Free Mind-Mapping Software With Easy Online Tools
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Free Mind-Mapping Software With Easy Online Tools
- by Jim Edwards
(c) Jim Edwards - All Rights Reserved
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Ever gotten an idea or a brain storm that just wanted to burst out of your head, but you couldn’t quite get it down on paper the right way?
Ever tried to list off all the parts of a project, paper, proposal or report, but kept getting side tracked with ideas, facts and points you wanted to include, but didn’t know how to organize?
Though traditional education taught us to outline and make lists, those techniques don’t work best when it comes to fleshing out ideas and brainstorming various topics. However, a technique called “mind mapping” actually helps you drain your brain of facts, points, and topics quickly and easily.
Though mind mapping with pen and paper is not new, the introduction of software and websites to facilitate mind-mapping is a very exciting development in the world of mind-mapping.
Mind-mapping involves taking an idea and fleshing it out quickly by simply jotting down the points you want to include in whatever project.
The objective with mind mapping is not to go in-depth on any topic, but rather to get all the points out of your brain quickly so you don’t lose your train of thought. Often points listed only contain a few words, a title, a name, a number, a web address, or some other tidbit of information.
One idea sparks another and another, creating a chain of ideas you will go back to and expand later. The mind map literally creates a linked map of how all the ideas fit together and flow one to another.
Mind-mapping also enables you to draw connections between ideas that previously seemed totally unrelated. But, unlike pen and paper which require redrawing your maps, software enables you to easily shuffle your ideas around to find the best combinations, new associations, and the optimal organization.
It’s as simple as dragging and dropping with your mouse right on your screen.
If you want to get started mind-mapping quickly, and without spending hundreds of dollars on expensive software, then “Mindomo” makes a great first step.
Log on to www.Mindomo.com and register for a free account.
This online software application enables you to create, build, and export mind maps in a variety of formats. I personally used this software numerous times in the past to plan important projects and I loved it.
Though not as robust as some paid mind mapping software, Mindomo hits a home run with the basics of mind mapping and makes a great way to quickly get your feet wet with very little instruction.
Two negatives exist with Mindomo, especially with the free version.
First, you must be online to completely use the software, even with their new desktop version.
Second, your options for exporting your mind maps are extremely limited and will frustrate “power” users.
With that said, it still rates a hard look if you need a solid mind-mapping tool to get those ideas out of your head and into more concrete form.
Share Your Thoughts (Currently 32 Comments) »
Cool you picked my suggestion!
What video hosting service do you use Jim?
You are the King of more than Webinars! This is something your subscribers have been looking for - the ones that are just starting out and have other priorities for their $400 than Mindjet - it’s really cool that you’ve gone out of your way to find these products to help EVERYONE on your lists..Somehow, though, I missed that you had this new (to me) site. Way to go..as usual you are my hero!
Terrie
Great. I’ve just been thinking of learning to use mindmapping. This might help shorten the learning curve.
Another free software is, FreeMind http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Download
I got it, but have not learned it yet. I think I’ll try the one you mentioned first, then later, learn FreeMind.
Thanks,
Thomas
[...] found this GREAT tool that allows you to “think” online: Cool Site Weekly, [...]
very nice review Jim, one thing!
You state that the free version will not work when you’re off-line, but their website now states “You can work both offline and online”.
Although it does say, you may only save when you are online.
I agree with you, once you begin to mind map, you want to save everything in that format. It’s addictive!
After you’ve done a couple, intensively and go back and look at it. You are amazed at the detail.
Again — great review!
Not sure I haven’t had a chance to use it yet.
Thanks Jim! I just started getting back into mindmapping (gave it up when I left corporate America about 4 years ago).
I just drew five out by hand last week. This will be a great help.
Thanks,
Tim
Since saving is so important, I don’t count what they say as being able to work offline… cuz if you aren’t online, you can’t save (which is a little irritating, but doesn’t detract from the value of the software)
Jim
This is great information. I have a website filled with free information about brainstorming and mind mapping. I list all the software programs I know about and go over some pros and cons of each. This will be a perfect addition after I work with it a bit so i can comment.
Cool application. I personally use xMind. This is also free software for Windows, Mac and Linux. I have the Pro version than has Gant Charts. What I like on this one you suggest is the ability to collaborate online wish is really nice.
Thanks Jim…I’m just getting started with IM and this looks very simple to use and will help me as I transition from a completely offline business to online and developing new products and presentations…i’ve been using yellow pads and i think it’s time to move on…i really appreciate your sharing this info
What a great tool to organise your business & make notes that you want to focus on
Thanks
Jim
Thanks, this looks great. And you can manipulate most PDFs almost for free with PDF software like Nitro PDF Professional, which is sometimes free after rebate at Fry’s and Frys.com–sometimes with free shipping. You may have to pay tax.
