ProductivityMind mapDiagram

What are the best mind mapping tools?

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Xmind vs Mindjet MindManager vs Freeplane

 vs MindMeister vs MindMup vs SimpleMind vs Freemind vs The Brain vs Zenkit vs Coggle vs Scapple vs MindNode vs Brainio vs miMind vs Plectica vs iThoughts vs LucidChart vs TiddlyMap vs Mindomo vs Visual Understanding Environment (VUE) vs ThinkComposer vs Ideaflip vs CmapTools vs Mind Vector vs MindMaple vs Cacoo vs iMindMap vs Miro f.k.a. RealTime Board vs M8! vs Creately vs Edraw MindMaster vs Gitmind vs MindmapMaker vs Padlet vs Sia Mind Mapping Tool vs iMindQ vs Zen Mind Map vs MindView vs Inclr vs GitMind vs Kinopio vs Thortspace vs Notezilla sticky notes vs Sia from Planet Earth Software vs Big Hairy Goal vs Sia vs Miro vs BigHairyGoal

Specs

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac, Web, Mobile

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac

Technology

Java

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Web

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Mac, Android

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone

Technology

-

Collaborative

Yes

Dark Theme

Yes

Search

Yes

Markdown support

Yes

Languages

English, German, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Chinese (traditional), Korean, Russian

API

Yes

Offline access

Yes

Supported Calendars

Google Calendar - Outlook & Apple coming soon

Multiple Accounts

Yes

Reminders

Yes

Open Source

Only as Linux Snap

Swimlanes

Yes

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Mac, iOS

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

MacOS, Windows, Web, Linux

Technology

-

Collaborative

Yes

Dark Theme

Yes

Search

Yes

Markdown support

Yes

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Android, Mac

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Web

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Web

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Browser

Technology

Javascript

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, Web

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows

Technology

C#

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Web, iPad

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac

Technology

Java

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Web, Mobile

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Mac, iOS

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Mac, Android, Web

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Mac, Linux, Web

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

JPEG, PNG, PDF, SVG

Real-time collaboration

Yes

Imports

JPEG, PNG, SVG, VISIO

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac, Web

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac, Web

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

XMind file, GitMind project

Attachment

image, hyperlink, comment

Export

JPG, PNG, PDF, Word, TXT, GitMind project

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Web

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Web

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

JPG, PNG, PDF, Word, TXT, GitMind project

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

XMind file, GitMind project

Attachment

image, hyperlink, comment

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

HTML

Real-time collaboration

YES

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

Free local-only. Free public cloud. Paid private cloud.

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

Collaborative

-

Dark Theme

-

Search

-

Markdown support

-

Languages

-

API

-

Offline access

-

Supported Calendars

-

Multiple Accounts

-

Reminders

-

Open Source

-

Swimlanes

-

Exports

-

Real-time collaboration

-

Imports

-

Import

-

Attachment

-

Export

-

Pricing

-

Pros + Cons

Pro
 Clean, easy to use UI

XMind's interface is uncluttered and easy to overview. It allows for quick, intuitive navigation and use. For example, Enter adds more items to a node, Tab adds a child node, all commonly used shortcuts works as expected, etc.
Comment

Pro
 Free and open source

XMind, except for Plus and Pro features, is open source with code available on GitHub.
Comment

Pro
 A wide variety of templates available

XMind has preset templates available that allow getting started quickly. There are templates for project planning, status reports, dashboards, organizational charts, swot analysis, timelines, decision trees, weekly plans, among others.
Comment

Pro
 Extremely flexible

XMind is capable of displaying information in a multitude of ways (classic mindmaps, charts, timelines, decision trees, etc), it can add labels, clip-art, notes, files, audio recordings, it can then take the project and export it in a variety of ways including an synced gantt chart.
Comment

Pro
 Built-in Gantt view

XMind has a build-in Gantt chart view and with the pro version, XMind allows synchronizing it.
Comment

Pro
 Can copy entire hierarchy to/from Word with a simple copy/paste action

XMind allows quickly copying over structure of the mindmap as a tab-indented list starting at the node selected. It can also take a tab-indented list and create a mindmap from it.
Comment

