Mind mapping is a tool which can help you do just that. You can also use mind mapping to create an outline for your novel, plan a project, for your business and much more. Once you master it, the sky is the limit. Give it a go, and let us know when you see its benefits. Also, do tell us in the comment section below if you have a favourite mind mapping software which is not on the list. XMind is one of the more professional options available and may be the best mind map software for Mac. There are three different pricing options, XMind 8 (free), XMind 8 Plus ($79), and XMind Pro ($99) but to make the most of it, you’ll need to shell out for Plus at the very least, and realistically, for Pro.
Mind mapping is a terrific visual method for capturing thoughts and ideas. For business or personal use, a mind map is ideal for brainstorming sessions and helps you organize your concepts easily.
If want a stellar mind mapping app for Mac, the App Store has plenty. The problem is that most are paid and expensive at that. But luckily there are several free mind map apps that have great features and are a breeze to use.
1. SimpleMind
Getting started with SimpleMind Lite is just as the name implies: simple. This mind mapping software has an intuitive interface that lets you create a mind map in a snap.
First, pick your style. You can choose from a variety of options like bright colors, chart, grayscale, and colors on black. Then to add nodes, you can either click the plus sign on your current node or the Add Child Topic button from the toolbar. To insert text into a node, click the T on the current node or double-click inside the shape.
Other features include:
You can use SimpleMind Lite for free and without ads. But if you would like additional features like Dropbox and Google Drive sync, media and document options, or app customizations, check out the paid version.
And remember, you also have other types of Mac apps that support visual thinking.
Download:SimpleMind Lite (Free)
Download:SimpleMind ($30) 2. XMind: ZEN
If you want a free mind mapping tool that lets you begin with a template, check out XMind: ZEN. You can choose from over 25 templates that offer different colors, layouts, and diagram styles.
To add nodes, click either the Topic or Subtopic buttons from the toolbar. To insert text, just double-click inside the shape. You can freely move the nodes without losing their connections or turn subtopics into main topics.
Other features include:
Xmind: ZEN gives you awesome features for free. But if you would like to unlock the iOS or full versions, you can check out the in-app subscription plans. You might also take a peek at mind map apps specifically for iOS.
Download:XMind: ZEN (Free)
3. QMindMap
QMindMap Lite is a little more limited with its free features. But this completely freeform tool lets you create main topic nodes with a click of the toolbar button.
To add subtopic nodes, click inside the current node and select either the branch or the box and then drag. You can type in your text by double-clicking the shape.
Other features include:
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QMindMap Lite lets you create basic mind maps for free. But like similar apps, you can purchase the full version if you would like features such as exporting and iCloud support.
Download: QMindMap Lite (Free) [No Longer Available]
Download: QMindMap ($13) [No Longer Available]
If you’re looking for additional help with both creativity and productivity, get creative with your Mac dashboard using these cool apps9 Mac Dashboard Widgets You'll Actually Use9 Mac Dashboard Widgets You'll Actually UseDon't neglect your Dashboard any longer. Try these nifty Mac Dashboard widgets to add useful functionality!Read More.
4. Junkyard
Junkyard is another cool and easy mind mapping app for Mac. What’s nice about Junkyard is that you receive all features for free. There is a small ad at the bottom of the window that you can remove with an inexpensive in-app purchase. But if you don’t mind the ad, then this is a great freebie.
Best Mind Mapping App Mac Os
To create a node, click the Settings (gear icon) button on the sidebar. To add a child node, do the same and then drag the arrow from the parent to it to form the connection. And you can enable full-screen mode for more canvas space.
Other features include:
Download:Junkyard (Free)
5. Mydea
Windowa 10 creation tool for mac. Mydea’s free mind mapping app is a good choice if you enjoy adding icons, symbols, and even links to your diagrams. You can choose from five layout options like mind map or fish bone and select a style which applies colors and shapes to your mind map.
The toolbar is intuitive and lets you create topics and subtopics with a click. Double-click inside a node to add the text. If you want a number or progress symbol, just hit the Assets button. Move all nodes freely and zoom in or out for different views.
Other features include:
Mydea Lite lets you add up to 20 nodes per mind map. If you would like to add more, you can look at the paid version which also provides support for XMind documents and importing or exporting in Markdown format.
Download:Mydea Lite (Free)
Download:Mydea ($8) 6. SimpleMindMap
One final app to check out on your Mac is SimpleMindMap. This one offers a host of interesting and useful features.
For basic mind maps, click the plus sign inside a node to add a child. Or use the blue and pink plus sign buttons in the toolbar for brother and child nodes. You can then double-click a node to add text or use the text box in the toolbar. You can move and resize the nodes and diagram freely while keeping the connections.
Other features include:
SimpleMindMap lets you create mind maps with a limit of 80 items for free. For simple maps, this is ideal. But if you need more, you can upgrade via in-app purchase to the full version for unlimited items.
Download:SimpleMindMap (Free)
How Do You Mind Map on Your Mac?
These six pieces of free mind mapping software are great for basic diagrams and help you get the job done. Whether you like modest mind maps with just a few nodes or those that go a bit further and contain many, there is sure to be an app here that you will like.
