In order to be able to see a relationship between various ideas and information, we use mind mapping. This includes gathering thoughts, coming up with new ideas, project planning, and more to solve problems or have novel ideas. Today I compiled thea list of 15 mind-mapping tech tools that will help every creative mind be even more creative. If you like one particular tool I check out sites like Techradar, PCmag, Techriggs and CNETthat have many insightful user reviews to get more information.

1. XMind

XMind is an open source tool that helps users to really understand their thinking and manage ideas. You can use this tool to export your mind map to many formats, including TXT, PDF, and HTML.

Cost: There are free accounts available but if you want to have extra features, you will have to pay as much as $79 per year.

2. Wisemapping

 

Individuals and businesses can take advantage of being able to share ideas with collaborators. You can embed files in blogs, and import and export them easily. As with any online tool, security may be an issue. To overcome this problem, you can download Wisemapping onto your own server.

Cost: Free

3. Mind42

This browser-based tool lets you manage everything on one convenient platform, so you can access anything quickly. You can create, manage, and edit your data easily. Simply create an account and you are ready to go. This is a free tool, but it doesn’t have as many perks as the paid services.

Cost: Free

4. LucidChart

This service offers a wide array of tools for organizing your ideas, including Google image search. There is even a chat feature, and you can collaborate with others in real time. While this is a popular service, there are fees involved.

Cost: Free account for basic users. Pro account for advanced users is $8.33. $21 per month for team accounts.

5. MindMeister

This tool has an interface that is easy to use, and you can collaborate with others in real time. You will be able to use mobile devices to bring up your projects. MindMeister is cloud-based. The one disadvantage is that there is a fee to use this tool.

Cost: Personal accounts start at $4.99 per month, going up to $14.99 for a business account. You can also check out MindMeister on AppStore and MindMeister on Google Play

6. Mapul

This web-based mind mapping tool is from Microsoft Silverlight. You never have to leave your browser to create a mind map. While it is one of the better tools out there, it is expensive.

Cost: A 10-user account will cost $360 each year. A single user account for six months is $30.

7. Coggle

This tool allows you to create notes, collaborate, and more. Drag and drop images, and see all of your edits. It might be too difficult for those who aren’t computer friendly.

Cost: Free

8. Scapple

This was created for OS X users, and it is mainly for writers. This is a great tool for authors who want to make sure that they never forget any idea they come up with.

Cost: There is a one-time software download fee of just $14.99.

9. SpiderScribe

 

You can connect events, files, and notes in freeform maps to organize your thoughts. Maps can be public or private, and you can collaborate with other people. This is another cloud-based tool. Create stencils and customize them.

Cost: Personal accounts are free. Pro accounts are at $5 per month and business accounts at $25 per month.

10. Popplet

Popplet allows users to have many devices connected for the same projects. Users can record ideas, upload texts and videos, draw, and more. The only real problem with this tool is that there is no version for Android users.

Cost: $4.99 for iOS

Check out Popplet on AppStore

11. MindMap

This is an extension of Google Chrome, and users enjoy support from Cloud, Google Drive, Box, and Dropbox. You can add images and text, change fonts, and more. Save your work into local storage or in the cloud, and print or export finished mind maps as an image.

Cost: Free

12. FreeMind

This open source mind mapping tool is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. While there are many features like location-based mind mapping, collaboration tools and restore session support, it can get pretty complex, and may not be the best for those who are looking for something simpler. Maps can be exported from FreeMind as HTML, PDF, OpenDocument, SVG or PNG.

Cost: Free

13. Bubbl.us

This makes mind mapping easy. Create a tree, and it will change as you add ideas. You can also customize the tree by changing fonts and colors. The one negative thing about Bubbl.us is that others on your team need to have their own accounts to collaborate on the same tree

Cost: Free. Premium is $6 per month. Annual is $59 a year.

14. Freeplane

This open source application can be used on any system that has Java installed. It can also be run from a removable storage device. Your mind maps will be password protected, and there are drag and drop functions. You can order, group, connect and share easily.

Cost: Free

15. CoMapping

You can use this mind mapping tool online and offline. There are keyboard shortcuts, drag and drop functionality, change alignment of maps, colors, borders, and more. There is also a chat feature.

Cost: Accounts range from free up to $612 per year.

Featured photo credit: Paul Foreman via flickr.com

 

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