Con
 Expensive

Comment

Pro
 Task management (pro)

Comment

Pro
 Very good performance

The app is incredible complete, flexible, and fast.
Comment

Con
 No offline capability

If the Internet goes down, you cannot use this XMind. This is painful on the iOS phone where data link must be online before you can use it.
Comment

Pro
 Cross-platform

Works on Windows, OS X and Linux.
Comment

Con
 Newer versions become heavyweight and bloated

Even though there are more features, starting with version 8 application is very unstable. A lot of users still prefer version 7.5 or 6.5.
Comment

Pro
 Local Network Sharing

Comment

Pro
 XMind Plus & Pro adds more export options

XMind Plus & Pro can export to Word, PowerPoint, PDF, SVG & MindManager.
Comment

Pro
 Audio recording (pro)

Comment

Con
 Used to offer their NOT-free products

Comment

Con
 FreeMind files sometimes don't work

XMind claims it can read FreeMind files, but certain .mm file saves from Freeplane or MindMup generate an error on open.
Comment

Con
 No mobile support

No specific app but the online free XMind cloud works perfectly on all mobile web browsers.
Comment

Con
 Mobile support for iOS devices only

There is a native app for iPhones/iPads, no Android version though.
Comment

Pro
 MS Outlook strong integration

Comment

Pro
 Excellent team collaboration support

Comment

Pro
 Cross-platform desktop and mobile, and web versions available

Works on Windows, OS X, iOS, Android and Web.
Comment

Con
 Mac version has severely limited functionality

Comment

Con
 Lacks elegant ability to be able to connect ideas in the reverse order or different direction

This isn't uncommon, but there are mind mapping software that will let you connect a number of ideas that branched off from one idea, back to one idea again. Usually the branching analogy of the details getting more as you go further away from the main branch works, but occasionally it is nice to map multiple ideas back to a single idea or loop back to a previous idea. This can be done with connections, but if you want to see something that gives true freedom, look at the examples of the application Coggle.
Comment

Pro
 Business oriented

Business oriented, mind maps look professional.
Comment

Con
 Very expensive compared to all other alternatives

Not really viable for personal mind mapping, as the high cost clearly targets the business market.
Comment

Pro
 Integrates with multiple web services

Comment

Con
 No free/personal version

It is has so many great features, but this comes with the pricetag of the only version of this software. A lighter version, with many advanced business features removed would be ideal for a free/freemium version
Comment

Con
 Odd UI interaction conventions

Some conventions used to interact with the software are either questionable or simply going against what's commonly accepted. For example, right-click + drag will move around, holding down the right-click will open up the context-menu and left-click in an open space will start a new unconnected node. What this results in is constant accidental opening of context-menu then accidental creation of a new node trying to get out of the context-menu.
Comment

Pro
 Real-time Gantt charts

Comment

Pro
 MS Projects and Sharepoint integration

Comment

Pro
 Free and open-source (FOSS)

Comment

Pro
 Supports most used *.mm file format

Comment

Con
 Not as beautiful as XMind

Comment

Pro
 Easy to use

Comment

Pro
 Possesses all Freemind pros and more

Comment

Con
 Does not have a mobile counterpart

You have to find yourself other tools (using the interoperable mm) on mobiles.
Comment

Pro
 Developed by veteran FreeMind devs

Comment

Pro
 Web and mobile versions available

In addition to web software, MindMeister is available on iOS and Android mobile platforms as well.
Comment

Pro
 Notes can be shared and collaborated on in real-time

MindMeister allows sharing maps with an unlimited number of collaborators so it's possible to take notes and brainstorm together. Mind maps can be shared by inviting people either directly via email or by sending them a link to the map. Even people without a MindMeister account can access the maps and even edit them.
Comment

Pro
 Comments and votes

Users can create polls and have collaborators vote individual topics up or down, or comment on them.
Comment

