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10 Best Free Mind Mapping Software Shortlist

Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.

The right mind mapping software can help you brainstorm ideas, map out plans visually, boost your creativity, and streamline the flow of information for your projects. But finding the right tool can be a challenge, especially with so many options available, each offering different features and capabilities.

Therefore, using my experience with productivity and brainstorming tools, I tested and compared several of the tools available to curate this list of top free mind mapping tools. I decided to include software that is free, has a free version, or offers a free trial. This way, you can have a mixed bag of tools that can help you in different ways.

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We’ve been testing and reviewing mind mapping software since 2012. As project managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our review methodology.

The 10 Best Free Mind Mapping Software Pricing Comparison Chart

Here is a table where you can find all the tools we just covered in the overviews.

Tool Best For Trial Info Price
1
Lucidchart

Lucidchart is an easy tool to use if you are familiar with presentation software.

Best for mind map templates

7-day free trial

From $7.95/user/month (billed annually) Website
2
Miro

Miro allows real-time collaboration and co-creation thanks to its unlimited user feature in the free version.

Best for visual collaboration

30-day free trial + free plan available

From $8/user/month (billed annually) Website
3
Ayoa

The Ayoa free trial gives users access to a blank board or existing templates for creating their mind maps.

Best for unlimited maps

Free version

From $10/user/month (billed annually) Website
4
Figma

Widgets and apps make it easy to build fun mind maps that invite collaboration.

Best for mobile collaboration

Free plan available

From $15/user/month (billed annually) Website
5
FigJam

You can use FigJam to create mind maps for each key project phase easily.

Best for real-time co-designing

Free plan available

From $15/seat/month (billed annually) Website
6
Canva

Canva can help you build visual mind maps intuitively and quickly, thanks to its vast template library.

Best for non-designers

Free plan available

From $12.99/month (billed annually) Website
7
Mindomo

Build diagrams in an instant, thanks to Mindomo’s keyboard shortcuts and intuitive interface.

Best for multiple diagram options

Free version available

From $6/user/month Website
8
MindMeister

Meister task can help you build colorful mind maps with only a few clicks.

Best for real-time collaboration features

Free trial + free version available (up to 3 mind maps)

From $6.99/month (billed semi-annually) Website
9
Businessmap

With Businessmap, users can track tasks and monitor workflows using Kanban boards, which can be integrated with external systems to maximize the benefits of Kanban software.

Best for enterprise agile management

14-day free trial

From $149/month (min 15 users, billed annually) Website
10
Coggle

Create mind maps without the use of a toolbar. Simply click on the element’s ‘+’ sign to add dynamic branches.

Best for mind map change history

Free plan available

From $5/user/month (billed annually) Website

Best Free Mind Mapping Software Reviews

Read detailed descriptions of each tool, including what makes them great. Feel free to read how I picked the tools on this list at any time.

Best for mind map templates

  • 7-day free trial
  • From $7.95/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Lucidchart is a diagramming application with the intention of providing you with opportunities to align your teams and collaborate on projects. Their free version of the software has a limit of 3 projects and 100 available templates.

Why I picked Lucidchart: It combines versatility, ease of use, and robust collaboration features. Beyond mind mapping, it supports a wide range of visual workflows like flowcharts and diagrams, making it highly flexible. Its drag-and-drop interface and pre-designed templates simplify the creation process, saving time.

Lucidchart is also scalable, handling everything from simple ideas to complex systems. Integrations with task management tools like Asana and Jira streamline workflows, while its browser-based accessibility ensures I can use it anywhere. Overall, Lucidchart’s comprehensive features make it a powerful choice for visual thinking and team collaboration.

Lucidchart Standout Features & Integrations

Standout features like an extensive shape library provide a wide array of icons and symbols, enabling you to create detailed and customized mind maps. Another notable feature is data linking, which allows you to connect live data to your diagrams, ensuring your mind maps are both dynamic and informative.

Integrations include the Microsoft 365 suite, Salesforce, Okta, Jira Software, Slack, Loom, and more.

What's Free: 3 editable Lucidchart documents, 60 shapes per Lucidchart document, 100 templates

Best for visual collaboration

  • 30-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $8/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Miro is an online collaborative whiteboard platform that stands out as one of the top tools in this space. Its free version is notably user-friendly, equipped with essential collaboration tools and interactive media capabilities suitable for both beginners and experts in mind mapping.

Why I picked Miro: Its popularity among teams across many industries makes it an obvious choice as a top tool. Highlighting a few features, the infinite canvas offers unlimited space for idea exploration. Miro Assist helps to generate ideas and paths from a mind map prompt, facilitating creative brainstorming. Additionally, integrating project and task management tools like Jira and Asana directly into Miro helps streamline project planning and team coordination.

