Imagine putting your ideas into a jar. Pretty simple, right? You can envision the jar right in front of you. Now imagine that the lid on me jar is firmly attached and cannot be removed…and there is no pen or paper for you to write down your ideas. How would you come up with the best ideas? You use online brainstorming tools free to help you generate idea for what to do next.
As a human being, you have the ability to brainstorm on a piece of paper. As a blogger, however, your task is not as simple as pen on paper. Instead, you need to use an online tool that will connect with your audience. Several websites offer online brainstorming tools that can be accessed 24/7 for free.
Bubbl.us
This web-based mind mapping app allows you to build, save, and share up to three mind maps on the free plan. This straight-forward tool makes it easy to start brainstorming from almost any device (since there’s no need to download anything), and turn those ideas into useful presentations. You can try out their paid plans by starting a 30-day free trial.
Mindmeister
Mindmeister is a mind map-based collaborative brainstorming tool. The free version allows you to collaborate with an unlimited amount of people but you only get 3 mind maps. The collaboration feature is included but if you want more mind maps and features, you have to upgrade to a paid plan. The free version allows you to store designs and files such as PDFs. Your maps on Mindmeister get updated in real-time across all devices. It is also accessible to other users allowing for a real collaborative brainstorming session.
The free version seems to be okay for a limited time as you can only have 3 mind maps. But if you don’t have many projects, you can just reuse the maps you already have.
Should you want to upgrade, the best plan for teams (and individual use) is said to be the Pro plan that costs $8.25 per user a month. It includes custom themes for maps and export options. This allows for multiple team members and seems to be perfect for small to medium teams.
Key Features of Mindmeister
- Real-time collaboration
- Mind map-based UI
- Three free mind maps
IdeaBoardz
IdeaBoardz is a teamwork tool that allows collective brainstorming. Using IdeaBoardz allows for members of a team to combine inputs and ideas in one centralized location online.
Created in the format of a whiteboard with sticky notes, IdeaBoardz allows different members to add post-it notes with their ideas to a collaborative board.
The tool gives the option to log in, to allow you access to previously viewed boards but does not require an account to use the tool.
IdeaBoardz is a great team brainstorming tool and allows for easy sharing through its URL as well as the option to export the board as a PDF.
Coggle
This tool lets you create and share intricate mind maps. From complex brainstorming to simple ideation, Coggle provides a space where you can build and download diagrams so your ideas will always be accessible and actionable.
Lucidchart
Online brainstorming is all about visual communications. One way to get ideas across is through charts and diagrams. LucidChart is an excellent way to build these visuals. What’s also cool about it is that you build charts with data. Yes, you can import and even connect live data for your diagrams. But, its free version is only available for an individual. This means, the free tool, is essentially an individual brainstorming platform. Collaborative features are only available for paid plans. Although this is the case, you get access to a free shape library and access to all templates.
The available templates are useful in a wide array of business processes from IT to sales. If you are in project management, you can create a Gantt chart. If you are in product management, you can build website mockups. LucidChart integrates well with Jive, Google Drive, and Atlassian Confluence.
The Pro plan for single users costs $9.95 per month paid quarterly.
Key Features for Lucid Chart
- Free templates
- Build charts with data
- Easy to use
- Build complex diagrams
Google Documents
Pretty much every working environment uses Google Documents, and therefore it is a great tool to use for brainstorming.
Google Documents is far greater in its recourses than many people know. Google Documents rather than just being used for file sharing has a simple brainstorming tool.
All you need to do to get your brainstorming underway with Google Documents is to create a new document. Ensure that when you share it with your team members, they are permitted to edit the document.
Now all you have to do is let the creative juices run and write it down for the team to see. Not only can you write your ideas like this but you can also comment and amend those written by other members to brainstorm as a team.
Freeplane
Built in Java, Freeplane is an open source application that can freely position, order, classify, group, or connect any node. Style the map using shapes, colors, and edge type.
You can structure nodes in terms of content, such as text, formula, icon, image, hyperlink, or even at a hierarchical level. Protect your mind maps by adding a password, or share and collaborate on them using the drag and drop, search, and publishing features.
Mind42
Mind42 is another collaborative visual thinking platform. The name is not pronounced as “mind forty-two” instead it refers to the collaborative function as intended to be pronounced as “mind for two”. The platform is totally free and fully runs on your browser. Maybe one downside is that it is ad-supported. It is not like other free platforms that prefer donations to keep them afloat.
The platform allows you to create private mind maps by default. You can create nodes and connect them with arrows. Each object can be labeled and you can even add pictures. Also, you can add shapes and links as well. The user interface is not the prettiest one out there though. There is much left to be desired in this department. But, if you are looking for something functional and browser-based, there is no harm in trying it out.
You can collaborate with people by allowing them to edit your maps. You also have the option to share your maps publicly for the world to view and even export it in several file formats.
Key Features of Mind42
- Straightforward user interface
- Export to files
- Collaborate via invites
WiseMapping
WiseMapping is a web tool for mind mapping and brainstorming. WiseMapping gives you the option to use the tool online or install it on your device.
WiseMapping is free for both individuals as well as business users. It allows for solo brainstorming as well as provides the option to collaborate or share your mind map with your team.
Features of WiseMapping include:
- Customizable font
- Customizable colors
- Easy export of maps you create
- Allows for mind maps to be embedded from the tool to your blog
- It allows you to add icons.
Popplet
Popplet is the simplest tool to capture your thoughts and ideas. Because it’s useful in both offices and classrooms, it’s extremely visual and utilizes images and diagrams to build projects. Multiple people can access the same project within Popplet, where they can build presentations, include tags, and categorize projects all within the tool. A mobile app is also available for iOS users.
Conclusion:
Brainstorming is defined as an intuitive method of generating ideas. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they are good ideas, but it usually helps you on your tracks. You can brainstorm with friends or even yourself if you are bold enough. Sometimes it pays off to be a little crazy. It also helps to use brainstorming tools to help guide the process for more targeted thinking.