Con
 No good offline mode 

You can only work completely offline when using an iOS or Android device. For your browser there's only a clumsy 'offline mode' available. If you didn't hit the switch before you have the need for working offline (for instance: in a meeting, at a customer's location, in a plane, etc.) than your out of luck... no tool for note taking. Especially with all those HTML5-capable browsers and the Chrome App store (including Desktop apps), this limits the usage of this commercial product.
Comment

Con
 Expensive compared to the competition

A basic monthly subscription ($92 USD) gives you no more than XMind FREE except PDF exporting. XMind paid with PDF export is $79. $20 less for lifetime use of an app with more features as of writing.
Comment

Pro
 Various layouts

User can switch between classical mind map layout, a layout where all topics are aligned on the left or the right, and org chart layout.
Comment

Con
 Free option limited to 3 mind maps

A free XMind app/online account or MindMup account both provide unlimited mind maps.
Comment

Pro
 Clear overview without losing any details 

The mind mapping format provides with a clear overview of connections, hierarchies and relationships of notes. At the same time, it's possible to add more detailed notes, links, pictures and even whole files to the keywords, so that no important information gets lost.
Comment

Con
 MindMeister has very poor Evernote integration 

Evernote is the number one 'store-everything-archive' when it comes to unstructured data or information. MindMeister markets there Evernote integration as a very cool feature. But this integration is very basic and buggy: only the last 50 (?) notes from Evernote's default notebook are shown in the list, and it takes about 30 seconds to one full minute to generate that list. After that it takes about the same amount of time to add a copy of the selected note as an attachment to a topic. MindMeister support is well aware of this poor implementation, but doesn't put any effort in fixing it.
Comment

Pro
 One node can have marks, emoticons and comments

Comment

Con
 Very basic

Comment

Con
 The interface has only very basic features

For example, it lacks the possibility to define a long text under the node title showing it in a permanent way. The software is 1000 less powerful than Microsoft Visio. Meanwhile it should just be more specific.
Comment

Pro
 Adding a Table or Matrix

Xmind is one of the few mind maps that allows you to add a table or matrix to your mind map. Very useful when you have content that works better in a table.
Comment

Pro
 Browser-based 

MindMup requires no installation. It only requires navigating to the website to use.
Comment

Pro
 Easy sharing & presenting 

After taking notes, it only takes seconds to share and/or prepare them for presentations.
Comment

Pro
 Frictionless interface 

MindMup allows focusing on thoughts and productively capture them without getting in the way.
Comment

Pro
 Compatible with Google Drive and GitHub 

Comment

Pro
 Just works

Comment

Con
 Node capacity is limited 

MindMup is good for mapping out thoughts that could be summarized in bullet points, but longer notes aren't as practical for this service.
Comment

Pro
 Free and open source

MindMup is free with source code available on GitHub.
Comment

Pro
 Compatible with Google Drive and Github

Comment

Pro
 Basic but very user friendly

Very easy to use and complete for basic use.
Comment

Pro
 Supports Google Drive for storage

Comment

Pro
 Proficient editing tools

Comment

Pro
 Windows, iOS, Android, and Mac versions

Comment

Pro
 Ability to create diagram with multiple topic nodes

Comment

Con
 Version for Linux not available

Comment

Pro
 Available for Windows operating system

Comment

Con
 Unintuitive interface

The interface and shortcuts are unintuitive and difficult to customize.
Comment

Pro
 Free and open source

Comment

Pro
 Intuitive UI with drag and drop support

For the most part, navigating the editor is pretty intuitive - moving around is done by clicking and dragging the background, clicking on nodes will expand/collapse them, dragging and dropping in files will add them, etc. It also offers shortcuts for power users. For example, ctrl + up/down will rearrange ideas up/down, alt +up/down will zoom in/out, etc.
Comment

Pro
 Lots of export options, including html with folding

Freemind offers many choices when exporting. It allows exporting the project as Java Applet, Flash file, Open Office Writer document, picture (png, jpg), PDF, SVG, multiple variants of (x)html, among other options.
Comment

Pro
 Can copy entire hierarchy to/from Word with a simple copy/paste action

Freemind allows quickly copying over structure of the mindmap as a bulleted, tab-indented list starting at the node selected. It can also take a bulleted, tab-indented list and create a mindmap from it.
Comment

