A mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information into a hierarchy, showing relationships among pieces of the whole. It is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image in the center of a blank page, to which associated representations of ideas such as images, words and parts of words are added. Major ideas are connected directly to the central concept, and other ideas branch out from those major ideas.
Microsoft Word is a word processor developed by Microsoft. It was first released on October 25, 1983, under the name Multi-Tool Word for Xenix systems. Subsequent versions were later written for several other platforms including: IBM PCs running DOS (1983), Apple Macintosh running the Classic Mac OS (1985), AT&T UNIX PC (1985), Atari ST (1988), OS/2 (1989), Microsoft Windows (1989), SCO Unix (1990), macOS (2001), Web browsers (2010), iOS (2014) and Android (2015). Using Wine, versions of Microsoft Word before 2013 can be run on Linux.
Microsoft Office, or simply Office, is a family of client software, server software, and services developed by Microsoft. It was first announced by Bill Gates on August 1, 1988, at COMDEX in Las Vegas. Initially a marketing term for an office suite, the first version of Office contained Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Over the years, Office applications have grown substantially closer with shared features such as a common spell checker, Object Linking and Embedding data integration and Visual Basic for Applications scripting language. Microsoft also positions Office as a development platform for line-of-business software under the Office Business Applications brand.
Anthony Peter "Tony" Buzan was an English author and educational consultant.
StarOffice is a discontinued proprietary office suite. Its source code continues today in derived open-source office suites Collabora Online and LibreOffice. StarOffice supported the OpenOffice.org XML file format, as well as the OpenDocument standard, and could generate PDF and Flash formats. It included templates, a macro recorder, and a software development kit (SDK).
Microsoft Outlook is a personal information manager software system from Microsoft, available as a part of the Microsoft 365 software suites. Though primarily being popular as an email client for businesses, Outlook also includes functions such as calendaring, task managing, contact managing, note-taking, journal logging, web browsing, and RSS news aggregation.
FreeMind is a free mind mapping application written in Java, which is further developed by the fork Freeplane. FreeMind itself was last updated in 2014. FreeMind is licensed under the GNU General Public License Version 2. It provides extensive export capabilities. It runs on Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS via the Java Runtime Environment.
A number of vector graphics editors exist for various platforms. Potential users of these editors will make a comparison of vector graphics editors based on factors such as the availability for the user's platform, the software license, the feature set, the merits of the user interface (UI) and the focus of the program. Some programs are more suitable for artistic work while others are better for technical drawings. Another important factor is the application's support of various vector and bitmap image formats for import and export.
MindManager is a commercial mind mapping software application developed by Mindjet. The software provides ways for users to visualize information in mind maps and flowcharts. MindManager can be used to manage projects, organize information, and for brainstorming.
The tables below compare features of notable note-taking software.
Xmind is a mind mapping and brainstorming software, It is developed by Shenzhen Aisi Software Technology Co.Ltd, a company registered in People's Republic of China, and first released in 2007. The application can be used to visualize ideas, clarify thoughts, manage complex information, and promote team collaboration. People use Xmind to improve their productivity and creativity while working or learning. As of April 2013, Xmind was selected as the most popular mind mapping software on Lifehacker.
Mindomo is a versatile freemium collaborative mind mapping, concept mapping and outlining tool developed by Expert Software Applications. It can be used to develop ideas and interactively brainstorm, with features including sharing, collaboration, task management, presentation and interactive web publication.
ConceptDraw PROJECT is a project management software package developed by Computer Systems Odessa for Microsoft Windows and macOS platforms. It presents projects as Gantt charts with linked tasks, milestones and deadlines. Since 2008 it has been a part of the ConceptDraw Office software package, and can thus represent Gantt charts as mind maps and vice versa. It can also produce visual reports, work breakdown structures and other project diagrams via ConceptDraw DIAGRAM. ConceptDraw PROJECT supports import and export of text outlines, MS Project, MS Excel, and MindManager files.
SmartDraw is a web-based diagramming tool used by teams to collaborate on and make flowcharts, organization charts, mind maps, project charts, and other business visuals.
Edraw Max is a 2D business technical diagramming software which helps create flowcharts, organizational charts, mind map, network diagrams, floor plans, workflow diagrams, business charts, and engineering diagrams. The current version, Edraw Max 12.6.1 was released in October 2023 for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Edraw Max is a Visio-like diagramming tool.
Notes is a notetaking app developed by Apple Inc. It is provided on their iOS, iPadOS and macOS operating systems, the latter starting with OS X Mountain Lion. It functions as a service for making short text notes, which can be synchronized between devices using Apple's iCloud service. The application uses a similar interface on iOS and macOS, with a non-textured paper background for notes and light yellow icons, suggesting pencil or crayon. Until 2013, both applications used a strongly skeuomorphic interface, with a lined, textured paper design; the Mountain Lion version placed this inside a leather folder. This design was replaced in OS X Mavericks and iOS 7.
Seavus is an international software development and consulting company based in Lund, Sweden. Seavus Group provides enterprise-wide business products to large organizations and government agencies.
ConceptDraw OFFICE is a proprietary office software suite of business productivity tools, developed by Computer Systems Odessa for use with either Microsoft Windows and macOS operating systems. ConceptDraw OFFICE is composed of mind mapping, project management and business diagramming tools. The three components use the cross-format exchange technology, allowing users to employ a visual approach to information management whereby the same set of data can be shown as a mind map, Gantt chart, or business graphic design.
ConceptDraw DIAGRAM is proprietary diagramming software used to create business graphics, including: diagrams, flowcharts, Infographics, data visualization for business process models, data presentation and project management documentation. It can also be used for creating professional and technical diagrams, such as: UML diagrams, DFD, ERD, computer networks topology, engineering schemes, floor plans, and other technical graphic formats. The program was developed by CS Odessa in 1999. Since 2008, it has formed a part of ConceptDraw OFFICE. A set of solution add-ons that include collections of task-oriented templates and vector stencils libraries, have been released for ConceptDraw DIAGRAM, relating to certain industry-specific graphical tasks. The software also contains a set of tools for vector graphics drawing, along with a built-in presentation mode.
Creately is a SaaS visual collaboration tool with diagramming and design capabilities designed by Cinergix. Creately has two versions: an online cloud edition and a downloadable offline edition for desktop which is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. The application is mostly known for creating flowcharts, organization charts, project charts, UML diagrams, mind maps, and other business visuals.
