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Connecting nodes with dynamic links, free lines (connectors) and labels.Grouping nodes with visual containers (clouds) and accolade (summary node).Classifying nodes with metadata (attributes) and style types (system styles, user-defined styles, level styles).Ordering ideas (nodes) into a hierarchy connected by lines (edges).Note taking with freely positionable, unconnected nodes (like post-it’s).It provides templates to aid in mind map creation and supports multiple tabs, allowing you to work with multiple projects simultaneously. Freeplane runs on any operating system that has a current version of Java installed.įreeplane's interface has a lot going on, but it is intuitive allowing you to insert various elements into the mind map like a question or exclamation mark, stars, light bulbs, information signs, numbers, bombs, and more. You can use it for mind mapping and analyzing the information contained in those mind maps. The interface is occasionally quirky, though, and there's a lot to learn, so be prepared to invest quite some time before you're producing anything useful.Freeplane is a mind mapping app that gives you the perfect vehicle for keeping your brainstorming session ideas organized and saved. (In theory, anyway: from what we saw, the exported maps didn't always bear much relation to the original.) Verdict:įreeplane is a capable mind mapping tool. The program can be extended with scripts and some interesting addons.Īnd once you've finished, the map can be shared as an image, an HTML page, via Flash and more. There's DES encryption of individual nodes or the entire map. You can hide information within a node, present it on demand or automatically, organise it in folding branches, and use hyperlinks everywhere to help users navigate.īuilt-in calendar and reminder tools are useful for time and project management. So for instance conditional styling allows the program to automatically give nodes your preferred look and feel according to their hierarchical level in the map, as well as their content. This starts with smart tools to help you build better maps. At its simplest you just press Ins to add a node customise it, with an image, text, or icon repeat the process to add other nodes, then link and organise them as you like.įreeplane goes further, though. You can use Freeplane to build regular, static mindmaps, simple charts and diagrams which structure information.
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The program is a redesigned version of FreeMind, and can similarly be used to create mindmaps, although with more features and functionality. Freeplane is a free and open source application for organising, visualising and sharing information.
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