Library Guides: Makerspaces: Mindmaps/Research Plans

Mind Mapping - Free software

Image Credits: Ellagrin via Shutterstock

Mind Map Inspiration - focuses on the visual and artistic aspects of creating mind maps but very inspirational

Evaluate

Free or paid. Use the free products to develop the mind mapping habit then you'll know which features you must have and which you can do without. Many of the for pay services have basic plans that allow you to create three free maps.
Offline or online. How good is your connection? Do you deal with any confidential or sensitive information? Will you be collaborating and/or sharing?
Ease of use. Compare any software you pick with the ease of pen and paper. The ease and speed of putting your thoughts on screen matters in brainstorming.
Look and feel. The aesthetic appeal is a factor, if you need to display your maps to a team or make presentations. Beautiful mind maps are just more pleasant to use.
Template variety. Templates save time when every mind map is imagined around a few common organizational processes.
Import and export options. Does the tool accept other formats for import. An export format like PDF is necessary. Export to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, or Project helps with document integration.
Collaboration/Sharing. Critical when working with teams, managing partners, and clients.