FreeMind - Decent Open Source Mind Mapping Software
Joe writes about Freemind, open source, cross-platform mind mapping software:
I’ve be using this FreeMind mind mapping and outliner software for about two months. I gotta say, its the best piece of software I’ve downloaded in a long time.
Very easy to use, runs on Windows Linux and Macs, comes with fantastic online help and can generate output formats in PDF, SVG, PNG, GIF, HTML and open office.
I went looking for some mind mapping software a while back, and eventually settled on FreeMind. I didn’t want to pay for the software, as it was for a low-priority project which may never see the light of day.
I wasn’t quite as enthused about FreeMind as Joe–it suffers from that typical open source software disease–the zillion-option interface. The UI is, let’s say, less than graceful. Regardless, you can’t argue with the price, and it did a decent enough job of helping me organize my thoughts.
February 20th, 2006 at 12:25 am
Yep, agree with the comments on the user interface. But creating a mind-map is very intuitive once you grasp the “insert key for child”, “return key for sibling” model. That annotation toolbar down the side is pretty scary mind you.
February 20th, 2006 at 12:26 am
Yep, agree with the comments on the user interface. But creating a mind-map is very intuitive once you grasp the “insert key for child”, “return key for sibling” model. That annotation toolbar down the side is pretty scary mind you.
February 20th, 2006 at 10:51 am
I have used CMap (http://cmap/ihmc/download). It’s free, but somewhat limited, especially in terms of what it outputs. But I’ve found it useful in trying to come to grips with complex issues.
November 28th, 2007 at 2:17 am
Hello,
I’m looking for Open Source mind map software and want to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about the software. Based on what you wrote, I’ll give FreeMind a shot — and be extra careful about that interface!
Best regards,
Tom