Overall, these features, combined with Miro's foundational tools for building comprehensive mind maps, can help simplify the process of bringing diverse ideas together in a visually organized manner.

Expert tip: In the left navigation pane, enable quick access to mind maps by clicking on the “more tools” button at the bottom and dragging the “mind map” option to the main toolbar.

Miro Standout Features & Integrations

Standout Features for this free version include bringing all collaborators to your position on the whiteboard with one click and a built-in chat and comment-based convo section so you can easily collaborate with your project team. Then, it has multimedia file attachments and icons so your map gets even more visually attractive. Miro also lets you add notes to your mind map, so everyone can read the ground rules, agenda, to-do lists or whatever you wish to communicate. Moreover, Miro's stickies capture feature allows users to convert physical sticky notes to visual whiteboard notes using the tool's mobile app.

Integrations are limited to the core ones. These include Slack, Zoom, Trello, Sketch, Google Drive, and a connector with Zapier so you can access thousands of other apps (you have to pay, though).

What's free: free plan available for a single workspace with 3 editable boards

Best for unlimited maps

  • Free version
  • From $10/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

Ayoa is a next-generation mind-mapping tool for ideation and task management that has a wide range of features. On top of that, it leverages AI to facilitate brainstorming and help teams achieve their goals faster.

Why I picked Ayoa: It combines mind mapping with task management, making it ideal for brainstorming and turning ideas into actionable plans. Its visually engaging interface supports various mind mapping styles, like radial and organic, allowing you to adapt to different creative needs.

Ayoa also excels in collaboration, enabling real-time co-creation and feedback, which is perfect for team environments. Its AI-powered features, like automatic idea generation and smart suggestions, enhance productivity and creative flow. The platform is highly user-friendly, with drag-and-drop functionality and an intuitive design, while being accessible across devices. Compared to tools focused solely on mind mapping, Ayoa’s combination of creativity and practicality makes it a standout choice for dynamic workflows.

Ayoa Standout Features & Integrations

Standout features like AI-powered mind maps utilize artificial intelligence to enhance creativity and idea generation, providing dynamic suggestions during brainstorming sessions. Another unique feature is the integration of task management within mind maps, allowing you to assign tasks and set deadlines directly from your visual plans. Additionally, Ayoa offers various mind mapping styles, including radial maps and flowcharts, enabling you to choose the format that best suits your project's needs.

Integrations include Dropbox, iMindMap, Google Drive, and Google Calendar.

What's Free: Ayoa's free version gives users access to unlimited maps, including multitudes of templates to choose from.

Best for mobile collaboration

  • Free plan available
  • From $15/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Figma is a design-centered diagramming tool that can help you create attractive mind maps, application mockups, design kits, wireframes, and much more. Their whiteboard feature, called FigJam, will be your go-to for mind mapping.

My first impression of this tool is that it is robust. From the loads of templates that they gave me as an option to start a FigJam board to the in-app collaboration features, Figma is a top tool even in their free version. The only limitation really is the number of files you can create, as it has a limit of 3 Figma + 3 FigJam files.

Expert tip: For quick collaboration, type “/” and watch a text box appear next to your cursor. Everyone on the board will see what you write in real time! Use it for quick communication.

Features & Integrations

Features for the free version include unlimited collaborators, personal files, and mobile app access. Also, it offers fun and interactive elements like a timer to keep everyone on track, stamps for reacting, quick vote and live poll widgets, and multimedia file attachments.

Integrations include multimedia platforms like Vimeo, Youtube, Spotify and Loom.

What's free: Free forever plan with mobile app functionality.

Best for real-time co-designing

  • Free plan available
  • From $15/seat/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

FigJam is a digital whiteboard and mind-mapping tool designed to foster collaboration and creativity among teams.

Why I picked FigJam: It makes it easy to host a brainstorming session online for your team, no matter where they're logging in from. You can use it during your project meetings or weekly standup sessions. Just invite your team members to join your board, then watch as their cursors start to move around in real-time.

Features worth mentioning include their sticky notes - a personal favorite - which are perfect for jotting down ideas quickly during a brainstorming session. The drawing tool is also pretty neat, allowing you to sketch out ideas or diagrams directly onto the canvas. Last but not least are its customizable templates to suit various brainstorming needs, streamlining the setup process for collaborative sessions.

Expert tip: For quick collaboration, type “/” and watch a text box appear next to your cursor. Everyone on the board will see what you write in real time! Use it for quick communication.

FigJam Standout Features & Integrations

Standout features like interactive whiteboarding provide a free-form canvas for brainstorming, allowing teams to sketch and connect ideas intuitively. Another valuable feature is the integration with Figma, enabling a seamless workflow from ideation in FigJam to detailed design in Figma. Finally, the voting feature is a great way to get quick feedback on ideas.

