30+ Mind Mapping Tools

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We all need to organize our thoughts sometimes, and there seems to be no better way to do it than in a visual fashion. We've got 30+ mind mapping tools to help you do just that. And since we know some of you are on a budget, we've got free and paid suggestions for you.

Don’t forget to check out our post where you can suggest future toolbox topics! (This list, for example, came from one of the suggestions.)

Free

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Bubbl.us - A flash based brainstorming tool that you can share with others and also embed in to your site.

Cayra.net - A desktop-only app that runs on Windows XP or Vista.

CmapTools - Free to universities, students, federal employees, and individuals for personal use.

CompendiumInstitute.org - A free mind mapping and brainstorming tool from the Open University.

DebateMapper.com - A bit of a different mapper in that it focuses on mapping out debates, whether they be political or business.

Gliffy.com - Draw & share all sorts of diagrams and mind maps.

Mapul.com - Based on Microsoft's Silverlight, offers basic and premium packages, can handle images, hyperlinks and more.

Mind42.com - Allows for multiple users, embedding into sites, and inclusion of items such as Wikipedia entries.

Mindomo.com - Basic accounts are free, premium will bring you more features, but costs $6 a month. Allows hypertext, images and more.

MindMeister.com - Basic package is free to everyone, premium and team packages available for fees.

MindPlan.com - Free for personal use. Integrates with Lotus Notes and has XML import and export.

RecallPlus.com - Geared towards students. Features note organization, 3D tools, and flash card studying in the paid versions.

WiseMapping.com - Completely web-based so you can use it from any computer with a browser. Allows for numerous distinctions between topics.

Subscription & Purchase

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Aibase-cs.com - Includes use of tables, images, vector editing and more.

Aviz ThoughtMapper - A cross-platform, Java-based mind mapper that can integrate with Microsoft Office on Windows machines.

Comapping.com - Free 30-day trial, $11.99 per half year after that. You can invite non-subscribers to watch for free.

Concept Draw MINDMAP - Works on both Windows and Mac OS X, features integration with Office and other project management tools.

Cornerstone - A highly visual mind mapping tool, the company also offers a mind mapper for kids.

EDraw Mind Mapping - Includes vector editing and an assortment of templates.

HeadCASE Mind Mapping - A Windows based mind mapping tool that seems to be heavy on the use of clip-art to help you visualize.

i2Brain.com - Has a neat trick in that you can assign each part of the map to a "phase", you can then view the map by each phase of the project, or view all phases at once.

iMindMap.com - Another cross-platform mind mapping tool that uses Java. Attempts to mimic the brain's non-linear thought process.

MindCad.com - A Mac only app for mindmapping that allows you to link to outside documents, websites, your desktop and more.

MindGenius.com - Offers versions geared to business, education, and the home.

MindJet.com - Makers of MindManager, which offers tools for business, personal, education, government, and non-profits. Will integrate with Office.

MindMapper.com - A Windows only program that works along with Office, can make mind maps of just about any look you want.

MindVisualizer - Has the ability to output your mind maps to other document formats.

MYmap - Windows based software for your mind mapping and brainstorming needs.

Nelements.org - A 3D mind mapping tool that allows you to save to XML.

Nova-Mind.com - Allows you to turn a mind map in to a web site navigation page at the same time.

PocketMindmap.com - If you must mind map 'n the go, this one will run on your Windows Mobile-powered device.

Spark-Space.com - Offers multiple versions for education and business and they all come in multiple language choices.

TheBrain.com - Has cross-platform support and the ability to export as an HTML document.

TopicScape.com - A completely different type of 3D mind mapping that makes it look like a landscape so you can see everything in one glance.

XMind.org - A mind map that you can export to Office, PowerPoint, and PDFs.