List of concept- and mind-mapping software explained

Concept mapping and mind mapping software is used to create diagrams of relationships between concepts, ideas, or other pieces of information. It has been suggested that the mind mapping technique can improve learning and study efficiency up to 15% over conventional note-taking.[1] Many software packages and websites allow creating or otherwise supporting mind maps.

File format

See also: DOT (graph description language), GraphML, OPML and XOXO (microformat). Using a standard file format allows interchange of files between various programs. Many programs listed below support the OPML file format and the XML file format used by FreeMind.

Free and open-source

The following tools comply with the Free Software Foundation's (FSF) definition of free software. As such, they are also open-source software.

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SoftwareLicenseGenrePlatformsOnline visualizationOnline editingOnline real-time collaborationWritten inNotes
CompendiumSocial scienceCross-platformJavaAn email address is required to receive a download link
DiaGeneral purposeC.
diagrams.net (formerly draw.io)General purposeHTML5 JavaScript
  • Cross-platform graph drawing tool
  • Supports multiple concept and mind map templates
  • Supports PlantUML import to SVG image
FreeMindProject managementCross-platformJava
FreeplaneMind mappingCross-platformJava
PGF/TikZMind mappingCross-platform, needs ShareLaTeX, needs ShareLaTeX, needs ShareLaTeX
  • Set of TeX macros
  • TikZ library: mindmap
Visual Understanding Environment (VUE)Concept mappingCross-platformJavaCan also be used to build presentations
View Your Mind (Open Source)Concept mappingCross-platformUses Qt

Freeware and other proprietary software

The following is a list of notable concept mapping and mind mapping applications which are proprietary software (albeit perhaps available at no cost, see freeware).

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SoftwareLicenseGenrePlatformsOnline visualizingOnline editingOnline real-time collaboratingWritten inNotes
CmapToolsConcept mappingCross-platform, needs CmapServer, Cmaps on servers generate urls-webpages, needs CmapServer, needs CmapServerJava
Coggle, freeware, freemiumMind mappingCross-platformJavaScript, Node.js, jQuery and Backbone.js
  • Google account needed to log in
  • Free version lets user save 3 private maps (all others are public)
MindMupCustom license[2] Mind mappingWeb browserHTML5, JavaScript, Ruby
  • FreeMind import-export
  • Browser-based, automatically adjusts to mobile (touch) or keyboard interfaces
  • Integrates with Google Drive and GitHub to provide cloud storage and sharing control
Qiqqa, freeware, freemiumConcept mappingWindows
  • Mind maps for academics based on their research papers, notes and annotations
  • Can export mind maps to the web and share by social media
XMind, freeware, freemiumProject management, knowledge managementWindows, OS X, LinuxJava
  • Mind maps, spreadsheets, fishbone diagrams, tree charts, org charts
  • Online sharing
  • Compatible with FreeMind
yEd, yEd[3] Concept mapping, Mind mappingWindows, OS X, Linux, cross-platform???Java
Mind42Mind mappingWeb browser
  • Browser-based collaborative web application
  • Real-time collaborative editing; the name Mind42 is intended to be read as Mind for two
  • Free to use with no function limits
  • Limited support by developer
SimpleMindProprietary, commercial software
3D Topicscape3D-Scape LimitedWindows
  • Desktop application that presents mind maps as a 3d scene where each node is a cone
  • Imports MindManager, Personal Brain, FreeMind, text and folders
ConceptDraw MINDMAPCS Odessa LLCWindows, OS X
CreatelyCinergix Pvt. Ltd.Windows, OS X, Linux
  • Shapes and symbols in libraries
  • Built-in examples and templates
  • Export options to PDF, JPEG, PNG, SVG
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Video conferencing
DebategraphDebategraphWeb applicationConcept and argument mapping tool
Google DrawingsGoogleWeb application
  • Part of Google Docs suite
  • Vector image editing
LucidChartLucid Software, IncWeb application
  • HTML5-based collaborative diagramming tool that can be used to map minds and concepts
  • Android, iPhone, iPad applications, providing offline access to diagrams.
Microsoft VisioMicrosoftWindows
  • Part of Microsoft Office product family
  • Draws static diagrams including block diagrams, organization charts, maps, plans or workflows
MindManagerMindjetWindows, OS X, Android
  • Desktop application comes in basic and pro versions
  • Integrated with Microsoft Office, available Gantt chart add-in, built-in spreadsheet, Fluent UI
MindMapperSimTech SystemsWindows
  • Mind mapping, idea visualizing, brainstorming
  • Process flow, org charts, fishbone diagrams
  • Concept maps and flowcharts
  • Project management with built-in Gantt charts
  • Built-in presentation
  • Post it style memo notes
  • Integrates with Microsoft Office
MindMeisterMeisterLabs GmbHWindows, OS X, Linux
  • Browser-based collaborative web application
  • Android, iPhone, iPad applications, providing access to online mind maps
  • Built-in chat
  • Subscription based, also offering a free limited access option
MindomoExpert Software ApplicationsWindows, OS X, Linux
  • Browser-based
  • Realtime collaboration, built-in chat, revision history
  • Built-in presentation mode
  • Desktop application
  • Android and iPad applications work both offline and in sync with the cloud
  • Offers a free limited option
MindViewMatchWareWindows, OS X, Web application
  • Integrated with Microsoft Office
  • 6 Interchangeable views: includes Gantt chart and timeline
  • Calculation feature and Excel integration
  • Optimized for project management
  • Advanced filter function
OmniGraffleThe Omni Group
PreziPrezi Inc.Web application, Windows
  • Presentation software that supports free form placement and zooming on a single sheet
  • Offers Android, iPhone and iPad applications work both offline and in sync with the cloud
QiqqaQuantisle Ltd.WindowsMinds maps for academics oriented around their research papers, notes and annotations
SemanticaSemantic ResearchOS X, WindowsFamily of software to create, view, store and share knowledge structures
SmartDrawSmartDraw Software, LLCWindowsVisual processor used to create flowcharts, organization charts, mind maps, gantt charts and other visuals
SpicyNodesIDEA.orgAdobe FlashRadial maps, viewer can move from node to node
TinderboxEastgate SystemsOS XContent management system with concept and mind map abilities
TheBrainTheBrain TechnologiesWindows, OS X, Unix, Unix-like
  • Graphically intensive and customizable GUI, extremely cross-platform
  • Notes, calendar, Microsoft Outlook features
  • Multiple parent node ability
Visual MindMind TechnologiesWindowsSupports collaboration (client–server) mode
XMind ProXMind Ltd.Windows, OS X, Linux
  • Mind mapping, idea visualizing, brainstorming
  • Built-in presentation
  • Integrates with Evernote

See also

Notes and References

  1. Farrand . Paul . Hussain, Fearzana . Hennessy, Enid . The efficacy of the 'mind map' study technique . Medical Education . 36 . 5 . 426–431 . May 2002 . 10.1046/j.1365-2923.2002.01205.x . 12028392. 29278241 .
  2. Web site: Mindmup/Legacy-mindmup. GitHub. 29 January 2022.
  3. http://www.yworks.com/products/yed/license.html yEd Software License Agreement

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