Last year, I attended a mind mapping seminar. If you do not know what a mind map is, go here for a quick summary or scroll down to the bottom of the post for a video.

Mind mapping is a powerful tool, which appeals to both right and left-brain thinkers. It is allows you to become more productive in your business and personal life.  Here is a short list of situations where you might use it:

  • Creating content for presentations
  • Problem solving
  • Designing a website
  • Developing a business plan
  • Project planning
  • Brainstorming
  • Information management
  • Prioritization
  • Personal development
  • Be more creative
  • Organizing information
  • Communicate effectively

There is an overwhelming number of products out there which do some form of mind mapping, diagramming or other visual thinking service. It was time to compile a list, partly because I would like to settle in with one of these tools; the other reason is I want to hear what you think about them before I make a decision.

  • Buzan World– Mind map originator Tony Buzan’s website and product site iMindMap®
  • NovaMind – check out some of the educational videos on what mind mapping is about and why you need it. Keep up to date on their blog here.
  • Mindomo – internet and desktop applications with free basic starter and upgrade plans
  • FreeMind – Free mind mapping software written in Java. Download available through this site.
  • MindManager – A Mindjet product free trial or subscription is available. Applications for iPhone, remember to check out their template gallery.
  • Mappio – A free website to share your mind map with others
  • Comapping – Free to low subscription rates for online mind mapping software. Beta desktop version is available.
  • Edraw Soft – Vector based mind mapping freeware
  • Mapul – Free web-based online mind mapping tool
  • MindApp 6 – Free download trial available or take advantage of their special price of $29 for a limited time.
  • Mindmeister – Free to enterprise plans available for online mind mapping. Featured maps.
  • Xmind – Free and pro versions are available. Check out the XMind blog here to get new ideas.
  • SmartDraw – Automatically draws and formats your mind mapping diagram.
  • bubbl.us – Get started immediately when you land on this page – it is free. The video at the bottom of the page features this application.
  • Glinkr – Open source, free web based mind mapping software, supported in Firefox, Opera and Internet Explorer.
  • Mindview 3 – Professional mind mapping software with a free trial available
  • Mind42 – Free web based application with the ability to collaborate.
  • Visual Mind – Software based on the mind mapping technique.
  • WiseMapping – Free software in beta version.
  • Imagination Cubed – Free, free-form drawing program with limitations in creating mind mapping.
  • Project Draw – Free drawing program with preformed basic shapes.
  • Gliffy – Online diagram software that offers a free trial
  • LooseStitch – Free or pay for pro. Create outlines and share documents.
  • ThinkFold – Real time collaboration with work groups on projects, documents and presentations. Open source, free, beta version.
  • Sproutliner – Free web based service to manage projects and ideas. Open source, beta version.
  • Inspiration 9 – Visual mapping, outlining, writing and making presentations.

This is a quick video that shows how you can begin to mind map quickly.


Mind Mapping – Part One – Bubbl.us (a)

Now it is your turn. Which mind mapping products have you used? What do you like or dislike?