Integrations are available with Asana, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, Notion, Slack, Trello, and numerous tools for prototyping, user testing, and developer handoff. Plus, FigJam is fully integrated with it's parent product, Figma. If you're already using Figma for design work, you can easily pull your designs into FigJam for brainstorming or feedback sessions.

What's free: FigJam offers a free forever plan for up to 3 Figma + 3FigJam files, including mobile app functionality, unlimited personal files, and unlimited collaborators.

Best for non-designers

  • Free plan available
  • From $12.99/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Canva is a design tool that has become one of the mainstream platforms for building marketing collateral. Despite this, not many people know it can be used to build great mind maps in a collaborative way.

Why I picked Canva: One of the reasons Canva is so popular is because of the vast amount of templates and stock images it offers. The free version of this software is not the exception. Just to give you an idea, I got 292 template options for the keywords “mind map”, which is how I found the one you see in the image above. Other templates require you to upgrade to a paid plan.

Regarding security, Canva offers single sign-on and ISO 27001 compliance and certification as part of their security package. This, unfortunately, is included in the Teams plan.

Canva Standout Features & Integrations

Standout features like a vast library of design elements offer a wide range of icons, images, and fonts, allowing you to create visually appealing mind maps. Another notable feature is the user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to construct and customize mind maps without advanced design skills. Additionally, Canva provides collaboration tools that enable multiple users to edit and comment on designs in real-time, facilitating team input and feedback.

Integrations are available as a way to amplify the platform. Therefore, you will find common productivity apps like Slack, Mailchimp, Tumblr, Pardot, Gain, Hubspot, and many others.

What's Free: Free plan available with over 250,000 templates, 5g storage, and 1 million photos and graphics.

Best for multiple diagram options

  • Free version available
  • From $6/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Mindomo is a mind mapping software with a free version that will let you work on your project planning in a fun way. Its interface is colorful & minimalistic, leaving most of the functionality hidden in keyboard shortcuts or right-click menus.

Why I picked Mindomo: This tool offers a strong combination of simplicity, collaboration, and unique features tailored for brainstorming and organization. The interface is intuitive, and the pre-designed templates speed up the process of starting new maps. Additionally, collaboration is seamless, with options for real-time co-editing and commenting.

Mindomo Standout Features & Integrations

Standout features in its free version include a playback diagram history that will show a video of all changes the diagram has gone through, a full-screen view if you want to present your map, keyboard shortcuts for anything you can think of (available in the top left menu), and a search feature where you can look for any word in your diagram, and it will be spotlighted.

Integrations mostly focus on your file uploads, so if you get a paid plan, you will be able to upload multimedia files from Dropbox, G Drive, and OneDrive.

What's Free: the free plan is available with 3 diagrams.

Best for real-time collaboration features

  • Free trial + free version available (up to 3 mind maps)
  • From $6.99/month (billed semi-annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.1/5

MindMeister is a collaborative mind mapping tool with support for unlimited subtopics, so you can explore your thoughts and projects to their full potential.

Why I picked MindMeister: I picked it because it’s specifically designed for mind mapping, making it intuitive and highly focused on brainstorming and idea organization. Its user-friendly interface lets me create and customize maps quickly without unnecessary complexity. Collaboration is seamless, with real-time co-editing, voting, and commenting features that keep teams engaged and ideas flowing. The ability to attach links, notes, and files directly to nodes enhances detail and context in my maps.

Having said that, the experience with the free version was a bit disappointing, to be honest. It is extremely limited and takes away from the beauty of having real-time collaboration enabled in this free plan. Embedding multimedia is locked, as well as PDF exports and any attachments. What you see in the image above is the maximum variability I was able to introduce with the available features. I wasn’t able to drop elements in any part of the whiteboard as they have to be associated with a node.

Expert tip: Every node you add to the canvas has a locked layout by default. If you want a bit more freedom to move the nodes, select them using shift, go to the layout option on the right navigation bar and disable the alignment option.

MindMeister Standout Features & Integrations

Standout features include beautiful themes provide expertly-designed templates that make content easy to read and understand, enhancing the visual appeal of your mind maps. Another notable feature is the ability to add links, videos, and even connect other mind maps, allowing for a rich and interconnected brainstorming experience. Additionally, MindMeister's presentation mode enables you to easily present your maps in a visual format, making it ideal for meetings and collaborative discussions.

Integrations include all Meister Suite products like Meister Task, and Meister Note. Also, Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams.

What's Free: free plan with Up to 3 mind maps.

Best for enterprise agile management

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $149/month (min 15 users, billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 3.9/5

Businessmap, formerly Kanbanize, is a digital platform that provides organizations with tools and services to support enterprise agility. It offers a system for assessing management practices, setting and tracking Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), and visualizing strategic initiatives to ensure alignment across teams using agile methodologies.

