Mind mapping means diagrammatical representation of ideas or words. For mind mapping representation a keyword is placed in center and associated words or tasks are linked around it in a colorful tree branch format. Mind maps can also be related to graphical notes where one can use images, symbols etc to make learning efficient and easy problem solving. Mind mapping software is a program which helps you in conceptualizing this technique. You can easily draw mind maps with this software and create notes or tasks in hierarchical tree-branch relationship. You can easily put your concepts and ideas in a map and then relate it. Mind mapping software comes along with inbuilt features which make note making and problem solving very easy and simple. Various mind mapping software are available in the market according to customer needs, we have reviewed them and listed top five free mind mapping software for your convenience.
1. Edraw Mind Map
Edraw Mind Map is a freeware mind mapping application with inbuilt templates and examples which makes it very easy to use. You can easily conceptualize your visualization on computer and organize your work using this program. It comes with various embedded features like smart drawing guide which makes drawing simple, supports big size and multiple page mind map; inbuilt themes, effects, styles; automatic alignment, compatible with MS office, easy to share and much more.
- Our Rating:
- Download Edraw Mind Map
- Home Page
- Pros: Simple and intuitive interface, loaded with helpful tools.
- Cons: May be a little slow and lack much sharing options.
- OS: Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit, XP, Vista, server 2003
2. Open Mind
Open Mind is a freeware application for mind mapping and brainstorming which is finely designed to produce stylish and professional mind maps. It has almost everything that you require to put your thoughts or visualization in visible form. You can make notes; use it for business or any personal purpose. It is loaded with features like inbuilt effects, easy drawing guide, themes, styles and much more plus it is very easy to use. This program can also be used for making flow charts.
- Our Rating:
- Download Open Mind
- Home Page
- Pros: This program comes with automatic updates and is highly customizable.
- Cons: Documents are limited to limited number of branches.
- OS: Windows 7, Vista, XP, server 2003, server 2008
3. Blumind
Blumind is a powerful and lightweight brainstorming and mind mapping utility which is completely free. It can be customized according to user needs and has all those features that are expected in a complete mind mapping software but the best part is that it supports some chart layouts like tree diagram, logic diagram, organizational charts etc. It has preconfigured color schemes and themes plus a simple interface.
- Our Rating:
- Download Blumind
- Home Page
- Pros: This program is highly customizable and is easy to use.
- Cons: Clicking on tabs open new documents and not webpages
- OS: Windows 7, Vista, XP, server 2008
4. Freeplane
Freeplane is a freeware mind mapping tool which is very flexible and open source. You can easily draw your visualization and associated ideas with this programs power packed features. It may take you sometime to master this software but once you learn its functionality, it will make mind mapping a fun game for you with its inbuilt creativity. You can use this for both educational and business purpose.
- Our Rating:
- Download Freeplane
- Home Page
- Pros: It is an efficient program which is fully loaded with wonderful features and fast as well.
- Cons: It may be a bit complicated to learn at earlier stage.
- OS: Windows 7, Vista, XP, server 2003, server 2008
5. ThoughtStack
ThoughtStack is a freeware mind mapping and brain storming tool which enables you to easily organize your thoughts. It has a simple interface and your ideas are organized in tree structure formation which is then very easy to read out edit. It has a built in help file which explains you almost everything that you require to know for making yourself compatible with this program. It has sound inbuilt features and readily available tools to help you in drawing your mind and making notes.
- Our Rating:
- Download ThoughtStack
- Home Page
- Pros: It is easy to use wit a clean interface.
- Cons: Not very intuitive and it may take you some time to master it initially.
- OS: Windows 7, Vista, XP, server 2003, server 2008
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Edraw Mind Map is very good technically, but in many ways is too sophisticated to support the free flowing of ideas associated with mind mapping