Mind Mapping Software
Mind mapping software continues to evolve and the latest generation is really, really, really good. I first tried software mind mapping with MindJet's MindManager X5 Pro. The interface was intuitive (click insert or enter to add topics), formatting was easy, and I liked all of the options available to customize my maps (color, type of connectors, line styles, relationships, callouts, arrows, icons, and much more).
MindJet's newest version, MindManager 7, is amazing. I am particularly impressed with the range of new map options. Divided into style and map templates, MindJet offers eighteen different types of maps from their template set, including organization charts, a week-at-a-glance map, meeting map, a to do list, resume, and many more. If you're new to mind mapping, check out the MindManager tutorial (top right of the MindManager 7 window after you've successfully installed the software).
Example Mind Map (created with MindManager 6 Pro)
I've also started experimenting with mind mapping inventor Tony Buzan's iMindMap mind mapping software. iMindMap maps have an organic feel, much like a hand drawn map, and you can manipulate maps to personalize them much more than with other mind mapping software I've used. It's difficult to describe what I mean until you try iMindMap. Make sure to check out the articles and videos on the site while you're there, and grab a free seven-day trial of iMindMap to check it out.
Visual Mind is another mind mapping program I've used frequently. It feels different than MindManager (if that makes sense) - the map content seems a little bigger, there are more (and bigger) icons in the default maps, and a few other slightly noticeable differences.
Two things I really like about Visual Mind are 1). the ability to toggle between different levels of maps using the "1 - All" options on the left side of the screen, and 2). the ease of inserting icons into topics and subtopics.
Other mind mapping software I'm familiar with is NovaMind, but my experience isn't first hand. I have a friend who is a Mac user and she swears that NovaMind is the best mind mapping software in the world. A full release of NovaMind 3.0 for Windows was recently released (thanks for the update Didier!).
I also just found Cayra (see screenshot below). A free download is available for Windows (XP SP2 and higher and Vista). Check it out and make sure you click on the maps when you open the software - they dynamically reposition elements as you move around your map. Very interesting.
Software for Concept Mapping
If you'd like to try concept mapping, take a look at Cmap concept mapping software. (Be prepared for a hefty download - around 50 megs.) Cmap isn't as polished as its commercial cousins, but it is very useful, easy to use, and is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Sparc. Did I mention it's free? Update: Cmap is now a paid product (thanks for the alert Vic).
Mind Map / Concept Map Software Resources
This list isn't complete - I'm only comfortable recommending mind mapping software I've personally used and found valuable.
- MindJet, makers of MindManager. Free 5 and 21-day trials available for download. If you have used versions X5 or 6, I encourage you to check out version 7 released in June 2007. There have been significant improvements in the latest version (and MindJet already was great). The new ribbon interface alone is worth the price of admission for the time that it saves.
- Mind Mapping inventor Tony Buzan's iMindMap mind mapping software is available for a free seven day trial download. Check out the videos and articles on the iMindMap website.
- OpenMind 2 and OpenMind 2 Business, by MatchWare, are great mapping tools. OpenMind 2 Business offers the holy grail of mind mapping and project management. Convert maps to outlines, Gantt charts, timelines, export to Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, HTML, import from those same programs - there's way too much to love about OpenMind 2 to list here. Check out Chuck Frey's review of OpenMind 2 for more info - I can't recommend this software enough if you want to bring mapping into your small or large organization. (Free trial and online demo available.)
- SmartDraw is a drawing program on steroids. It's a great multi-purpose tool if you want to create maps and dozens of other drawings (calendars, network diagrams, flowcharts, floor plans, etc.) Checkout their website for a list of features and sample maps, and download the free trial.
- Cmap - Concept Mapping Software for Windows, Mac, Linux and Sparc. Memletics' concept mapping ebook is a great companion to this software.
- Visual Mind, makers of Visual Mind 9. Free 30-day trial available for download. I really like Visual Mind's templates (business plans, meeting agendas, calendars, etc.) that help you get started mind mapping immediately.
- NovaMind. Free 30-day trial available for download, and a one-year 100% money back guarantee. NovaMind was created for a Mac environment and the Windows version is now in full release.
- Cayra.NET mind mapping / concept mapping software. Requires XP SP2 or Vista.
- Other Resources. Vic, at Mind-Mapping.org, has the most complete list of mind mapping software resources I've ever seen. He also has created a mind mapping-specific search tool you'll definitely want to check out.