Why I picked Businessmap: It offers a comprehensive suite of features that extend beyond traditional mind mapping. Its digital whiteboards allow you to brainstorm ideas, map processes, and create value stream maps in a single platform, enhancing workflow visualization. Additionally, Businessmap's robust project and portfolio management capabilities enable you to align strategic goals with day-to-day execution, ensuring that mind-mapping efforts contribute directly to achieving business objectives.

Businessmap Standout Features & Integrations

Features that stood out to me include customizable management dashboards that can be used to monitor and manage specific business rules within projects, workspace management features, including the ability to display critical business metrics and gather reports in one place, and workflow management tools and Kanban boards that can be used to track tasks and projects.

Integrations include Power BI, Tableau, Trello, One Login, Azure, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, GitHub, and Okta.

What's Free: A 14-day free trial with full access to major features, including workflow analytics, charts, and tools.

Best for mind map change history

  • Free plan available
  • From $5/user/month (billed annually)

Coggle is an online software for creating and sharing mindmaps and flowcharts. As an online tool, they focus on ways to improve collaboration across teams, whether it’s in the same or different time zones.

The free plan gives you up to 3 private diagrams so you can safely test the tool. Honestly, this version is very limited and not as friendly as you would expect. Adding images or changing to bolded text will make the app display code that will turn into the real thing once you click outside of the element you’re editing.

The one thing I will say I enjoyed is the search feature on the chat window. It becomes very useful to find parts of your conversation as the interactions between your team increase.

Features & Integrations

Features included are an unlimited number of multimedia uploads, auto-arranged branches, a full change history log, and exports to PDF and image files.

Integrations have not been developed for this tool so far.

What's Free: a free plan with 3 private diagrams.

Other Free Mind Mapping Software

Here are a few more that didn’t make the top list but are worth your consideration.

  1. Gitmind

    For online brainstorming

  2. Venngage

    For infographic mind maps

  3. MindMup

    For simple mind maps

  4. Mural

    For individuals

  5. ClickUp

    For customizable project management

  6. Lucidspark

    Virtual whiteboard

  7. Invision

    For remote team collaboration

  8. Bubbl.us

    Mind mapping software with presentation mode for your team meetings.

  9. Visio

    Powerful diagramming tool with a 30-day free trial.

  10. Mind42

    Free online mind mapping software that allows you to share maps with a community.

If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated: 

Selection Criteria for Free Mind Mapping Software

When selecting the best free mind mapping software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like ease of use for quick brainstorming sessions and compatibility across devices for versatile access. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Create and save mind maps
  • Add text and images to nodes
  • Customize colors and styles
  • Export maps to common file formats
  • Provide basic collaboration tools

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Real-time collaboration with multiple users
  • Integration with third-party tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office
  • Advanced template libraries to support different brainstorming styles
  • Free versions with scalable features for evolving needs
  • Mobile accessibility for on-the-go editing

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • A visually clean, intuitive interface
  • Easy-to-navigate menu and toolbars
  • Drag-and-drop functionality
  • Efficient and organized layout of mind maps
  • Customization to simplify user workflows

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Easy-to-follow setup instructions
  • Interactive product tours for guided learning
  • A library of templates to jumpstart mapping
  • Available training resources, like video tutorials and webinars
  • Responsive support for initial setup and troubleshooting

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • 24/7 support channels like live chat or email
  • A searchable knowledge base for self-service
  • Access to customer support via multiple channels
  • Dedicated support for free version users
  • Quick response times for troubleshooting

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • A feature-rich free tier that covers basic needs
  • Options for paid upgrades that add clear value
  • Favorable pricing when compared against similar tools
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Scalability for users with growing needs

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Highlighted ease-of-use and reliability
  • Praise for the availability of useful free features
  • Satisfaction with customer support quality
  • Positive experiences in setup and daily use
  • A consistent user experience across devices

How to Choose Free Mind Mapping Software

With so many different free mind mapping software solutions available, it can be challenging to make decisions on what free mind mapping software is going to be the best fit for your needs.

As you're shortlisting, trialing, and selecting free mind mapping software, consider the following:

  • What problem are you trying to solve - Start by identifying the mind mapping feature gap you're trying to fill to clarify the features and functionality the free mind mapping software needs to provide.
  • Who will need to use it - To evaluate cost and requirements, consider who'll be using the software and how many licenses you'll need. You'll need to evaluate if it'll just be the project management professionals, or the whole organization that will require access. When that's clear, it's worth considering if you're prioritizing ease of use for all, or speed for your free mind mapping software power users.
  • What other tools it needs to work with - Clarify what tools you're replacing, what tools are staying, and the tools you'll need to integrate with, such as accounting, CRM or HR software. You'll need to decide if the tools will need to integrate together, or alternatively, if you can replace multiple tools with one consolidated free mind mapping tool.
  • What outcomes are important - Consider the result that the software needs to deliver to be considered a success. Consider what capability you want to gain, or what you want to improve, and how you will be measuring success. For example, an outcome could be the ability to get greater visibility into performance. You could compare mind mapping features until you’re blue in the face, but if you aren’t thinking about the outcomes you want to drive, you could be wasting a lot of valuable time.
  • How it would work within your organization - Consider the software selection alongside your workflows and delivery methodology. Evaluate what's working well, and the areas that are causing issues that need to be addressed. Remember every business is different — don’t assume that because a tool is popular that it'll work in your organization. Additionally, look for software that offers a great feature set in their free version that can scale in functionality as your needs grow.

