MindNode – Mac App of the Week
This is a regular feature of the blog looking at various apps available. Some of the apps will be useful for those involved in learning technologies, others will be useful in improving the way in which you work, whilst a few will be just plain fun! Some will be free, others will cost a little and one or two will be what some will think is quite expensive. Originally this feature focused on iPhone and iPad apps, however I have now expanded to include Mac, Windows and Android apps.
This week’s App is MindNode.
MindNode is an elegant and simple-to-use mindmapping application for collecting, organizing and outlining your thoughts and ideas as mind maps.
Mind maps can be used for many different tasks – including to-do lists, brainstorming, holiday planning, research, writing, project management – and in many different environments – school, meetings, workspace.
Features
- Node Well: New nodes are created directly on the canvas. There is no need to access the toolbar or the application menu.
- Multiple Mind Maps: The ability to create multiple mind maps on one canvas makes MindNode an ideal tool for brainstorming sessions.
- Constrain node width and resize nodes: MindNode allows to automatically constrain the width of a node and to resize the node directly on the canvas.
- No file format lock-in: MindNode support a variety of file formats. You can import and export FreeMind and OPML documents (used by many outlining applications) or export the mind map as PNG image, TIFF image, PDF, RTF or HTML document.
Free
This is the first time I have ventured away from iOS apps. This is for a range of reasons, people often ask me which apps I use on my Mac or on my Google Nexus One. Apple have launched the Mac App store which makes it easier for people to get apps, or at least more confident in getting different apps. Finally though the iPad and iPhone are great for doing some stuff, sometimes you need a “truck” and trucks need software too.
MindNode is a simple mindmapping application for the Mac. I like it because it is simple, elegant and works for me. However I suspect that if you are a mindmapping junkie then this is too simple for you. For others who are looking at the potential for mindmapping or for learners who want a free tool then I think MindNode fits that need.
You can very quickly and easily create mindmaps with multiple nodes and sibling and child nodes.
However to take it the next level you really want to go with the MindNode Pro. This enhanced version has many more features and extends the functionality, and at £11.99 is good value. Whether you should do this does depend on what or if your institution already has mindmapping software. We use Mindgenius so I think I will use that if I need to go beyond MindNode, however you may not have that choice.
MindNode is a nice simple elegant app that is a great way to start using mindmaps.
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