The best way I know of to keep up with Fry’s free after rebate sales is at http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/413633/
This looks great and for free I can’t wait to try it. I am in need of sorting everything out mentaly like alot of people. I’m sure this will
help to gather all the little bits together in one place. Thanks and I will give a review in a few weeks to follow up.
[...] to know INSTANTLY the time somewhere else in the world? Well, just go to http://www.timeticker.com, click on any area of the world voila! you get the local time right [...]
Thanks for the heads up. Mindmapping by hand can be tedious (I always seem to run out of room). Haven’t been to the site yet, but being able to add color (as you can with other software), really allows you to see various components of your project in ways that are hard to do with pen/pencil and paper. Cool!
Hi Jim,
Is this also good for Mac, please?
Hi, Jim
Do you know Freemind? It is a free piece of software, also for Mind Mapping
http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Sorry, please disregard the question about Mac.
I ve just opened an account with Mindomo, and realized it was NOT a piece of software to download, like the “freemind” I mentioned earlier.
Have a great Sunday!
Hi Jim,
Please, is there a video about this? You wrote “Article and video”
“This week’s Article and Video are about a really cool,FREE online mind-mapping software anyone can use right”
so I went onto TNR and searched, and found:
“Brainstorming Products, Articles, Webinars & More (w/ Mindjet)”
but that seems different.
Thank you!
Yes - I’ve used Free Mind from SourceForge (free) - I honestly didn’t like it (mainly because of what I thought was not a very intuitive shortkey system)
Jim
Hi Jim, All!
Great tip, I have used eDrawmax (a $69 software) in the past but this tool seem at least as good.
Another freebie, when it comes to midmapping, that I myself have just started to use, is this new tool http://www.lovelycharts.com/index.php which does pretty much the same thing.
Thanks for sharing.
//Pat
Hi Jim,
That’s a very interesting article.
No change there then!
I thought you might apreciate knowing,
I recently discovered a mind-map based
product that blew me away.
It’s called “IM-index mind map”, and I
watched the videos and new I had to get it.
It essentially gives you a complex folder
tree, which is accessed via a mind map.
You put all your Products, Articles, Tools,
receipts, learning materials,documents etc
in the apropriate places in the folder tree.
Next thing you know, your ORGANIZED!
I haven’t lost or mislaid a single file or
folder since I bought it, the best $67 I ever
spent for sure.
I don’t recall the actual Url, though I could dig it out if I had time.
It’s called the “IM-Index”.
Many thanks for pointing out that Mind Map software, I’ve got to check that out.
Don’t stop writing!
All the best,
Greg
Wikipedia has a good comparison list of various free and commercial mind-mapping software here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mind_Mapping_software
Thank you Jim,
Your little video gave me just enough information to approach the mind mapping, which I’ve never done before, with confidence. I appreciate the effort you went to, to not only find the excellent tool but to give us a helpful introduction.
Now, an hour after being introduced to the site I am the proud creator of an initial map of all my personal and business activities down to 7 levels, exported in several formats. I’m pleased as punch! Thanks so much.
Best wishes,
Nili
Good info Thanks Jim.
However I will use the FreeMind script that I have already got on my computer when I get round to using it
Jim, you are awesome, I just created my first mind map, it is fairly easy to use and will be so great to help keep my projects straight and keep me on track. THANKS JIM! Eileen
Thanks for the trouble you have gone to to get this to us.
Keep up the good work
Peace to you
Will
OMG Jim! This is amazing stuff. Exactly what I need. I’ve been using a notebook from time to time, but still feel that my ideas are just slipping away and I’m loosing opportunities for great blog posts, ebooks and more. I also homeschool my kids (not that you or your readers care) and this is a great tool to create projects for them as well. Thank you very much. I found you on Twitter via @jeffherring, and I’m so glad I did. I’m following you now @yourimpact. Welcome to Twitter, you definitely have much to contribute!
[...] kenetra on Feb.18, 2009, under Marketing Tools http://coolsiteweekly.com/free-mind-mapping-software-with-easy-online-tools :mind mapping No comments for this entry [...]
Yeah,
Mind maps are widely used by world class leaders, business owners and even students today.
In case you don’t know, even noble prize winners use mind maps with colors and graphics to brainstorm the world’s environmental solutions.
You might want to check out Tony Buzan’s iMindMap and it is the only mind mapping software being endorsed by the originator.
David Kendrick
Thank you very much for bringing this subject up!
I like to use mindmaps and I usually draw them by hand first. It helps a lot but of course it is a bit difficult for others to read unless you are careful.
I agree with the objection that it is not nice to have to be on the internet to use it.
I took a look at IM-Index. It seems to be a very good product indeed.
I wonder what it would be like to use the Livescribe Pen? It looks wonderful. You can just start recording and start writing. You could interview someone and get that as well. You can draw a mindmap or whatever. Then you can transfer that to your computer and so on.
Anyone tried this?
Best wishes
Add your Comment!