As project management professionals in 2025 strive to find the most effective methods for organizing their thoughts and projects, several new trends have emerged to facilitate visual organization and brainstorming. These trends not only demonstrate technological advancements in the field but also underscore the evolving priorities and needs of users:

Features and Integrations

  • Enhanced Real-time Collaboration: The most rapidly evolving feature in mind mapping software is real-time collaboration. Tools now offer more seamless, synchronous editing capabilities, allowing team members to work together on mind maps from different locations. This reflects the growing need for remote teams to brainstorm efficiently, making it easier to create thought webs that capture collective input in real-time.
  • Deeper Integration with Productivity Tools: There's a noticeable trend towards deeper integration with other productivity tools, such as project management software, cloud storage, and communication platforms. This functionality facilitates a smoother workflow, allowing users to connect their visual maps directly with their projects and tasks.
  • Advanced Visualization Techniques: There's a trend towards incorporating advanced visualization techniques, such as dynamic charts and graphs, into mind maps. This feature, ideal for tree mind maps, supports more complex data representation and analysis, catering to the needs of users dealing with intricate projects and datasets.

AI & Automation

  • AI-Driven Auto-Expansion and Idea Generation: Some of the best map software now incorporates mind map AI generator features to automatically generate ideas and expand branches within a map. Using mind map AI can help users rapidly develop comprehensive maps, while a mind map generator AI tool suggests related topics or branches, enhancing brainstorming sessions.
  • Automated Insights and Content Recommendations: Through machine learning, certain brainstorm apps can provide content recommendations based on detected patterns in the map. This might include links to related resources or personalized insights, streamlining research and guiding users to explore new topics effectively.
  • Smart Formatting and Layout Adjustments: Some AI tools can automatically adjust layout and organization within mind maps. This feature is especially useful for large, complex maps, ensuring readability and professional presentation without manual adjustments.
  • Voice and Text-Based Input for Map Creation: With advancements in natural language processing, many maps software options now support voice recognition, allowing users to dictate ideas or add notes hands-free. This is ideal for creating maps on-the-go or expanding maps with minimal interruption.

Evolving Demand

  • Interactive Presentations: The ability to convert mind maps into interactive presentations directly within the software is becoming increasingly popular. This functionality enables users to present ideas and project plans in a more engaging and accessible manner. For users who frequently create mind mapping exercises, this interactive capability is particularly beneficial for team sessions, especially in online formats using free network mapping tools.

What Is Free Mind Mapping Software?

Free mind mapping software is a tool that helps visually organize and structure ideas, thoughts, and information. It allows users to create mind maps, which are diagrammatic representations of ideas, centered around a central concept or theme.

Mind mapping tools often include various features such as creating branches for subtopics; adding text, images, and links; and collaboration capabilities for team brainstorming sessions. These tools facilitate a clearer understanding of complex subjects, promote creative problem-solving, and aid in effective project planning and organization. Free versions of mind mapping software are particularly useful for students, freelancers, and small businesses looking to enhance their brainstorming and planning processes without the financial investment required for premium tools but may have a limit on the number of users or boards available.

How to Create a Mind Map

Creating a mind map is a powerful way to organize thoughts, brainstorm ideas, and visualize complex concepts. Here's a guide to how to make a mind map efficiently, from selecting the right mind map app, to organizing and customizing your map.

