Mind mapping: the best 3 programs

Mind mapping helps you sort your thoughts while increasing productivity - we present three of the best programs here.

FreeMind: One of the best mind mapping programs

The most popular mind mapping tool is FreeMind. The program is free and open source and still offers a wide range of functions.

• The individual nodes can be marked with an abundance of symbols, which you can use to keep an overview.
• Thanks to well thought-out key combinations, you can work quickly and effectively. For example, just press "Insert" to insert a new subnode.
• The text of each node can be edited in a complete text editor. For example, entire lists can be used as nodes.
• The result can be saved as HTML or PDF and easily shared with other users without having to install the software.

Mind mapping: FreePlane is an extended FreeMind

An employee of the developer studio who programmed FreeMind has significantly revised the open source project. The result is called Freeplane . The user interface of both programs is very similar, but FreePlane is easier to use despite the larger range of functions.

• In FreePlane you can create much nicer and more individual mind maps.
• With connectors, you can easily create connections between distant nodes. This provides clarity when a mind map has many cross-connections.
• With node styles you can manage your mind map designs and apply them quickly.
• The UI has been revised, among other things there are more symbols to choose from.
• If desired, FreePlane can be expanded with a number of useful add-ons.

Mind mapping: Create professional mind maps with XMind

XMind is professional software for creating and editing mind maps, which can be used free of charge in the basic version.

• In XMind you also start a new map starting from a main node, which you then expand with any sub-items.
• The software allows the addition of symbols and images, annotations and free text. The colors and the design of the mind maps can be adjusted in many ways, so that you can design individual graphics.
• In addition to classic mind maps, you can also use XMind to create tree and fresh bone diagrams, spreadsheets and timelines in which you can record your ideas in a different order.
• XMind can read in existing maps of other programs and also supports the FreeMind file format. You can output finished mind maps as text or HTML files or save them as image files on your hard drive.
• With the paid Pro version you get additional functions. Among other things, XMind then offers a special brainstorming mode and you can create presentations based on your mind maps.

Create clear mind maps - Here's how

If you have never created a mind map before, you may find it difficult to make your first attempts. It's best to follow these tips to build your mind map:

1. Put your topic in the middle of your mind map with a suitable generic term .
2. Split the topic into individual sub-items, which you link with arrows to your generic term.
3. Add keywords, ideas and associations to your individual sub-items.
4. The use of small graphics and different colors ensures a better overview - and also makes your mind map look much nicer!
5. If desired, you can also work with frames, different arrows and fonts . But don't overdo it with such measures, otherwise your mind map can become confusing at some point.

You can find out how to create a simple tree diagram in our next practical tip.