When you design an outline map, you build on the existing knowledge structure and the relationship between them to concepts that are new. As time passes, you’ll begin to learn new concepts and remember the information in a short time. Let’s take a look at some inexpensive or free mind maps that offer you the most value for your money.

How to Pick a Mind Map Tool

There are many methods to utilize the mind map to maximize the potential of your productivity. But when you are deciding on the best app for you, it’s not simple and is dependent on a variety of variables.

1. Coggle

Coggle is an online tool to create mind maps. The application allows you and your team to work together on thoughts, and notes, brainstorm ideas, and even create plans for projects. Every mind map begins with a central point. Select the plus (+) button to add branches and then type your information inside the field.

It is possible to format text and insert links, as well as include images and icons to expand on the most important aspects. From there, you can continue adding branches. You can also create an interlink with other items within the mindmap. Start the context menu and then press the Shift key to display the icon of a cross-link. Drag the line of the cross-link.

The application supports keystrokes for keyboards and comes with a large selection of templates available in the Coggle Gallery to help you quickly begin your projects. The options for export include.MM, TXT, Microsoft Visio PDF, MM, and JPEG.

Unique Features

• Include multiple central nodes in the same workspace. Make loops and branches that connect to other mind maps and see connections.
• Check the history of versions of your mindmap. Find out who edited the map last (with date and date) the map. Then, create a duplicate copy.
• Then gradually expose the map in order to not overpower the audience. Select the present mode button, then click the (+) or (+) icons while hovering across the branches.
• Send messages to team members, leave notes, and communicate in real-time to discuss ideas. It is possible to auto-arrange branches so that you link the content of each branch to the objects around it.

2. GitMind

Gitmind is an online tool for mind mapping to help you visualize complex concepts to generate new ideas and create lists with priority tasks. Input the name of the topic in the search box, then click Add Node.

Select the option to insert subnodes for creating sub-branches. Then, click on the link line to highlight any relationships between concepts. It is possible to assign priority to a task or progress meter, flag, and many more using these built-in icons. For adding a symbol select the desired node and then click the icon on the toolbar.

At each node, you can click on the attachment button to add images, links, and comments. There are several options for export to choose from, such as TXT, PNG JPG and PDF., and DOCX.

Unique Features

• A variety of classic, vibrant templates for business and personal use. With each theme, you can decorate the branches using various colors and alter the background.
• You can customize the shape of the node the spacing and line thickness, background color along with the shape of the border. Click Style > Node to start.
• The mind map can be arranged using different layouts such as logic charts, timelines that are horizontal or vertical trees, tree charts, and fishbone.
• View, edit, and save the Mind map using outline modes. Also, send the mind map you made by sharing links or collaborating in real-time.

3. Canva

Canva is a Web-based graphic design application that makes it simple to make mind maps. With templates that are ready to use and tools, it is a great application to create educational presentations such as corporate pitches, business pitches, and even project planning.

Input the word mind map” in the search box in a matter of minutes, you’ll be able to see several templates. The built-in tools allow you to add elements such as shapes, frames, and arrows, as well as gradients and many more. You can also alter the text, images, and background. The options for export are PNG, JPEG, GIF as well as PDF.

After you’ve completed the mind map, you’ll be able to send the mind map to specific individuals (via email or teams or groups) and then set access or modify permissions. The free account offers 5GB of storage space and Access to 250,000 images, and templates as well as collaboration with your team participants in real-time.

Unique Features

• Incorporate your mind map into reports and presentations. You can then share it via social media or via email directly through the application.
• Add pictures embed videos, images, links from the internet or Twitter or Twitter, as well as GIFs to help make the mind map more informative. Use color codes, symbols speech bubbles, color codes, and icons to create informative presentations.
• Manage your design pages within the editor. Pages can be added, arrange, and made notes to your presentation.
• Report on your work, participate in meetings, brainstorm meetings, create pitch decks, and much more. Press the “Present” button to start.

4. InfoRapid KnowledgeBase Builder

Mind mapping tools that are traditional are ordered. Once you start making complex connections, they can become complicated and difficult to use. This app can connect multiple ideas and yet, it adapts the map dynamically, resulting in an attractive layout. When you click on a subject, everything reorganizes itself in a way that is automatic.

You can create an original mind map or import links, notes images, and notes, and even connect them to any object or relationship. You can also choose to connect it with the data source of your choice to create an image mind map from texts, Wikipedia articles as well as tweets.

To start to begin, enter the topic’s name and then click New item. Each topic should enter an initial name and then enter an explanation. It is possible to add the words of a descriptive linking phrase on the relationship lines and choose colors for solid or dotted lines. You can also alter the look of the ends with or without the arrows.

Unique Features

• Edit multiple items, add them to the list, or delete them, and utilize drag-and-drop to transfer relationships.
• Switch between switching between a 2D and 3D display mode and hide or show cross-connections. It is possible to export 3D mind maps by using hyperlinks and then embed them on your site.
• Create a map using MediaWiki which includes all related Wikipedia websites. Import outlines of the map from CSV, RDF, XSD, and many other formats.
• Create flashcards to help you remember things and to practice quiz sessions.

5. Scapple

When you create an outline, you’ll figure out if the ideas are connected, which sequence is most efficient, pinpoint any gaps in your thought process, and validate your ideas using established facts. Scapple is a user-friendly application to help you write down your thoughts through the development of relationships between them. It’s a computer equivalent to a pencil and paper.

As opposed to the typical mind mapping application, Scapple doesn’t force you to connect the dots or require you to start with an initial concept. It’s a freeform app for writing with an expandable canvas that can take all notes. Notes can be moved around to accommodate connecting connections. Edit them and alter their size, and then export them as PNG and PDF.

Unique Features

• You can stack notes over one another to make list or column of text. They’re helpful for keeping an inventory of ideas that aren’t in one note.
• You can add links to the text in notes or documents. It is also possible to draw a pattern around a collection of ideas and hyperlinks.
• Search the document in increments and then replace the text. It’s useful for swiftly moving from one group to the next one on a large canvas.
• Make connections between your ideas using dots, lines that have an arrow at either end or the other. You may also identify a connection line in order to further clarify the connection.

6. Wondershare EdrawMind

EdrawMind is an open-source mind mapping program that runs on all platforms. The user interface is similar to the standard Office UI. Start by using the buttons from the Home tab to insert various themes under the main concept. When you are working on the subject you can add relations lines, callouts images as well as attachments, links notes, tags, and notes.

The left sidebar is your canvas. You can adjust your content on the right-hand sidebar, alter the look of your diagrams, including backgrounds, and views, and export your outlines. A handy color strip is located below the canvas, which lets you choose the fill color and line.

Unique Features

• Twelve mind maps to choose from and dozens of ready-made templates that encourage imagination.
• Automatically create slides using breaking the mindmap into different branches. Include notes, backgrounds, and designs to your slides and save them as PDF or PPT.
• Keep your files safe in Edraw cloud storage to share and access in real-time. It is possible to organize group brainstorming sessions and gather ideas.
• Useful Gantt Chart mode allows you to monitor progress and visualize any project.

Make a Mind Map in Microsoft Word

Selecting the best mind mapping tool for your workflow isn’t simple. The tools that we have discussed cover a broad variety of features, requirements, and budgets. If you’re just beginning using a mind map check out these tools for free or at a low cost and determine if they meet your requirements.

Are you aware that you can utilize Microsoft Word to draw quick mind maps? There are a few simple guidelines to follow when creating the basic mind map. Check out our tutorial on creating a mind map using Microsoft Word.