  1. Select Your Mind Mapping Tool - Choose a mind map online software that suits your needs. Consider the features you require, such as collaboration options, ease of use, and available templates. Popular options include simple mind mapping tools for quick setups, AI mind map generators for automated ideas, or more advanced options for detailed mindmapping online. If you're not starting out with a large budget, there are also many free, online mind map platforms you can use.
  2. Define Your Central Idea - Start with a clear and concise central concept. This is the core of your map and should be placed in the center. Tools like a concept map generator AI can help you brainstorm and refine your central theme, making it easier to expand upon.
  3. Branch Out Main Topics - From the central idea, create main branches that represent the primary topics or categories related to your theme. Use a simple mind map template or customize branches in a map editing software to suit your preferences. Try identifying keywords or concise phrases for your main branches to keep them clear and straightforward to maintain a logical flow.
  4. Expand with Subtopics and Details - Add sub-branches to your main topics to break down information into more manageable parts. This step allows you to drill down into specifics, making it an essential component for more complex work, such as mind maps for studying. Utilize mind map bubbles to add layers of detail and keep related ideas grouped together to enhance understanding.
  5. Organize and Customize Your Map - Arrange the branches and sub-branches to optimize readability and flow. Use colors, icons, and styles to differentiate between categories, emphasize key points, and improve readability. Many custom mapping software options include extensive customization features to help tailor your map to your needs.
  6. Incorporate Additional Features - Enhance your map with images, links, or attachments if your mapping tools allow it. Some digital map making tools offer integrations with other software, making it easy to connect and expand on your ideas.
  7. Review and Refine - Finally, review your mind map for clarity, completeness, and coherence. Ensure that the structure accurately represents your thoughts and that it serves its intended purpose, whether for a mind mapping workshop, project planning, or simply organizing ideas. Make adjustments as needed using your map creator software to fine-tune your final product.

By following these steps, you can efficiently design mind maps online that are both effective and visually engaging, supporting everything from individual brainstorming sessions to collaborative projects.

Features of Free Mind Mapping Software

When selecting free mind mapping software, it is important to understand which features are essential to enhancing creativity, productivity, and collaboration. Here are the key features to look for:

1. Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface allows for quick learning and immediate application. This simplicity ensures that more time can be spent on generating and organizing ideas rather than navigating complex software functionalities.

2. Flexible Mind Map Structures: The ability to create various structures such as trees, flows, and networks enables users to tailor the visualization to the specific needs of their project or thought process.

3. Collaboration Tools: Real-time collaboration features enable teams to work together synchronously, sharing ideas and feedback instantly, which is crucial for dynamic brainstorming sessions and collective idea development.

4. Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with other tools and platforms ensures that mind maps can be easily incorporated into existing workflows, enhancing productivity and facilitating the exchange of information.

5. Customization Options: Customization of colors, fonts, and images allows for the creation of visually distinct mind maps, making it easier to differentiate and memorize concepts.

6. Drag-and-Drop Interface: This feature simplifies the process of adding, removing, and rearranging ideas, making the brainstorming process more fluid and less time-consuming.

7. Export and Sharing Options: Being able to export mind maps in various formats and share them through different channels is essential for presenting ideas and collaborating with others who may not have the same software.

8. Auto-Save and Cloud Storage: Automatic saving and cloud-based storage ensure that work is not lost and can be accessed from anywhere, which is critical for continuous workflow and collaboration across different locations.

9. Keyboard Shortcuts: Shortcuts enable quicker navigation and manipulation of the mind map, significantly speeding up the brainstorming and organization process.

10. Scalability: The software should be capable of handling both small and large mind maps efficiently, allowing for the development of ideas from simple concepts to complex systems without performance issues.

While free versions of mind mapping software offer a strong foundation for visual organization and brainstorming, paid versions often introduce a suite of advanced features that cater to more demanding or specialized needs, such as enhanced collaboration features, advanced integration capabilities, increased storage space, higher security measures, professional customization options, and priority support and training resources.

Benefits of Free Mind Mapping Software

Mind mapping software has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing productivity, creativity, and collaboration in both personal and professional settings. Here are five primary benefits of free mind mapping software:

1. Enhanced Creativity and Idea Generation: Free mind mapping software facilitates a visual brainstorming process, making it easier to generate new ideas and connections. By visually organizing thoughts, users can uncover creative solutions to problems more efficiently.

2. Improved Organization and Clarity: These tools help in organizing complex information in an easy-to-understand visual format. Users can break down large projects into manageable components, making it simpler to see the big picture and focus on details when necessary.

3. Increased Productivity: By providing a clear structure for ideas and tasks, free mind mapping software can help users and teams save time on planning and decision-making. This leads to faster project completion and more efficient use of resources.

4. Enhanced Collaboration: Many free mind mapping tools offer collaborative features that allow team members to contribute to maps in real-time. This enhances teamwork by ensuring all members have access to the latest updates and can contribute their ideas from anywhere.

5. Cost Efficiency: The most obvious benefit is the cost savings. Free mind mapping software allows individuals and organizations to enjoy the benefits of mind mapping without the financial investment, making it accessible to startups, students, and non-profits with limited budgets.

While free versions of mind mapping software offer numerous benefits, upgrading to paid versions can unlock additional features that further enhance productivity and collaboration. Paid versions typically offer more advanced collaboration tools, larger storage capacities, more sophisticated customization options, and higher levels of support and security.

Costs & Pricing for Mind Mapping Software

If you're looking for free software, you clearly understand how important pricing is to the selection process. Overall, mind mapping tools can vary widely in terms of features, scalability, and cost, catering to individuals, small teams, and large organizations alike. However, mind mapping software typically falls into general categories, including free plans.

