Mindmap software is used to organize a series of thoughts or related activities into a diagram. It's particularly useful for linking related events or for following a multi-step process that has multiple tangents such as when developing a website.
- A mind map for Facebook marketing strategies
- A mind map or website design
- A mind map for performing a SWOT analysis
- A mind map for creating a business plan
- A mind map for creating a website marketing plan
- A mind map for competitor research
Free and Low Cost Mind Map Software
Bubb.us: This free tool makes mind mapping easy. Create a tree, and it will change as you add ideas. You can also customize the tree by changing fonts and colors. The one negative thing about Bubbl.us is that others on your team need to have their own accounts to collaborate on the same tree Premium version is $6 per month. Annual cost is $59 a year.
CoMapping: You can use this mind mapping tool online and offline. There are keyboard shortcuts, drag and drop functionality, change alignment of maps, colors, borders, and more. There is also a chat feature. Accounts range from free up to $612 per year.
Coggle: This free tool allows you to create notes, collaborate, and more. Drag and drop images, and see all of your edits. It might be too difficult for those who aren’t computer friendly.
Freeplane: This open source application can be used on any system that has Java installed. It can also be run from a removable storage device. Your mind maps will be password protected, and there are drag and drop functions. You can order, group, connect and share easily.
MindMeister: This tool has an interface that is easy to use, and you can collaborate with others in real time. You will be able to use mobile devices to bring up your projects. MindMeister is cloud-based. The one disadvantage is that there is a fee to use this tool. Personal accounts start at $4.99 per month, going up to $14.99 for a business account.
Mapul: This web-based mind mapping tool is from Microsoft Silverlight. You never have to leave your browser to create a mind map. While it is one of the better tools out there, it is expensive. A 10-user account will cost $360 each year. A single user account for six months is $30.
Scapple: Created for OS X users, and it is mainly for writers. This is a great tool for authors who want to make sure that they never forget any idea they come up with. There is a one-time software download fee of just $14.99.
MindMaple: Free Mind Mapping Software for Windows and iPad, increasing productivity in concept mapping and project planning.
Popplet:Popplet allows users to have many devices connected for the same projects. Users can record ideas, upload texts and videos, draw, and more. The only real problem with this tool is that there is no version for Android users. $4.99 for iOS
FreeMind: This free open source mind mapping tool is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. While there are many features like location-based mind mapping, collaboration tools and restore session support, it can get pretty complex, and may not be the best for those who are looking for something simpler. Maps can be exported from FreeMind as HTML, PDF, OpenDocument, SVG or PNG.
LucidChart: Intuitive cloud based diagramming, mindmap and organizational chart solution. Build in collaboration features. Pricing starts at $9.95 a month for an individual user.
XMind: Open source tool that helps users to really understand their thinking and manage ideas. You can use this tool to export your mind map to many formats, including TXT, PDF, and HTML. There are free accounts available but if you want to have extra features, you will have to pay as much as $79 per year.
Wisemapping: This mind map software makes it easy to share ideas with others. Features enable you to embed, export and import files. The software is available for free.
Mind42: This browser-based tool lets you manage everything on one convenient platform, so you can access anything quickly. You can create, manage, and edit your data easily. Simply create an account and you are ready to go. This is a free tool, but it doesn’t have as many perks as the paid services.