What is mind mapping? Mind mapping can be defined as a diagram created around a central concept. The main goal of using the mindmap is to solve problems, express an idea or topic, or brainstorm for solutions. Mindmaps are created by associating words to other words that are related. They are particularly useful in noting down the steps to resolve a problem, describe how something works, organize your thoughts, remember everything you need for an upcoming event (e.g., wedding, party), and even create a plan of your dissertation. Mindmaps will help you think clearly and to remember important details better.
In this post, you will get an overview of the best free mind mapping software to use for your personal or business purposes. We have collected the top mind mapping tools based on popularity, ratings and number of features available.
MindMaster
MindMaster is a versatile and user-friendly mind mapping tool that enables you to choose structure, colors, and style to express your ideas. This application offers fishbone, timeline, sector, circle, treemap, and bubble map.
Features:
- It offers more than 33 predefined themes.
- This application provides 700 stylish clipart.
- MindMaster helps you to customize every detail.
- It allows you to conduct group brainstorming sessions.
- You can filter tasks by resources.
- Helps you to track progress with ease.
Coggle
Coggle is an online tool for creating mind maps. The app lets you and your team collaborate on notes, brainstorm ideas, and create project plans. Every mind map starts with a single central topic. Click the Plus (+) button to add a branch and enter your text in the box.
You can format text, insert links, add images, and icons to elaborate the key points. From here onwards, continue adding branches as per your needs. You can even create a cross-link to other items in a mindmap. Open the context menu, press the Shift key to bring the cross-link icon. Then, drag the cross-link line.
You can create three private diagrams with a free account, collaborate in real-time, and upload unlimited images. The export options include .MM, TXT, Microsoft Visio, PDF, and JPEG. Check out the pricing page to explore premium features.
Unique Features
- Add multiple central nodes in a single workspace. Then, create loops and branches to connect other mind maps and see relationships.
- It supports keyboard shortcuts and has a vast collection of templates in Coggle Gallery to quickly start your projects.
- View the version history of the mind map. Check who last edited the map along with the date and make a copy of it at a particular time.
- Message team members, leave notes, and even chat in real-time to brainstorm ideas. You can auto-arrange branches to associate the content of each branch with the things around it.
Milanote
One of the most easy-to-use mind mapping apps you’ll find, Milanote helps you give a face to your thought process through text, images, graphics, and even videos. There are many pre-made templates to get you start with and the simple drag and drop interface makes it simple enough for anyone to use.
On the aspect of collaboration, you can work with any number of team members on a single board and it’s totally up to you to let your team edit, comment or only view the mind maps. Also, Milanote being a multi-platform app, you can sync it between different devices. There is, however, no option for having a free trial.
- Desktop Compatibility: Browser, Windows, MacOS
- Mobile Compatibility: iOS, Android
- Milanote Price: Free
- Premium app/subscriptions?: Yes (Check pricing)
Freeplane
Price: Free
Freeplane is mind mapping and knowledge management software that offers sophisticated structuring tools. Intuitively add ideas without having to connect them. Then organize them using nodes, lines, metadata, and styles. You can also set up filters to make it easier to view relevant content.
From there, you can set tasks and reminders and present your mind map in a Prezi-style format. A Wiki guides you through getting the most out of Freeplane, an extensive community forum provides further support. If you’re advanced enough, you can even extend the functionality of Freeplane with add-ons and scripts.
MindMup
MindMup claims to allow you to focus on your ideas without distraction by using their mind mapping to capture your ideas.
MindMup is free and allows you to save your mind maps by storing them on the cloud. You can access them later at any time through any device.
MindMup has in-built keyboard shortcuts that allow for you to jot down your ideas faster.
Moreover, the application is good for individual brainstorming, collaborations, or teamwork. You are provided the option to publish and share your maps online but also to convert your maps to other software that you choose including PDF and PowerPoint.
MindMup offers an unlimited number of maps for free but also has upgradable options up to $100 which provides more advanced features.
ClickUp
ClickUp is a mind mapping app that helps you to plan and organize projects, ideas, and existing tasks for the ultimate visual outline. It also helps you to turn your ideas into actionable plans.
Features:
- Allows you to rearrange your projects by dragging branches into logical paths.
- You can create, edit, and delete tasks right from your view.
- Allows you to create powerful free-form diagrams.
- It helps you to invent mind maps independent from any task structure.
- It enables you to share your mind maps with anyone.
GitMind
GitMind is an easy-to-use online mind map tool. With it, you can visualize complicated concepts, generate new ideas, make lists with task priorities, and prepare for the presentation. Type in the topic name, and click Insert Node.
Choose Insert subnode to create sub-branches. And click the Relation line to show any relationship between ideas. You can assign a task priority, progress meter, flag, and more with the built-in symbols. To add a symbol, select the target node and click Icon from the toolbar.
At each node, click the Attachment button to insert links, images, and comments. There are many export options available, including TXT, PNG, PDF, DOCX, and SVG.
Unique Features
- Variety of themes, including classic, colorful, and business templates. Click the Style button to customize node spacing, background color, line, border shape, and more.
- Arrange the mind map in seven different layouts and reset them at any time. Click the Layout button and change it to mind map, logic chart, tree chart, and fishbone.
- View, edit, and export the mind map in outline mode. And share the mind map you created with a link or collaborate in real-time.
Miro
Miro is an online whiteboard that brings different team members together for sharing ideas from anywhere. You can brainstorm ideas, do visual mapping, plan and discuss, collaborate in real-time, and even arrange webinars and remote workshops.
Ease-of-use is perhaps one of Miro’s most prominent feature. You don’t need to learn too much to get started and even the collaboration takes only a few minutes. There are a few minor hiccups in the functioning of the app but the developers are working on its improvement so we can look forward to a more prefect tool with time.
- Desktop Compatibility: Windows, MacOS
- Mobile Compatibility: iOS, Android
- Miro Price: Free
- Premium app/subscriptions?: Yes (Check pricing)
Conclusion:
Mind mapping is a great way to get your thoughts on paper (digital or otherwise). But, the real question on your mind (pun alert) is: what mind mapping software should I use? Or maybe you’re thinking about trying online mind mapping. Mind mapping has been around for a while and there are quite a few tools to choose from. There are some free and premium (paid) solutions available and we’ve explored them all, and hopefully offered some clarity on which one is best for you and your organization.