Has anyone got a recommendation for this? Bewildering number of different offers out there...some freeware (doubtless with an upgrade required to print or save), don't have the time to invest in finding out what it doesn't let you do!
Negative comments on what not to use also welcomed.
Replies (11)
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FreeMind is .......free
I used to use paid for, expensive mind mapping software & then found Freemind.
I'm sure its not got all the bells & whistles but it does everything I want & it is genuinely free.
Mind Map
Hello Alan
I wonder if someone will comment with a mind-map?
We generally just use Powerpoint as these often form parts of presentations. I appreciate this isn’t specialist software but we never took time to look for I feel we have enough licences/file-types to keep track of already. I suppose the canvas is quite blank with such an option.
Best of luck.
Freemind
I have also tried 2 different paid for mind mapping software types (assuming they would give me more or better functionality) and have kept coming back to Freemind.
It does what mind mapping software is supposed to do - get out of the way so you can think or plan visually.
Genuinely free, fully functional mind mapping.
I once tried to use mind mapping for project planning with links to my Outlook calendar etc - it sounded great but very quickly fell over and became unmanageable.
Mindjet MindManager
I use Mindjet MindManager and find it very easy to use and comprehensive. I've also used MindMeister which was free but with slightly limited functionality.
I have the Mindjet app so I can work on my iPad and then open the same map on the PC and carry on working. It isn't free though but I've found it worth paying for and have stuck with the various updates for 10+ years now.
IMindMap
I use the paid for version of iMindMap but there is a basic version which is free.
Mindjet roo
Another vote for Mindjet MindManager here.
It isn't free, but as has been said, it allows you to open files on the iPad and (in theory though I haven't tried) on the iPhone too.
I have not tried Freemind, but I am going to have a look and see how it compares.
Mind Mapping Software
Freemind,
A good basic(& Free) tool for quickly sketching out ideas. Presentation is fairly basic and although tool does a good job of mind mapping I don't like capturing the output in formal documents.
Mindjet Mind Manager.
A very professional tool (not free) very flexible, produces maps which in my opinion can be tailored to suit more formal documents, as well as for quickly sketching out ideas. Good variety of presentation formats.
Inspiration 9
A (not free) tool which although is not quite a powerful as Mindjet also provides other drawing tools as part of the package. For the price this is a good compromise of flexibility and cost. These mind maps have a distinctive style (less formal) they can be coaxed to look more formal with some effort.
Quick Summary, I have used all three and each has its place. If you are not using mind mapping regularly go for a free product like Freemind (there are others) to capture info for yourself. For use within a department or company Inspiration 9 is a good choice. Mind Manager is probably the best mind mapping tool I have used over the years - but you pay the price and if you are not using it regularly it's too expensive.
What would you use mind mapping software for? I feel I am missing out on something here by just having a pad of paper where all my ideas get brainstormed!
Xmind is VG
I've recently used the free version of Xmind which is excellent and very easy to use.
My memory of using Freemind some time ago is that it was pretty good, but probably not as functional as Xmind.
Xmind has the advantage that, if you need anything in the paid version, it's only £35.
iThoughts for iPad
iThoughts works well on iPad which works well during meetings / workshops. This will save into format for Freemind - which is free and very comprehensive for PC.
My recommendation for a mindmap in a mindmap
I can't recommend one product highly enough, please click here to see the product in action and what I like about it.
BTW I'm a practising accountant, and have no affiliation to my recommendation, other than being a satisfied user!