Mind maps are very useful tools for eliciting, memorizing, and sharing information. This free, open-source program lets you create mind maps in a relatively easy manner. I use the word "relatively" because the program makes an extensive use of key combinations instead of the mouse. For example, to add a new node, you need to select the original node and press the Enter key. In other similar programs, you can simply right-click on the node and select the "add new node" option or similar. This feature will be a hassle at first, but you will get accustomed to it with use.
Although as I've said, it can have a high learning curve, especially for non-expert users, the program has a nice interface which makes it easier to learn how to use it. Also, it has several interesting functions. For example, you can add images, format the text of each node, add or delete clouds, and define the color of them, and so on.
To increase the functionality of the program, you can use any of the add-ons that are available for free at the developer's website, such as a task manager, a cost and duration manager to calculate these elements of a project.
Please note that the program needs the most recent version of Java to run properly. If it is not installed in your system, the program will prompt you to install it before running the program.
All in all, it is a good and well-designed program that can be useful for teachers, students, and professionals of various kinds.
v1.1.3 [May 5, 2010]
Important Improvements :
- Better inline_editor for all plain text nodes
- Edge-like connectors (available from connector pop-up menu)
- External objects: External bitmap and SVG images can be attached using menu Insert->External object and resized
- Good Scripting support: new scripting API ; loading and execution of external groovy scripts
- Insert image dialog and insert external object dialog have file previews
- F-Toolbar
- Find or Replace in all open maps
- Full screen mode
- Hidden Edge Style
- Horizontal Edge Style
- Hot keys can be set by pressing left mouse button on menu item and holding CONTROL key
- Outline view
- Portable Freeplane
- Selective paste from edit menu (Paste as...)
- Spell checker
- Structured HTML paste
New filtering features :
- Date based filter
- Filter conditions for numeric values return false for non numeric values
- Filter based on link labels
- Filter history
- Filter menu
- Filter tool bar can be hidden like all other tool bars
- Filter status is displayed in status line
- Filter node text by regular expressions
Other new features :
- All backup or autosave files are numbered from 1 to maximum number, the bigger number the latest file.
- Automatic backup for all loaded files on first save.
- Backup and autosave use directory ".backup" created in the map directory.
- Edit nodes with line breaks in in-line editor (alt+enter to quit , shift+enter for line break)
- Enable link pop-up menu even if neither target nor source node is selected.
- Exception traces for internal errors are automatically sent to freeplane team for analysis.
- Export Using XSLT
- Hide tabs if only one map is loaded
- Hot keys: CONTROL + ALT + RIGHT, CONTROL + ALT + LEFT
- Icon actions moved in separate menu
- Icon toolbar hidden by default
- Linking to arbitrary URI integrated
- Links where target or source are selected are found first.
- New icons: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%
Mall Creeps
