Do you want to learn how to use mind mapping tools for students? Are you a student and you need a mind map software but don’t know which one will help you the most? Well, both answers are quite simple, as the best free mind mapping software for students doesn’t differ that much from free mind mapping software used by anyone else.
There are plenty of free and inexpensive mind mapping software for students to choose from these days, and it is possible to create fantastic mind maps using free mind mapping tools for students.
Coggle
Coggle is a great mind map to use for visualizing complex information. Creating your mind map or flowchart is super intuitive and easy to do. At any time, invite others by email to view and edit your mind map in real-time. When working together, you also have the option to chat right within the app, like some other applications on this list.
What I like about Coggle, is that it runs on your web browser so it can be accessed anywhere. Just sign up and begin using it. They also have Android and iOS applications so that you can take your work on the go.
Features
- Automatically saves work
- Unlimited image uploads
- Versatile creation options – multiple starting points, join branches and create loops, and have floating text not part of your tree for annotations
- Private and public mind maps
- Embeddable diagrams
Pricing
Coggle has a Free plan with 3 private mind maps and unlimited public ones. With the Awesome plan, for $5/month you can have unlimited private mind maps and more control in the style creation of your maps. There is also an Organization plan for $8/month which is ideal from teams that want to consolidate their data and billing.
SpiderScribe
This is a great mind mapping tool that allows users to easily visualize their ideas by connecting various pieces of information together and create free style maps. It also combines elements like text, images, files, calendar events and geographic locations.
MindMeister
MindMeister is an award-winning web-based mind mapping tool with over 10 million users. The ability to collaborate anywhere enhances the usage of the software to plan projects, manage meetings, take notes, capture ideas, and other everyday business functions.
Pros
- Newbies can create mind maps with ready to use templates. For those familiar with organizational charts may choose as mind map style the organizational mode instead of the classic mind map layout.
- Project management functions allow for setting dates, assigning tasks, and setting priorities. It integrates beautifully with Mind Task, the project management software.
- Brainstorm, structure and add visuals to create presentations using the mind mapping format. Export the slideshow as PNG, PDF, PowerPoint slides, or embed the presentation on a website page.
- History mode allows users to undo actions and to see who contributed what and when.
Price:
- Basic is a free subscription limited to 3 mind maps.
- The paid subscriptions are Personal at $4.99, Pro at $8.25, and Business at $12.49 per month. Packages vary in storage size, export formats, and the size of teams.
Mindomo (mind mapping)
(Android, iPhone, iPad)
Mindomo is a popular mind-mapping app that helps unleash the power of your ideas. It is a robust mind mapping app with a solid set of features and functionality. If you’re a quick thinker with a creative eye, then this is the app for you. With this app you can capture your thoughts and turn them into presentations on the fly, with the added value of being able to share them with others. You can also synchronise your maps to the cloud, from any device. When doing a group project, the Mindomo app provides you with a platform to collaborate with others by sharing ideas and working together on mind-maps in real time.
Mind maps can help you memorize all kinds of information, from a second language to important names and dates you need to know for your exams.
Mindomo Pricing: Free up to 3 mind-maps; $6/month for unlimited private diagrams and extra mind mapping tools.
Available: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
MindNode
Although MindNode is only an application for iOS devices, I wanted to include it in the list because of its functionality for individual working. MindNode does not have any collaboration features, so it would be a great option if you are using it for yourself, or don’t need it for student collaboration.
There is an array of features to add to your mind map to make it all your own and house every idea you have. With MindNode you can easily create tasks from your map and export it to your favorite task manager to begin shaping your ideas into reality.
Features
- Alternate views to inspect your map, like a list format
- Quick Entry to add ideas right when they hit you
- Pull content from other apps with drag and drop
- Focus Mode to concentrate on one area of the map
- Add tags, stickers, and change the theme to make the map your own
Pricing
MindNode has a 14-day free trial, but after you can choose to have a monthly subscription of $2.5/month or $20/year for MindNode Plus.
SimpleMind for iPad
SimpleMind+ is a mind-mapping tool that turns your iPad, iPhone or iPod into a brainstorming, idea collection and thought structuring device. Although this app come with a price tag, it’s 4.6 out of 5 rating suggests this app is worth it. With a direct link to Dropbox, easy creator usability and striking visualisation tools, this app is definitely worth the investment. Practicality and speed are paramount features within the app, allowing users to create clean and effective mind maps on the go. This app is intuitive and created with ease of use in mind.
SimpleMind Pricing: Free to try. $6.99 per month subscription.
Available: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
ChartTool
ChartTool is a great tool from Google. This is basically a free service that allows users to create awesome charts and graphics. It has a rich gallery of charts of varying formats. Users can choose from Line charts, Bar charts, Pie charts, Map charts, Scatter charts, Venn charts, QR codes, and Google-O-Meter charts. Once you select a chart you can then customize it the way you want.
Freemind
FreeMind is an open source mind mapping software written in Java that supports Windows, Mac, and Linux. Students and business people use it to brainstorm ideas; when writing essays; to keep track of projects; to manage information; to create knowledgebase notes; and for gathering and bookmarking internet research data.
Pros
- The simple interface makes it easy to understand and use. A user guide explains and shows every function step by step. (#3)
- Display only that which is relevant at that moment with the folding feature. It hides or displays information below a selected mode.
- Follow links quickly with the one-click feature.
- Smart dragging and dropping allows copying nodes and styles or selecting and moving multiple nodes.
- Smart copying and pasting, structure pasted content based on the number of leading spaces. Users can paste a list of selected files or add HTML links instead of all the data.
- Decorate nodes with built-in fonts and icons.
- Export the mind map in various ways: HTML, OpenDocument, JPG, PNG, and PDF.
Cons
- As a one-user application, users can collaborate on one map at the same time.
- Photo and graphics support is a new feature and in its initial stage.
Price: Free.
Conclusion:
Mind mapping has been around for decades and you’ve probably seen it before. But, if you’re like most people, if you don’t need to use it, you probably forget all about mind mapping. This means that unless you have a specific reason to learn mind mapping software or tools, chances are you wouldn’t know where to start. The best free mind mapping software: Unless you’re a brain surgeon (and even if you are), it should be fairly simple and straightforward. The best free mind mapping tool: You should be able to use it without spending hours reading the manual.