Pro
 Fullscreen mode available with a patch

A user-contributed patch is available that adds fullscreen mode to FreeMind.
Comment

Pro
 Good documentation

Comment

Pro
 Cross-platform desktop and mobile

Works on Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS and Android.
Comment

Pro
 Revision control

Comment

Pro
 Supports media files, recognizes URLs and commands

Freemind accepts drag-and-drop for any kind of file, URL or command as part of the mindmap. Files it recognizes, like images, will be displayed. Other files will open in a separate, appropriate application. URLs, links to folders, and executable commands pasted in will be recognized and turned in to clickable links.
Comment

Pro
 Supports node and map encryption

Comment

Pro
 Multi-user support

Comment

Con
 Boring visual appearance

Comment

Con
 Expensive

There is either a $15 a month subscription fee or a license that ranges from $219 to $299. There is a 30 day free trial for those who would like to test it before subscribing or purchasing, but overall to use this app it can be pricey.
Comment

Pro
 Excels at capturing the complex relationships between thoughts

Comment

Con
 High learning curve

There is a little bit of a learning curve with all software, and this is no exception.
Comment

Pro
 Cloud syncing

With an account for syncing on their servers, you can run The Brain on multiple computers.
Comment

Pro
 Collaborative

Coggle allows inviting friends and colleagues to work collaboratively on notes and diagrams in real-time.
Comment

Pro
 Allows easy color-coding of paths

Comment

Pro
 Pretty

No effort to create beautiful diagrams.
Comment

Pro
 Collaborative with advanced sharing options

Coggle allows inviting friends and colleagues to work collaboratively on notes and diagrams in real-time.
Comment

Pro
 Pretty diagrams

No effort to create beautiful diagrams.
Comment

Pro
 Lots of export options

Exports to PDF, image, plaintext and .mm files.
Comment

Pro
 Free

Comment

Con
 Tree relations only; no non-parent links

Coggle's model allows a node to have multiple children, but only one parent, and no other connections of any sort.
Comment

Con
 Core features hidden behind paid model

Usually freemium is reasonable, but these so-called "advanced" features should really be standard, and truly advanced/business features should be reserved for the paid version.
Comment

Con
 Constant, endless nagging reminders of things you cannot do with the free version

If one would be reminded every now and then about a feature that is available for paying customers that would be okay, but by having the tools/features available, and every time it is used even accidentally, the warning will pop up. Disable those advanced features and remind occasionally - the constant annoyances of what I couldn't do with Coggle, was precisely why I stopped using Coggle.
Comment

Con
 Unconventional note taking style

Coggle is a mind mapping application, not a traditional text based note storage platform.
Comment

Pro
 Supports Markdown (their own variant)

Markdown is a plain text formatting syntax designed so that it can optionally be converted to HTML using a tool by the same name.
Comment

Pro
 Optional Chrome store App 

Comment

Pro
 Supports LaTeX 

LaTeX is a document preparation system and document markup language. It is the de facto standard for the communication and publication of scientific documents.
Comment

Pro
 Versioning support

Enter history mode to view all changes to a diagram over time, and make a copy from that point.
Comment

Pro
 Minimal

Stays out of your way, it's great for getting work done and not getting sucked into formatting or other fancy features. The UI is almost entirely in the menu bar and right click/ contextual menu on the MacOS. Window decorations only include zoom level and a quick way to save or name and tag your scapple mind map file.
Comment

Pro
 Flexible

It gives you the freedom to use visual thinking without the hierarchical rigidity of a mind map.
Comment

Pro
 Dead Simple

Comment

Pro
 Trial version available

Comment

Pro
 Cross-platform

Works on OS X and Windows.
Comment

Con
 No mobile or web app available

Comment

Con
 No Windows or Linux support

Comment

Pro
 Simple, zen-like UI

Comment

Pro
 Sync support via iCloud and Dropbox

Comment

Pro
 Can export projects as PDF for sharing

Comment

Pro
 Mobile support

In addition to an OS X client, an iPhone and iPad versions are available as well.
Comment

