Wondershare EdrawMind mind mapping software is an idea generator tool with multiple functions. It offers the ability to turn quick lists and notes into more substantial and ever-changing maps and plans, with some pretty amazing results.
Once the diagrams are created, you can, with the push of a button, turn these mind maps into instant presentations to show your classmates, students, colleagues, and clients what your ideas are all about.
You can also collaborate in real time to map together and use it as a task management tool to analyze and structure complex ideas in a clear and visually compelling way.
EdrawMind, formerly MindMaster, is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It's also available to download for Android and IOS devices from the app stores, and there's a free web app to try in your browser.
Individual plans range from any; semi-annual, billed every 6 months at €39; annual at €59, both with 1 GB of free cloud storage; and a one-time purchase for life at a current price of €145*, with 10 GB of free storage. An individual plan allows you to use the same account on multiple devices.
Business plans include; an annual subscription from €79; and from €129* for a single perpetual license. Business plans offer up to 3 years of free upgrades.
For those in education, tiered plans range from either; biannual; annual; and 6-month subscriptions, priced at €69, €49 and €35 as applicable. Plan savings are achieved by bundling other Wondershare apps like EdrawMax (an all-in-one diagramming tool) and EdrawInfo, which focuses on creating infographics. See all EdrawMind pricing plans.
The free web version is perfect for those who want to dive into it, without committing to a download, and get used to how it works.
The desktop version has a lot more features and is relatively inexpensive, which will be especially good news for freelancers and marketers who will be using it more often to showcase their work and ideas to clients and colleagues.
Business plans offer the option to add up to 20+ users for internal cross-platform collaborations. A professional account also provides access to all EdrawMind features with premium support.
Features
Create and personalize cards
With a choice of 12 templates to get you started, getting to grips with how EdrawMind works is quick and easy.
Some of the pre-installed frameworks include; tree; radial; fish bone; and circular styles of mind maps. Simply select a template, as you would with any other desktop publishing program, and customize it to your liking.
Change everything from shapes, themes and colors and customize it from the start. It comes with a massive 700 clipart images and the ability to upload and use your own images too, so creating visually stunning mind maps takes no time.
Reflection
This is a great feature that allows you to freely formulate ideas and suggestions with colleagues etc.
By selecting the brainstorming tool, you can assign different colors to collaborators and quickly collect ideas as a kind of quick idea generator.
You generate the ideas on one side of the map, then drag and drop them onto the main page, which instantly forms everything into a cohesive structure that you can then edit more constructively.
outline mode
This last feature might make you wonder "what's the point?" But essentially, it's like taking notes before generating a more visually effective structure.
The ability to generate and modify ideas, with headings and subheadings, in a coherent linear plan is more than useful. It's actually a very intuitive way to "get things straight," especially for those who find creating lists a more productive way of sketching out ideas in the early stages.
presentation mode
Once you've defined or generated ideas and generated them into a map that works for you, this functionality takes it to the next level. Just by clicking the button, you can turn it into a very elegant slideshow.
By simply going to the slideshow menu and selecting "automatically create", all of your main themes are generated as individual slides. Turning your subtopics into individual slides is also just a click away.
You can then decide how you want your presentation to "flow" by selecting "branch" or "through themes", both of which add their own dynamic quality to your presentation. Once you've finished structuring your presentation, you can save and export it as a PowerPoint or PDF file. You are then ready to present in the forum of your choice.
Project and task management
Turning your mind map into a project management tool couldn't be easier. Once you've created something you're happy with, redescribing, brainstorming, and finally turning it into a mind map, you can quickly turn your map into a Gantt chart using the advanced Gantt chart functionality button.
In this mode, it is very easy to select all topics and add task information to them. After that, just click on the Gantt chart icon and all your information will be transferred to one.
This makes it extremely useful for keeping track of progress and resource needs, for example, while also sharing and collaborating with your team. EdrawMind's real-time online collaboration element means that everyone will be up to date all the time.
Interface and in use
Anyone who is already familiar with MS Word or any other desktop publishing software or application will immediately feel at home here.
The user interface is instantly recognizable: from the opening home menu where you select a document type, to the menu ribbon at the top once you've opened or created a file.
An editing and configuration panel is on the right side of the screen where you can customize your content in terms of shapes, colors, fonts, and add images. Since it was designed solely for mind maps, it's a much cleaner interface.
Similarly, with the mobile apps, unsurprisingly, they're further paired for ease of use and seem less cluttered. The adjustment panel is located at the bottom of the screen, thus allowing a more economical use of the screen.
Support
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, Android, and iOS, EdrawMind mind mapping software comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live chat e-tickets are available for any issues that arise or questions that you can't find in the FAQ. They usually get back to you within a day. It involves filling out a form with the specific technical details of any problem you may encounter.
In terms of community and help, there is a thriving mind mapping community online where you can view, share and like mind mapping creations. Online videos also abound, from introductory tutorials to more detailed editing tips.
Unsurprisingly, there are a number of alternatives to mind mapping software, with many free and free options. EdrawMind can be used for free, through the application or the browser, but it is a more commercial service, that is, more professional.
The ability to get to grips with EdrawMind quickly and easily, whether you've used mind mapping software before or not, means it's ideal for beginners and experienced users alike.
It's intuitive to use and generates results instantly - that's what you want with mind maps. The last thing you would need is to have to "learn" complicated note-taking software.
Fortunately, EdrawMind is clear, concise, and allows you to be creative in your efforts so you can go from "scribbling" notes to elegant presentations in minutes.
Free download EdrawMind or use it online here.