The Top Five Mind Mapping Software for your Apple Mac to help improve productivity.

Mind Mapping is a process of getting ideas from your head down on paper clearly quickly and uniquely. Drawing a circle around an idea and then linking it to a bunch of other circles is the essence of mind mapping.
It can be used for organising dinner parties to blueprinting a multi-billion dollar company.

In the previous post I mentioned the best tips and techniques for Mind Mapping and here I am going to suggest the top five mind mapping software for your Apple Mac. If you want the PC option then click here.

1. MindNode

Mindnode is very simple to use at every stage of your mind mapping. It has an intuitive interface that feels very at home with mac users. It can export to various formats and also has a companion iPhone app.

2. Freemind

Freemind is a versatile software that can be used for mind mapping! It comes with a number of templates to help you in mind mapping. It can also be used as a drawing tool, so if you feel the clip art is not working out for you then you can always go rogue.

3. Curio

Curio, developed by Zengobi, hosts an advanced interface layout that allows users to search several image websites and also includes a full screen presentation mode. There are very few extras with this software but it has everything you need to make clear colourful mind maps.

4. iMindMap

Another expensive beast, ranging from $99-$395, this software is endorsed by the guy behind the phenomena – Tony Buzan. It offers a wealth of templates to work with and has a very organic and colourful feel. If you are using the software to make presentations then I would certainly try before you buy as the visual layout of the software isn’t to everyone’s tastes.

5. Freeplane

Freeplane, a freeware solution, offers the biggest learning curve but once mastered is the most intuitive. It works with the function keys to allow quick adaptation of work. It speaks its own language talking about “Ancestors” “Decendants” and “Children”. These are things that would put off someone who just wants to get mapping straight away. However stick with it and you will soon find that Freeplane is a must.

I hope this list has helped you and please message me if you have any questions with regards to mind mapping or anything else you would like me to write about. J