Pro
 Trial version available

Comment

Pro
 Can automatically format layout

Allowing you to focus on content, instead of how it's organized, and especially useful when huge mindmaps get out of hand, the Smart Layout function will organize the mindmap in a way that's more comprehensible.
Comment

Pro
 Cloud based

Comment

Pro
 Split view

I love that.
Comment

Pro
 Markdown support

Comment

Pro
 Desktop app

Comment

Con
 No mobile app

Comment

Pro
 Massive customization options

Serious potential.
Comment

Pro
 Windows and mobile app experience is similar in use

Comment

Pro
 Supported on Windows

Comment

Pro
 Usability works like a charm

Comment

Con
 No web based platform equivalent

Comment

Pro
 Versatile

Can be used for scrum, charts, flowcharts, database schema's etc.
Comment

Pro
 Exports to everything

Comment

Pro
 Imports wide range, including Scapple

Comment

Con
 iPad UI is harder to use than iPhone.

Using shift button for multiple selection rarely succeed. Really wish that we can create mind map through outline mode, enter to automatically add sub node and shift (keyboard) to ad sibling node.
Comment

Con
 No offline mapping

Even with the mobile versions of LucidChart, you still need an internet connection to view, make, or change maps.
Comment

Pro
 Intuitive UI

Comment

Pro
 Clean and professional looking

Comment

Pro
 API

An (experimental) API is available.
Comment

Pro
 Combines mind mapping with writing wiki entries

Comment

Con
 Limited to TiddlyWiki

Comment

Pro
 Collaboration

Comment

Pro
 Presentation Mode

Parts of a map can be used for a presentation by drawing a rectangle selection around the nodes to be presented. Different presentation nodes can be used to build a presentation for, e.g. a quick discussion. Just don't expect highly polished presentations as from specialized presentation software.
Comment

Pro
 Maps can be nested

Comment

Pro
 Maps can have layers

You can use different layers for different aspects of a concept (map).
Comment

Pro
 Concept Mapping Tool

VUE is not only a hierarchical mindmap but a concept mapping tool, thus giving more freedom when exploring ideas and concepts.
Comment

Con
 UI is not the most fancy one

The UI seems a little bit dated needs a bit of an adaptation phase.
Comment

Pro
 Multilevel

Diagrams can be multilevel, this means that they can have nested diagrams within them.
Comment

Pro
 Open source

Licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License v3.
Comment

Pro
 Tables

Tables can be populated from CSV files.
Comment

Pro
 Easy to use

Comment

Pro
 Collaboration

Comment

Con
 HiRes bug

Being a Java Swing application, High Resolution monitors are not handled well under Windows 10. This is a documented Java bug.
Comment

Pro
 Web version

Web-based, online version of CmapTools available. It is also possible to install your own CmapServer.
Comment

Pro
 iPad app

An iPad app is available.
Comment

Pro
 Web and cloud based App

It is available on the web, and can be used for free online.
Comment

Pro
 Available on Mac, iOS and Android devices

Mind Vector is available on Mobile devices (iPhone, iPad and Android) and also for Mac.
Comment

Pro
 Export maps as image(.png), PDF and CSV

It enables to export maps as an image, PDF and CSV format.
Comment

Pro
 Cost effective

Available for trial and pro version is available only for $10.
Comment

Pro
 Share maps

You can share your maps with friends and colleagues across platforms.
Comment

Pro
 You can export your mind map in a variety of formats

You can choose to convert your mindmap into a JPEG image, PDF document, or a text document.
Comment

Pro
 Expand/Collapse Sections

Comment

Pro
 Variety of formatting options to connect ideas

You can use the wide variety of tools to group subtopics from different branches, mark boundaries, and show relationship.
Comment

Pro
 Account-less creation

It allows you to quickly create mind maps without need of an account.
Comment

Pro
 Share diagrams with anyone

Even those without a Cacoo account.
Comment

Con
 Highly simplified

Compared to the other options present on this list, Cacoo is rather tame and simple.
Comment

