The Best Mind Map Tools
Thought underlines almost all human actions; the mind is a wonderful machine capable of achieving awe-inspiring wonders, such as the Mona Lisa, and succeeding in overwhelming challenges, such as landing on Mars. The key to success is to plan and focus, which can be challenging since our minds are always thinking. Mind maps are graphical representations of thoughts that you outline as you brainstorm. These maps help achieve situations in problem solving, creativity, team building or enhancing work morale. Software program tools make the process of mind mapping even easier with points and arrows to help you trace your thoughts on a screen.
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XMind
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A simple-to-use software available for individuals and businesses, this tool allows you to brainstorm and create mind maps without getting lost in a maze of complex options. You have options to easily export your mind map to PDF, Word or PowerPoint to share your plans. XMind software operates on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. As of March 2011, you can download it for free, or upgrade to XMind Pro for $49 per year to realize its full benefits. For enterprises, it ranges from $399.99 to $3,499.99 per year for 10 to 120 users. Contact trhe company's support team for unlimited license use.
FreeMind
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FreeMind is a Java-based software with an easy to navigate and operate user interface. FreeMind allows you to make effective mind maps, keep progress record of projects, write detailed essays, maintain a database of notes and also store Internet favorites and bookmarks highlighted with colors and fonts of your choice. The user-friendly interface allows one-click navigation, smart copying and pasting and exporting to HTML. It is free to download.
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MindJet
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MindJet allows you to easily create mind maps starting from a central theme and expand your thoughts using branches with ideas, notes, images, tasks, hyperlinks and attachments. Also, it allows you to incorporate data from your office files to augment your mind map, or organize and capture information using various pre-installed maps incorporated in the software. It costs $349 and $249 for a new license in March 2011, or $179 and $129 to upgrade for a PC and a Mac, respectively. For enterprises, inquire about the annual subscription-based plans.
IMindMap
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This tool helps address concerns from students and professionals by helping them manage time and resources; organize ideas and expose solutions; plan meetings, proposals and strategies; and generate new ideas to boost innovation. IMindMap is widely used in schools and large companies, such as Walt Disney, Intel and Boeing. It offers four software plans in March 2011: Element, Professional, Ultimate and Ultimate Plus at $99, $199, $295 and $395 for one user respectively. If you need multiple licenses, the prices drop per user, so check out IMindMap's plans.
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