Mind Map is a graphic technique used to develop and understand ideas and concepts. A mind map logically links a central idea with other secondary ideas like the branches of a tree where lines, images or symbols are used to connect them in a hierarchical way.
Mind maps are useful for learning because they help memorize and understand complex ideas; in addition to giving us a general and schematic view of the developed theme. They tend to serve as a graphic guide when exposing extensive topics to an audience.
The system with which we represent ideas in a hierarchical way was invented by the Stagirite philosopher Aristotle. However, it was until 1971 that the English psychologist Tony Buzan, influenced by Leonardo Da Vinci, formalized the concept of the Mind Map. In his own words: "The Mind Map is the expression of radiating thought and therefore a natural function of the mind. It is a graphic technique that offers us a master key to access the potential of our brain. It can be applied to all aspects of life, so that improved learning and greater clarity of thought can reinforce man's work."
Online Apps to Create Free Mind Maps
Bubble.us
Bubble.us is a free online application to create mind maps of the brainstorm type (brainstorming). This application allows you to perform multiple tasks such as working collaboratively; embed mind maps and diagrams to any website; it also facilitates the export of mind maps in image format.
MindMeister
MindMeister is one of the most complete online tools to create mind maps under the concept of web 2.0. It has various functionalities: collaborative work in real time, adding notes, evaluating mind maps, version history, classification by labels, embedding icons, among others. In addition to the free basic version, MindMeister also has Personal, Pro and Business versions. The free version only allows you to create 3 mind maps.
Mindomo
Mindomo. Another online application for making creative mind maps. It has a free version for personal use and other commercial versions for professional and business use whose prices range from $ 5 per month to $ 16 dollars. Like most mind mapping software, Mindomo allows you to create, edit, and share your mind maps with colleagues and friends.
WiseMapping
WiseMapping is a free website for mind mapping that combines the potential of vector technology ( SVG and VLM) with the collaborative dynamism of web 2.0. It basically consists of all the utilities mentioned in previous services. However, the particularity of WiseMapping is that the project is operating under the Open Source modality, which allows the community of programmers to collaborate in its development.
Mind42
Mind42. This application has one of the most refined interfaces for designing mind maps. Among the functions that distinguishes it from its predecessors are the embedding of images through a local search engine and the preview of web links attached to the text.
Text 2 Mind Map
Text 2 Mind Map. Free online application to create Mind Maps. It has paid functionalities to manage and export the maps without advertising.
Litpen
Litpen. Web application to create mind maps in the shape of hexagons. It was launched in 2013 by Jesús Noland, Michelle Noland, and Rachel Simanjuntak.
Offline Applications to Create Mind Maps
Freemind
FreeMind. It is the first free software tool written in Java to create mind maps. It allows you to make mind maps in HTML format, which can then be exported to be published on any website. This mind mapping software works on any operating system. The minimum technical requirements for operation are Java Runtime Environment 1.4+, 13 MB of free hard disk space and 512 MB of RAM memory.
Semantik
Semantik. Exclusive mind mapping software for the KDE desktop environment (Linux). This tool, aimed mainly at students, could well help any audience that needs to create documents quickly and easily in all kinds of situations: PowerPoint presentations, dissertations, theses, reports.
RecallPlus
RecallPlus. Mind mapping software (only Windows) for students who want to learn faster and improve their school performance. Originally RecallPlus was created in 2001 with the objective of assisting a doctor in his medical examination. This mind map software is divided into two categories: (1) Visual organizer / concept mapping / presentation software, that is, the organization and graphic presentation of ideas; and (2) Revision / Flashcard software, a review through structured questions and answers.
Labyrinth
Labyrinth. Simple and light tool (mind-mapping tool) for GNOME desktop environment (Linux) with essential functions for editing and managing mind maps: text attributes (bold, italic, underlined); export to SVG , PNG and JPEG image formats; and export to PDF . Supports multiple languages.
Vym (View Your Mind)
Vym (View Your Mind). Application that generates and manipulates simple mental or conceptual maps to manage work time and organize tasks. This software is extremely useful when obtaining a more complex and detailed overview of the different ideas that go around our heads. It only works on Mac Os X and Linux platforms.
TheBrain
TheBrain. Multiplatform software application to create mind maps or “digital brains” as they themselves define the purpose of the tool. It has a free version and a paid version. The added value of this software lies in the inclusion of a calendar with which we can chronologically plan our mental maps. As a demonstration of what this software offers, the company has created a mind map to visualize the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bonus (+7). More tools to Create Free Beautiful Mind Maps
Coogle. Tool to create mind maps individually or collaboratively. It has a free and paid version. In addition to being available from the web, it also has apps for iOS and Android.
Goconqr (formerly Examtime). One of the most popular tools to create mind maps online . It has a mobile application to view all the resources that Goconqr provides (mind maps, cards, tests, slides and notes). It has apps for iOS and Android.
MAPMYself. A simple application to create mind maps online. It has a free version and a paid version. Its use requires having Microsoft’s Silverlight browser installed.
XMind. Multilanguage platform to create mind maps from the computer. It has a free version for personal use and another professional version for companies. Available on Windows, Mac Os, and Linux.
MindNode. One of the best apps for creating creative mind maps. Exclusively for Mac Os users (paid). It has a version for desktop and another for mobile devices (IPod and Ipad).
Canva. Currently one of the most popular options to create beautiful mind maps. Not only it have design templates for this purpose, you can also create invitations, business cards, flyers, and infographics.