There is a lot of information available on different mind mapping software solutions. I recently wrote a piece on how to choose the right tool. Many people since then asked me which software tool or tools I use most of the time. Today I tell you more about that and I tell you WHY I use these solutions (much more important).
At the end of this page you find a link to download most of the tools.
For every tool I wrote the percentage of my time I use this tool. Remember, this is just how I use various tools. For me, this approach works best. For you, there is probably a different approach. If you have any questions, please feel free to connect with me.
My number one thought-organizing tool: MindMapper 2009 (75%)
Ever since I started to create mindmaps on my computer (which is the day I learned how to mindmap), I use MindMapper. I told you before how I found this tool. I started with MindMapper 2.8 and now I use MindMapper 2009 Professional.
The main reasons I use this tool are:
- easy interface (yes, even with the ribbon in 2009)
- easy to dump my thoughts into the map
- the maps look good
- more than just mind mapping
- (and most of my mindmaps are in their format
)
If you are new to mind mapping and you want to have an affordable tool, I think you will enjoy MindMapper.
My number one collaboration tool: MindManager version 8 (10%)
I really like the way I can create and edit mindmaps together with friends and co-workers using MindManager. Mindjet calls this solution Mindjet Connect.
MindManager 8 itself is a really good mindmap solution. It creates very professional looking maps. You can say this tool is (one of) the best tools available.
Personally, I think this tool is more a tool for the business community than the personal user. Remember that business should be translated as working together on visual/mindmaps. Personal means you create mindmaps for yourself (only).
The possibility of working together via the Internet is amazing! The first time you do this with MindManager 8 is a real experience. Your mindmaps change while looking at them because others can update the map in real-time.
My number one online mind mapping tool: Summapplication (5%)
This just has to be my own secret mind mapping and summapping tool called the Summapplication. It is not yet officially released to the public.
The tool has some nice mind mapping features. The main focus is on summapping. Ever since I learned how to take control over my own visual maps the summap method of dealing with information offered me a bunch of new insights in familiar content.
I’m still wondering if I should create a beta test group for this tool. What I do think could help people is releasing this to my special group of people in the membership program.
(Let me just do a blatant pitch for the new membership here…)
When you join, you receive access to this tool in progress. The nice thing is that you will be able to directly influence the features we add to it. Yes, this will only be available to the people in my Mindmaps Unleashed Membership.
Two other well-known online solutions:
- Mind42
- MindMeister
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My number one MAC tool: NovaMind (0% – no MAC)
There are more and more tools which also work on an Apple/MAC. It is kind of strange that it took this long before the market jumped into this mindmap software niche. People on MAC generally tend to be more creative. Unfortunately there were only a few creators of mindmap software who created a noteworthy tool.
If I would have a MAC, the tool I probably would use most is NovaMind. This tool creates really good looking mindmaps. The company doesn’t sit back and relax. They continue to improve and enhance this tool. If you are a MAC user, you should really check this one out!
Yes, I know that there are other tools around who can create MAC mindmaps. You have for instance Mindjet with Mindmanager for MAC (version 7). There are also a number of platform independent tools like a wonderful tool called XMIND (more on that tool later).
My other tools: MS Visio (5%)
Are there any other good mind / visual mapping software solutions? Yes there are! You have for instance:
- ConceptDraw
- Visual Mind
- iMindmap (from Tony Buzan)
- MindGenius
- The Brain (not a real mind mapping tool, still very good!)
- Microsoft Visio
Of these, the tool I use most of the time is Microsoft Visio. This is not really a mind mapping tool but more a visual mapping tool.
I use this tool to create flowcharts and professional looking overviews.
My number one Free Tool: XMIND (5%)
You probably heard of FreeMind. This open source tool has been around for many years. It may be good to know that this tool is platform independent. It doesn’t matter if you are working on a Windows PC, a MAC, a Linux PC, etc. As long as you have Java installed you are good to go.
Now FreeMind is a really good tool (and did I mention it is free???).
There is however another tool which I really like. This one is called XMIND. The formerly premium tool now switched to an open source model. The moment they did this I thought it was a brilliant move. You can now enjoy the benefits of a premium tool for free!!!
XMIND has some additional services and features you have to pay for . Still, their main tool is free.
Another important benefit: The tool is platform independent!
To Conclude
There are so many tools out there, all wanting you to use them as your primary tool. If there is one piece of advice I may offer you it is this:
Each tool can do one thing best. There is not one tool which is best in everything.
Make sure you understand what you want to do and want to achieve through your tool.
If you have any questions regarding mind mapping on your computer, please do contact me.
Most of the tools can be found on many websites. If you like to see an overview of some of the tools I discussed on this website – www.mindmap-shop.com (my other website)
Arjen
(my mindmaps work for me)
Popularity: 14% [?]
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the overview Arjen. I have been using NovaMind for several years now on both Mac and Windows, and it is certainly already the best on Mac, and is rapidly advancing on Windows.
I’m not sure if you’re aware, but they recently announced version 5 which is a complete rewrite, and they seem to have hit every bullet point for the perfect mind mapping app…according to the pre-release information.
I guess we will have to see if they deliver on their promise, but assuming they do, they will have a very commanding lead on Mac and may well take out the top spot for Windows too.
Certainly one to watch.
The new version is scheduled for release in September/October. I’m very much looking forward to it.
Hi Arjen,
I really enjoyed reading your post, and your previous posts also. I come back almost every day and each time there is a valuable mind mapping info. I love your post “3 Questions Regarding Children, Age And Mind Mapping”:)
Let me recommend you a new mind mapping solution http://dropmind.com, represented by platform friendly desktop app 9http://desktop.dropmind.com) and online app created in Silverlight (http://web.dropmind.com).
I would really appreciate if you have time to check out this tools and would love to hear your opinion.
Have a great day,
Natalija
Hi Natalija,
Thank you for your kind words. Great to read that you enjoy the posts. I just signed for your online solution and I will check out your tool! Please let me know if you have any questions or you like to see more information on a particular topic on the website.
Hi Anton.
I tried NovaMind for Windows when it was first released. The moment version 5 is released, I will most definetely work with that one! Are there any other powerful MAC tools you use?
Thanks a lot for your interest. I hope you will enjoy using it. Look forward to hear any of you thoughts, suggestions or comments regarding the apps.
Since there are many posts in which you cover the usage of mind maps, I would love to hear your opinion on using mind maps as presentation tools. I found the presentation functionality very useful and much more powerful than, let’s say, power point presentation. It catches the user interest and seems to gain more attention.
I do have some thoughts I want to share regarding presentations and mindmaps. Later this week, I will have an article online regarding PowerPoint, mindmaps and presentations.