apps specifically for iOS.
Download:XMind: ZEN (Free)
3. QMindMap
QMindMap Lite is a little more limited with its free features. But this completely freeform tool lets you create main topic nodes with a click of the toolbar button.
To add subtopic nodes, click inside the current node and select either the branch or the box and then drag. You can type in your text by double-clicking the shape.
Other features include:
- Branch or freehand lines
- Ability to add media to nodes
- Color adjustments for nodes, lines, and text
- Hiding and unhiding of nodes
- Cross connections between nodes
QMindMap Lite lets you create basic mind maps for free. But like similar apps, you can purchase the full version if you would like features such as exporting and iCloud support.
Download: QMindMap Lite (Free) [No Longer Available]
Download: QMindMap ($13) [No Longer Available]
If you’re looking for additional help with both creativity and productivity, get creative with your Mac dashboard using these cool apps9 Mac Dashboard Widgets You'll Actually Use9 Mac Dashboard Widgets You'll Actually UseDon't neglect your Dashboard any longer. Try these nifty Mac Dashboard widgets to add useful functionality!Read More.
4. Junkyard
Junkyard is another cool and easy mind mapping app for Mac. What’s nice about Junkyard is that you receive all features for free. There is a small ad at the bottom of the window that you can remove with an inexpensive in-app purchase. But if you don’t mind the ad, then this is a great freebie.
To create a node, click the Settings (gear icon) button on the sidebar. To add a child node, do the same and then drag the arrow from the parent to it to form the connection. And you can enable full-screen mode for more canvas space.
Other features include:
- Outline view of your mind map
- Many font options and five color palettes
- Shapes, colors, and borders for the appearance, lines, and groups
- Automatic alignment guides
- Connection line labels
Download:Junkyard (Free)
5. Mydea
Best Mind Mapping Tool
Mydea’s free mind mapping app is a good choice if you enjoy adding icons, symbols, and even links to your diagrams. You can choose from five layout options like mind map or fish bone and select a style which applies colors and shapes to your mind map.
The toolbar is intuitive and lets you create topics and subtopics with a click. Double-click inside a node to add the text. If you want a number or progress symbol, just hit the Assets button. Move all nodes freely and zoom in or out for different views.
Other features include:
- Ability to add notes to nodes
- Ability to include hyperlinks in nodes
- Hide and unhide nodes or groups of nodes
- Add tags that you can attach to nodes
Download Free Mind Mapping Tool
Mydea Lite lets you add up to 20 nodes per mind map. If you would like to add more, you can look at the paid version which also provides support for XMind documents and importing or exporting in Markdown format.
Download:Mydea Lite (Free)
Download:Mydea ($8)
6. SimpleMindMap
One final app to check out on your Mac is SimpleMindMap. This one offers a host of interesting and useful features.
For basic mind maps, click the plus sign inside a node to add a child. Or use the blue and pink plus sign buttons in the toolbar for brother and child nodes. You can then double-click a node to add text or use the text box in the toolbar. You can move and resize the nodes and diagram freely while keeping the connections.
Other features include:
- Click a node’s minus sign to hide all child nodes
- Change the line and fill color of nodes
- Choose node and child node shapes
- Add objects like emojis and symbols
- Modify the canvas with grid and snap features
SimpleMindMap lets you create mind maps with a limit of 80 items for free. For simple maps, this is ideal. But if you need more, you can upgrade via in-app purchase to the full version for unlimited items.
Download:SimpleMindMap (Free)
How Do You Mind Map on Your Mac?
Best Mind Mapping App For Mac 2015
These six pieces of free mind mapping software are great for basic diagrams and help you get the job done. Whether you like modest mind maps with just a few nodes or those that go a bit further and contain many, there is sure to be an app here that you will like.
If you would rather use Microsoft Office, then check out how to turn Word documents into mind map apps. Or take a look at these helpful mind map templates for Microsoft Word. And if mind mapping simply isn’t for you, you may want to consider a Mac outliner app to help organize your thoughts5 Mac Outliners to Help You Organize Your Projects and Ideas5 Mac Outliners to Help You Organize Your Projects and IdeasOutlining can help you keep your ideas and projects organized. Here are some great Mac apps for outlining projects and ideas.Read More.
Explore more about: Mac App Store, Mindmapping.
I recently found Big Hairy Goal on the Mac App Store. I really like the simplicity without any fuzz that makes me concentrate on what I am thinking about while it still has many useful features.
So far FreePlane (FreeMind clone) worked pretty well for me with mindmaps.
But I'm going to try some of these to see if I can find something with lower memory footprint.