Mind Mapping Software Xmind

Martin Brinkmann
Jan 31, 2009
Updated • Jan 17, 2013
Software
|
7

Xmind is a multi-lingual and portable Open Source mind mapping software for various operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Linux and Apple Macintosh. The mind mapping software comes with an impressive set of features that enables you to produce professional looking mind maps in short time. Here is a short explanation of the mind mapping concept if you never came into contact with it before. A mind map is a diagram representing ideas and related words that center around one core idea or phrase.

It is widely used to write down all aspects of a research topic and put those aspects into relation. It could be about a company and all of its products, a website and its category or a tv series and its cast. Xmind can be used to create basic mind maps in minutes. It does come with advanced features that allow you to include images, relations, attachments, hyperlinks, notes, boundaries and structures in order to create advanced mind maps that can be used for presentations.

Xmind comes with the possibilities to share the mind map online but also enough options to export the mind map into another format like images, html or text. It is also possible to save the mind map as a template to reuse it for future projects.

There is only one negative aspect that has to be mentioned. The mind mapping software cannot be downloaded before the user creates an account on the website or uses OpenId to log in. Bugmenot lists two accounts (bugger/bugger) that can be used to download the software. Users who plan to upload their mind maps should create their own account to avoid running into troubles. If you only want to use the software locally you can use the bugger/bugger account to download the software.

Xmind is the right choice if you are looking for a professional mind mapping software. Chance is that your operating system and language is supported by this highly flexible software program.

Advertisement

Tutorials & Tips


Previous Post: «
Next Post: «

Comments

  1. webfork said on June 8, 2015 at 5:52 pm
    Reply

    There’s a lot packaged into this program and anyone who opens it needs to realize it’s much more than brainstorming: make sure you play with the “structure” function at both the root of the and it’s branches. It works great to help describe complex, weird, or fuzzy problems. If you’re not sure how to explain something or if other tools keep coming up short, XMind can help. I’ve used it to describe big organizational issues, brainstorm ideas, and even take notes in class.

    Additionally, this program has seen ongoing activity and improvement over time from the developers. There are templates, icon sets, and more, as well as updates over time that have improved the look and feel.

    For exporting your data to another format without purchasing the full package, I’ve had the best luck with the following steps: 1. Select All, 2. Paste into MS Word, 3. Turn on bullets. The whole document converts to a nested list. It’s not perfect as some items will repeat but it’s the best I’ve found.

  2. Jason said on May 22, 2009 at 3:38 am
    Reply

    Has anyone tried personal brain Personal Brain? It looks alot like this except it has the more advanced features that you are talking about in the article.

  3. iMindMap said on February 23, 2009 at 6:55 pm
    Reply

    Hey guys,

    Hey guys, has any of you used iMindMap?

    It is not developed by him or his team but it is the only software being endorsed by Tony Buzan.

    David Kendrick

  4. Bob said on February 1, 2009 at 5:57 pm
    Reply

    May also be worth having a look at edraw’s freemind (freeware)

    http://www.edrawsoft.com/freemind.php

  5. iampriteshdesai said on February 1, 2009 at 9:23 am
    Reply

    Hi Martin!
    Thanks, I just tried it and I loved it!
    It looks cute, is easy to use and seems to be very useful. :)
    Keep em coming.

  6. Joe said on February 1, 2009 at 12:42 am
    Reply

    How funny, I was considering writing about Xmind on here too. I got to agree with Roman, I got my licence on MacHeist or something similar

  7. Roman ShaRP said on February 1, 2009 at 12:39 am
    Reply

    Xmind is good, but on my opinion Freemind has more functionality, though Xmind maps looks better.

Leave a Reply

Check the box to consent to your data being stored in line with the guidelines set out in our privacy policy

We love comments and welcome thoughtful and civilized discussion. Rudeness and personal attacks will not be tolerated. Please stay on-topic.
Please note that your comment may not appear immediately after you post it.