XMind

Complex ideas are easy to understand if they are presented properly. This can be done fast and easy with a mind mapping application. XMind can help you organize your thoughts in a clear and logical structure. Thanks to its flexibility, you can illustrate anything you want, from simple schedules to elaborate plans.

The software is available in different editions, including a free one, for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. All you have to do, during the installation procedure, is select a destination folder and click a few check boxes, if you wish to create shortcuts and file associations.

When you start a new project, you can decide to build a new mind map from the ground up or you can choose one of many templates. If you start from scratch, the software will create the first node automatically. You can select it and use various options, located on a toolbar, to insert additional nodes or sub-nodes. Alternatively, you can right click a node and select similar options.

You can type on individual nodes and customize them by changing their colors, shapes and other characteristics. It is also possible to attach files, insert images, web links and various markers on each node. A selected node's properties can be viewed and edited on the left side of the interface, where you can also find the available markers, on a separate tab.

The software allows you to create summaries for node groups or highlight them, by targeting their parent item. When your mind map is complete, you may create a presentation, start a brainstorming session or share the map over the Internet, using an XMind account.