Free plans are a great starting point. However, it's still important to understand the range of plan options and pricing available to fit different needs and budgets. After all, you might find that a paid plan actually provides more of the features you need at a cost you can afford.

Below is a summary of the typical plan options, including a free version, with their average prices and common features to help you make an informed decision:

Plan Comparison Table for Mind Mapping Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free$0Basic mind mapping capabilities, limited templates, cloud storage, collaboration
Individual$5 - $10/monthAdvanced mapping features, unlimited templates, more storage, priority support
Professional$10 - $20/monthAll Individual features plus collaboration tools, integration options, analytics
Team$20 - $30/user/monthAll Professional features plus team management, advanced security, custom branding
EnterpriseCustom PricingAll Team features plus dedicated support, training sessions, SSO, enterprise-grade security
A breakdown of plan types, costs, and features for mindmap online free software.

When selecting a mind mapping software plan, it is important to consider both the features that meet your current needs and each tool's level of flexibility and ability to scale with you as your projects or organization grows. You may be looking for a free plan now, but it's a good idea to make sure you like the paid plans as well so you don't have to switch tools when you need to upgrade for more advanced features.

Common stages where your company may want to upgrade their pricing plan include:

  1. Complex Project Management: When projects become more complex and require advanced features such as task assignments, deadlines, and project tracking, which are usually available in paid plans.
  2. Collaboration Needs: As the need for real-time collaboration with a larger team increases, the limitations of the free version in terms of the number of users and collaboration tools may necessitate an upgrade.
  3. Storage Limitations: When the volume of mind maps and attached files surpasses the storage capacity offered by the free tier, prompting a need for additional storage space provided in paid versions.
  4. Integration Requirements: When there is a need to integrate mind mapping software with other tools and applications used within the company, such as project management, CRM, or productivity software, which often requires a higher-tier subscription.
  5. Enhanced Security and Compliance: As the company grows, ensuring data security and compliance with industry regulations becomes more critical, often necessitating a paid plan that offers enhanced security features and compliance support.

Remember, the best choice should balance functionality, ease of use, and cost to ensure that you get the most value from your investment. It's a delicate balance, but, with careful research and consideration, it can be achieved.

Free Mind Mapping Software Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve answered some common questions about mind mapping and the online tools that you can use for it.

What is mind mapping?

Mind mapping is a way to visually represent concepts. It’s a tool that you can use for project planning, brainstorming ideas, or taking a central idea and expanding on it. It’s a practice that started in the time of Aristotle, but was popularized by Tony Buzan in the 70s as a brainstorming tool.

Learn more about what is mind mapping and how to get started to help you improve your planning.

Does Microsoft have a mind mapping tool?

Yes! Microsoft has software that, just like Microsoft Project, is a classic and known by most project managers. This software is called Microsoft Visio and can be purchased as an online solution based on a monthly subscription or a perpetual license.

Visio has an impressive library of elements you can use to build your mind maps and can aid you at any time, regardless of the mind mapping technique you use.

How can I make a mind map for free?

You can grab sticky notes, markers and a whiteboard! At least that’s how this all started. However, if you want to use software for it, you can try any of the tools on this list. Whether it’s a free version or a free trial, they will allow you to build mind maps for free.

However, if you do not want to download software or register for a free trial, you can try using the diagramming tools on Google Slides, Powerpoint, and Keynote.

If you want to learn how to lead a collaboration session using Miro, you can’t miss our sweet potato mashup with Annie MacLeod. It will give you a good idea of what you can accomplish with this mind mapping software.

What other visualization tools can I use?

If free mind mapping software isn’t the right fit for your needs, there are plenty of other visualization tools out there that might suit you better. Check out some of our other visualization software reviews:

Can these free tools be used for educational purposes effectively?

Absolutely! Many of these free mind mapping tools are quite effective for educational purposes. They offer a visual way to organize thoughts, make connections, and brainstorm ideas, which is handy for both teaching and learning.

Whether it’s for planning lessons, organizing research, or helping students understand complex topics, these tools can definitely enhance the educational experience. The key is to choose one that’s user-friendly and meets your specific needs—some might offer more collaborative features or better integration with other educational tools, making them more suitable for classroom use.

Is customer support available for free mind mapping software?

In general, customer support for free mind mapping software varies by provider. Some offer basic support through FAQs, forums, or email, especially for more common issues. However, the level and immediacy of support might not match that of paid versions, where dedicated, timely assistance is more of a guarantee.

As a project manager, you will likely find that you can resolve some issues through community support or available resources. However, for more complex or urgent needs, the support might be limited. It’s always wise to review the support options before heavily integrating a tool into your workflow.

