Mind Mapping Software to Visualize Ideas
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A lot of people recommend Blumind for a good mind mapping tool. Blumind actually does more than just mind mapping. It is more of a data management platform with a mind mapping tool as one of its features. Blumind is completely free, too, but it is only available for Windows. It is not the best mind mapping freeware in terms of visual tools. Perhaps NovaMind would beat it in that respect. It does have some colourful themes, though. But Blumind has the absolute edge when it comes to portability. The download of maps does not exceed 1MB per map, and it allows you to download in various formats.
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The importation and exportation of data are extremely simple on Blumind, too. For example, you can import data from Excel spreadsheets. Other than the mind maps, the software enables you to make organizational and logic charts, as well as tree diagrams. The interface for each of these functions is pretty user-friendly.
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MindMup is an online mind mapping software with free and premium plans. The mind map maker is designed to help users focus on ideas without getting distracted by the software. The free plan lets users create unlimited mind maps for free, save them on online cloud storage, and access them from different devices. The software can be applied to help users in their writing, storyboards, social media, and project management. They can also attach documents and add images.
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Diagrams.net is a free open source diagram software and flowchart maker that can be used online or downloaded to the desktop. Formerly draw.io, diagram files created with the software can be shared easily with others, has professional diagramming tools included, and lets you choose where you store your diagrams. Ready-to-use templates are available across different categories. For maps, it has a couple of concept map templates, mind map templates, and a site map template available.
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Xmind is a fully-featured brainstorming and mind mapping software. One plan lets you run the software on five Mac/PC desktops and five iOS/Android mobile devices. Plans are billed every six months or annually. Some of the features included are an outliner view ideal for managing lists and tasks, a theme editor for customizing preference, shapes, lines, and colors, a smart and easy-to-use UI, and image exporting.
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Mindomo is an online mind mapping software that works with any device. It allows users to capture, develop, and share ideas visually. Collaboration features let teams see changes in the mind map immediately. It also has a built-in presentation mode, integration with Meistertask online task and project management app, customizable designs, and allows for multimedia file attachments.
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Lucidchart is an online diagram software with mind map app features. Mind mapping is easy to do with the software. You can import text files or write outlines in the software and then auto-convert them to mind maps. Export it afterward in PDF, JPEG or PNG formats. Collaboration is possible with real-time updates, in-line editing, and chat features. Maps can be shared, embedded on a wiki, used presentation mode, or integrated with Slides, Confluence, or Slack.
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Miro is an online collaboration platform for teams that includes online mind mapping software. Teams are able to capture, organize, and structure their ideas. It has an infinite virtual whiteboard that can be used for user story mapping, agile planning, design iteration, and visual project management. Features include hotkeys for quick actions, multiple design styles, one-click auto arrange, presentation mode, and integration to over 20 productivity apps.
