Freeware Product Review: MindNode

 

Summary

• Clean, simple interface
• Outstanding keyboard support
• Free version is sufficient for almost all users
• Requires OS 10.5 Leopard
• Rating: 5/5

Few tools have the potential to be as useful as mind mapping software.  MindNode is one of the cleanest and simplest mind mappers I’ve ever seen.  Try it once – I guarantee you’ll like it.

The most important thing that makes a good mind mapper is ease of use.  Mind mapping is designed to help you put your thoughts down on paper (or the hard drive) so there should be as little distraction as possible.  MindNode excels here.  Its simple interface includes add and remove buttons, a font and color palette, and an inspector that allows you to set optional document metadata, background color, and line styles.  Creating a map is easy.  Just click and drag from the (+) button that appears when you hover your mouse over a node to create a new “child” node.  Double-click on the canvas to create a new “root” node.  If you’re familiar with flowcharts, you’ll love MindNode.

The reason MindNode stands out among mind mappers is its outstanding implementation of keyboard shortcuts.  Enter creates a new “sibling” node, so making lists of items is as fast as possible.  Command-Enter creates a “child” node, and Shift-Enter creates a new “root” node.  Option-Enter begins to edit the current node, and simply starting to type replaces the node’s text.  Delete deletes the node and its “children,” and the arrow keys navigate the mind map.  After only a few minutes, it is easy to master the commands and quickly map out ideas and notes.

MindNode is completely free, and includes all the functionality most people need, including OPML/FreeMind import/export and export to TIFF, PDF, HTML, and RTF.  It is also offered in a commercial version for €11,99 (~$17.00) called MindNode Pro, which adds features like drag-and-drop reconnecting of nodes, collapsible nodes, hyperlinks, easy reorganization, and more customization of node styles.

MindNode