If you would rather use Microsoft Office, then check out how to turn Word documents into mind map apps. Or take a look at these helpful mind map templates for Microsoft Word. And if mind mapping simply isn’t for you, you may want to consider a Mac outliner app to help organize your thoughts5 Mac Outliners to Help You Organize Your Projects and Ideas5 Mac Outliners to Help You Organize Your Projects and IdeasOutlining can help you keep your ideas and projects organized. Here are some great Mac apps for outlining projects and ideas.Read More.
Explore more about: Mac App Store, Mindmapping.
Mind mapping is a great way to add structure to brainstorming sessions and visualize your ideas. Check out the applications your fellow readers use to do their best brainstorming.
Update: This list is now out of date, and we don't necessarily recommend the services listed here. For a more up to date list, check out our more recent Hive Five on the best mind mapping applications.
Five Best Mind Mapping Tools
Mind mapping is a great way to brainstorm, make a plan, or turn ideas into the steps needed to make …
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Earlier this week we asked you to share which mind mapping application helped you brainstorm most effectively. The votes are in and we're back to share the results and arm you with the tools to make your next think tank meeting that much more productive.
Best Mind Mapping Software?
Brainstorming is an important part of hashing out ideas, and mind mapping has gained popularity as…
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MindMeister (Web Application, Free)
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MindMeister is by far the most simplistic mind mapping tool in the top five, but its simplicity is definitely an asset. Once you're logged into the service, you can create a fully functional mind map using little more than the directional arrows and the Insert key to add new nodes to your map. Additional customizations like font size and node colors are available for when you want to go beyond the basics. In the upper right corner is a navigation window, handy for when your mind maps become larger than the display space. Exporting is also a strong point for MindMeister; you can export your files to a text outline, PDF, JPG, PNG, or GIF. MindMeister's history function lets you view past versions of your mind map and revert to them if you desire. You can share your maps for public collaboration or hand-select collaborators. Upgrading from the free account to the premium account gives you some handy additional features like map searching, offline editing, and the ability to export your maps to popular software like FreeMind and MindManager.
Mindjet MindManager (Windows/Mac, $349)
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Mindjet MindManager isn't cheap by any means, but you get more than your share of value and sophistication for the hundreds you spend on the program. The interface and feature set of MindManager are very polished, and the primary menus are set up like the Microsoft Office Ribbon. After the initial installation, MindManager walks you through the creation of a sample mind map—helpful both to familiarize you with the interface but also to show you features you may have overlooked. MindManager is definitely oriented towards corporate environments, including extensive integration with the Office suite and support for linking your mind maps directly into common database formats like MySQL and Access. Finding information in large mind maps is easy thanks to topic sorting, filtering, and text search tools. Mind maps can be exported in a variety of formats, but most notably in interactive PDF files and embeddable Flash animations. MindManager is available as a 30 day trial.
XMind (Windows/Mac/Linux, Free)
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XMind is the kind of free application that makes you forget you're not paying for the privilege of using it. The interface is simple and intuitive to use. You can quickly move through your entire mind map with only a handful of keystrokes or jump over to the outline view for even quicker navigation. In addition to a basic mind map you can also create fishbone, organizational, tree, and logic charts. You can export charts as HTML, images, or text, and XMind comes a free account on XMind.net which allows you to share your charts online and embed them into blogs and web sites. There is a professional version of XMind which expands on the functionality of the base application and allows you to create online charts and collaborate with others. XMind Pro is $49 per year, but most people will find the free version more than robust enough for their mind mapping needs. Portable versions available for all three supported platforms.
FreeMind (Java, Free)
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One of FreeMind's strongest selling points is a Java-based implementation. Whether you use it on Ubuntu or Windows, the features and user interface remain consistent. FreeMind is keyboard friendly with the core functionality well covered by keyboard shortcuts—I made the sample mind map pictured here without ever touching the mouse. The visual elements of your mind maps are highly customizable, including custom icons for flagging nodes on the map, color coding, grouping, and more. Mind maps created with FreeMind can be exported as HTML, PDF, and PNG files, among others.The support wiki for FreeMind is extensive and goes well beyond simply explaining how the application functions, covering things like how to add your own keyboard shortcuts and how to make the application portable.
iMindMap (Windows/Mac/Linux, $99-295)
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iMindMap can claim two distinctions among the top five tools. First, it's the biggest download—weighing in at 135MB. Second it's the only application on the list developed by Tony Buzan—who lays claim to being the inventor of the mind map. iMindMap takes a different approach to mapping than the other applications in the list. Rather than create new nodes off the main idea by adding boxes, nodes are created by clicking in the center or the main idea and drawing away from it with the mouse. Each new idea is a branch off the center. Strangely, many of basic feature available in free mind-mapping software are only found in the more expensive versions of iMindMap, like the ability to expand and collapse branches. Mind maps created in iMindMap can be exported as PDF, JPG, PNG and text outline; a 7 day trial is available.
A small aside: Although we didn't include it because the topic of this Hive Five was mind mapping software, it bears noting that nearly 20% of the votes went to analog methods like pencil and paper and using a whiteboard. For all your geeky ways, many of you have much love for good old fashioned analog brainstorming.
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Mind Mapping Examples
Now that you've seen the contenders for the crown of Master of the Mind Map, it's time to log your vote for your favorite:
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Agree with the spread? Can't believe your favorite mind mapping tool didn't make the top five? Sound off with your opinions in the comments below.
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