Con
 Can be pricy

It's meant for larger companies and enterprise organizations.
Comment

Pro
 Multimedia-ready

You can embed a few different types of media like videos, links, etc.
Comment

Pro
 Simple

Does not get any easier than this!
Comment

Con
 Windows only

Comment

Pro
 Professionally designed templates

The templates are well thought-out and actually helps you get started. Not like many other sites where the details are already filled in.
Comment

Pro
 Intuitive UI

Easy to use drag and drop interface and a contextual toolbar that shows you all the important actions when you select an object. The automatic creation and connecting of next object alone saves tons of time.
Comment

Pro
 SVG import and export

Creately supports SVG (Scalar Vector Graphics) import and export to make your diagrams more attractive. It allows you to re-size your diagram as much as you want without getting it messed up.
Comment

Con
 Mobile

If you are looking to drawn diagrams in Android or IOS this is not for you. However they've got a diagram viewer just to view diagrams
Comment

Pro
 Gantt charts

Comment

Pro
 Huge library

Lots of templates, vector diagrams, and clip art.
Comment

Pro
 Free templates to download

There are templates for project planning, business reports, organizational charts, swot analysis, timelines, decision trees, project plans, and etc.
Comment

Pro
 Easy to use UI

GitMind allows for quick, intuitive navigation and use. For example, press "Enter" to a sibling node, "Tab" to add a child node.
Comment

Pro
 Free and web based

Comment

Con
 The interface is not fully-featured

Comment

Con
 Not really a mind-mapping tool

Comment

Pro
 Free has loads of features

The free version has more features than most mind mapping software.
Comment

Pro
 Unlike the competition you never run out of space.

Comment

Pro
 Easy to use, see the four minute demo https://sia.planetearthsoftware.com/#demo-video

Comment

Pro
 One’s information is safe forever. If in the future one does not have the Sɪᴀ application one can rename the .sia file to .sia.html and view the contents in a web browser, even if the document is encrypted.

Comment

Pro
 Flexibility and works seamlessly with MS-Office

Comment

Con
 There's a lot of extra features that can take a few days to get your head round

It's a bit like Adobe Photoshop - you can do the basics pretty quickly but there's always something new to discover
Comment

Pro
 The layers and node entries are a game changer

Comment

Pro
 Ability to change visual mind map according to what is being worked on

Comment

Pro
 Ability to import/merge/annotate content from what seems like every possible resource/platform

Comment

Pro
 Wide range of visual customization

Comment

Con
 Needs templates

Comment

Con
 No auto-sync currently

Comment

Con
 Only for online

You have no access to GitMind if your devices are not connected.
Comment

Pro
 No signup required

Low friction to get started
Comment

Pro
 Fun and powerful

The UI is expressive, engaging and easy to use
Comment

Pro
 Works on mobile

All features work on mobile, the same way they do on desktop
Comment

Con
 hard to use

complex and confusing
Comment

Pro
 Spherical maps can be connected together to make networks

Comment

Pro
 Integrates hierarchy and network maps

Comment

Pro
 Surprisingly fun

Comment

Pro
 Can brainstorm with team members all at the same time

Comment

Pro
 Can publish maps to web

Comment

Con
 A bit "quirky" :-)

Comment

Con
 Has not reached development maturity

Comment

Pro
 SIa does not run out of space

Comment

Pro
 Works well for visual thinkers

The UI is based around a mindmap, so you can see all your tasks and their status clearly.
Comment

Pro
 Highly flexible workflow

Big Hairy Goal calls items used in the workflow “cards.” Cards can be connected to subtasks or contain notes and other details. Cards can be arranged in columns to simulate a workflow by moving cards from left to right as they are completed, or as a way of indicating task priority. Cards also can have states like read doing done that clearly places them in a flow of events. The workflow is highly flexible as cards completely customisable to suit the task flow. This makes Big Hairy Goal a great solution to feature management as it's possible to set up a workspace to handle everything from agile sprints to flow charts, actions to do lists or any other visual status management.
Comment

Pro
 Simple but feature-rich app that is great for mind mapping, planning and organising

Comment
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