8 Top Tools For Online Mind Mapping

Ideas can become gold, especially if you write them down.  And most ideas flow in a process, and previously you needed either a big piece of paper, or a white board in your office to create a cohesive idea flow.  But like most things in our working lives, technology creates opportunities.  And the same is definitely true with mind mapping.

If you are looking for an online mind mapping solution, or you are thinking about making the technology transition, you may want to check out the following sites:

Mindmeister

MindMeister has been built from the ground up to facilitate collaboration. You can share any creation easily by inviting users by email, or simply send them a unique and secure direct link.  Also offering:

• History Playback
• Apps for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or Android device
• Easy, Safe, and Secure Software

Mindomo

Mindomo and Mind Mapping provide you the best way to capture your thoughts and refine them later. Why? Because Mindomo has the easiest representation of your mental model and your thought process.

Human thought is characterized by expansion in multiple directions, rather than in one direction. Mindomo is a perfect match to work the way your brain does.

The Brain

With PersonalBrain you’re never more than a few seconds away from any piece of digital information. Web pages, documents, images, notes… From people and projects to ideas and task lists, it’s all there in an instant.

Take control by visualizing all your open loops, tasks, and ideas in your PersonalBrain. Syncs makes your ideas and to dos available from your desktop, web browser, or mobile device anytime.

XMind

This option has two different versions, one for individuals and one for business.  With XMind, you can just double-click to create and edit topics anywhere on the map. Drag-and-drop for reorganizing topics, moving markers, taking a mapshot, and adding attachments. You can even search on topic with Google and drag images into your map without leaving the working window.

iMindMap

iMindMap Basic is the FREE Mind Mapping software which will get you Mind Mapping quickly and easily. A simple tool to help you start thinking in a clear and creative way, iMindMap Basic uses a process that has been enhancing the way people think for decades. iMindMap Basic is completely free for life and is a great starter package for those who want to start exploring the uses of Mind Mapping for free.  Other versions include Elements, Pro and Ultimate which are paid options.

Creately

Creately makes diagramming and design easy. It does this with an access anywhere, online application that is purpose built for collaboration.  Creately allows teams to solve problems and collaborate visually. It stands out from the crowd for its ease of use and intuitive interface. Built-in collaboration, revision control, 1-click publishing on the Internet and Smart Objects make Creately the easiest and most powerful online diagramming application today.

From technical diagrams like flowcharts, UML, ER to business and educational diagrams – Creately comes loaded with great easy start templates.

SpiderScribe

SpiderScribe is an online mind mapping and brainstorming tool. It lets you organize your ideas by connecting notes, files, calendar events, etc. in free-form maps. You can collaborate and share those maps online!

Your collection of maps is stored online and can be accessed from anywhere, through internet. All you need is a web browser (Flash plugin is required).

BiggerPlate

Biggerplate has one simple goal: To be the best source of mind mapping content and community in the world.

The original mind map library was launched in January 2008, and over three years became widely recognised as one of the best mind mapping resources on the internet. The current version was launched in early 2011 as part of a major upgrade and redevelopment project.  Over the course of 2011, some very exciting new features will be continually added to Biggerplate, and they are expecting significant growth in the number of registered users on the site, and the number of mind maps hosted in the library.

Biggerplate is free to use, and in return they ask that members help to grow and improve their community.

In Summary

There are now some amazing tools that can do crazy things, and be synced with all your tech working devices.  I see these mind mapping and planning tools as very useful for international team collaboration, or even just helping local teams communicate better.

Do you use online mind mapping?  Do you have a preferred tool?  Have you tried any of these?  Or perhaps can recommend another?

Feel free to share your thoughts and comment below.