How secure is data in free mind mapping tools?

The security of data in free mind mapping tools can vary significantly. As a project manager, you should know that while many providers prioritize user data security and privacy, the level of security measures may not be as robust as those found in paid versions. It’s crucial to check each tool’s privacy policy and security features, such as data encryption and GDPR compliance, to ensure your and your team’s ideas remain confidential. Always exercise caution with sensitive information, especially when using free tools.

What are some common use cases for mind maps?

Whether you’re working on a group project, planning your next big idea, or simply trying to make sense of a complex topic, mind maps can simplify the process. Here’s a look at how mind maps can be used in different scenarios:

  1. Education: Students and educators use mind maps to simplify complex topics, brainstorm project ideas, and study effectively. Tools like free mind map makers and online brainstorming tools for students can be affordable options to help teachers and students create visual representations of information, making it easier to understand and retain.
  2. Project Planning: Mind maps serve as an excellent tool for project managers to outline tasks, set priorities, and visualize the project flow. Free mind map software and brainstorming apps are popular choices for team collaboration, offering features like task assignment and timeline tracking.
  3. Personal Development: Individuals use mind maps for goal setting, habit tracking, and personal organization. A simple mind map can help users structure thoughts and visualize personal growth paths. Tools like idea organizer apps can assist in creating and maintaining these maps.
  4. Creative Brainstorming: For creative professionals, it can be useful to explore creative ideas through mind maps. From storyboarding to making a mind map for new product ideas, these tools help in organizing thoughts in a non-linear, visually engaging way.
  5. Website and Content Mapping: A website mapping tool can be invaluable for web designers and content strategists who need to visualize site architecture and content flow. Free mapping apps offer affordable options that allow for easy adjustments and collaboration, helping teams ensure that every page and link makes sense within the overall structure.

How can I present a mind map to my colleagues?

To present a mind map to your colleagues effectively, you can use features that allow you to showcase your mind map designs in an engaging way. Start by creating a mind map online using a brain map maker tool, which can help streamline your brainstorming and organization process. Here’s how you can present your mind map:

  1. Presentation Mode: Many brainstorm programs offer a presentation mode that converts your mind map into a slideshow format. This feature lets you navigate through each branch of your map sequentially, highlighting key points without overwhelming your audience.
  2. Interactive Videos with Talktrack: Some tools provide the ability to record interactive videos of your mind map presentations with features like Talktrack. This allows you to draw a mind map while narrating your thought process, creating a dynamic and engaging presentation. Talktrack enables you to walk through each section of your mind map, making it easy to share complex ideas through video, perfect for asynchronous communication with your team.
  3. Idea Board Software Integration: Integrate your mind map with idea board software to enhance collaboration. This setup allows your team to interact directly with the mind map, providing a space for feedback, additional brainstorming, or even real-time modifications.
  4. Share or Export Directly: To ensure easy access and distribution, many mind map software solutions offer multiple sharing and export formats. You can export your mind maps as images, PDFs, or interactive HTML files, making it simple to embed or attach them in emails, project management tools, or documents. For teams that prefer working across different platforms, some tools also support direct sharing links or integrations with cloud storage solutions, so colleagues can access and view the latest version. Additionally, mind map graphic organizers can be exported in formats compatible with other software, maximizing their usability and reach across different contexts and applications.

What is an infinite canvas?

An infinite canvas is a digital workspace that allows users to expand their ideas in any direction without the boundaries of a fixed page. This setup is especially useful for creative work, like brainstorming mind map creation. Here’s what makes an infinite canvas valuable:

  • Endless Space: Unlike traditional documents, an infinite canvas allows for unlimited room to add, connect, and rearrange ideas, making it ideal for large projects and in-depth mind mapping.
  • Zooming and Panning: Users can zoom in on specific sections or pan out to see the entire project, enhancing the clarity and structure of complex topics.
  • Multi-Purpose Use: Infinite canvases can support everything from project management to detailed mind map topics organization, as they are perfect for visualizing connections between ideas.
  • Collaboration-Friendly: Many infinite canvas tools support real-time collaboration, allowing teams to brainstorm and organize content together effectively.

What's Next?

If you have never engaged in mind mapping before, learn the purpose of mind mapping. You can also read how mind mapping supercharges project management. Finally, if you are a member of our community, you can download this template!

Speaking of project management… if you want to stay updated with the latest and greatest content, workshops, and PM reflections, subscribe to the Insider Membership Newsletter. New content in your inbox every week!

Galen Low
By Galen Low

Galen is a digital project manager with over 10 years of experience shaping and delivering human-centered digital transformation initiatives in government, healthcare, transit, and retail. He is a digital project management nerd, a cultivator of highly collaborative teams, and an impulsive sharer of knowledge. He's also the co-founder of The Digital Project Manager and host of The DPM Podcast.