Pinning down ideas is an effective way of taking information out of your brain. This is what is called “mapping out” your ideas. Mind Mapping converts tedious information into a highly organized diagram.
One of the fantastic things about mind mapping is that you can put down your ideas as soon as they pop up in your mind. Just record it and reorganize them later.
Most of the mind mapping apps are paid. However, you can explore some mind mapping apps for macOS that are free and have great features.
SimpleMind
As its name suggests, this app is straightforward and easy to use. This software lets you create a mind map in seconds, thanks to its easy to use interface. You have a variety of options like colors, charts, and grayscale.
Some of the notable features are:
- Undo and redo option.
- Print and zoom buttons.
- Freeform layouts.
- Choice of custom colors or color palettes.
- Ease of deletion.
XMind 2020
XMinds allows you to choose over 25 templates with a variety of colors, frames and drawing styles. Xmind 2020 has some fantastic features for free, but if you want to explore the full version, then check out their subscription plans.
Some of the notable features include:
- You can use different stickers for education, travel, business, sports, weather, and more.
- Night View Option.
- Ability to add notes.
- Sharing via URL, social media, or local file save.
- You can also insert other options like stars and symbols.
MindNode
Mind Node allows you to capture, organize, and share your thoughts easily with its intuitive interface and expandable outline view. You can easily use different colors to highlight a specific thought or idea.
The free version of Mind Node has some great features but if you want to explore additional features like visual tags, notes, tasks, themes, then check out their subscription option.
Some of the notable features include:
- You can fold and unfold the pins for a compressed view.
- You can search for titles with a keyword.
- You can also share your mind map with others.
- Shortcut Menu is also available for new pins.
Junkyard
This is one of the easiest apps for Mac users. You use all features for free. You can purchase their subscription if you wish to remove ads.
Some of the notable features include:
- You have multiple font categories and add different color patterns.
- You will be having exposure to shapes, colors, borders, lines and graphs.
- Auto alignment guides.
- Connecting line labels.
- Outline view.
Mydea
If you like to add icons, symbols, and links to your diagrams, then this app is for you. You will have exposure from different layout options, colors, and shapes. A certain number of nodes can be added for free, to add more you have to buy their paid version.
Some of the notable features include:
- You can attach notes.
- You can attach hyperlinks.
- You can cover and uncover the notes.
SimpleMindMap
Simple Mind Map allows you to create 80 mind maps for free. If you need more features, then try their paid version. Some of the notable features are:
- You can change the line and fill color.
- You can choose the shapes.
- You can add emoji and symbols.
- You can modify your diagram with snap features.
If you wish to draw free Mind Maps in macOS, then the above-mentioned software can do the work for you. But if you wish to add more pins or go a little further with your diagrams, then you can explore the paid versions of these apps.
