One idea leads to another, to another and each can be linked with files added including images until the data is displayed in a uniform fashion that everyone can easily understand. Any process requiring collaboration among team members or with third-parties can benefit from using mind map software for idea exploration. Mind map software is used by business owners, students, project managers, software developers and by charities for brainstorming fundraising ideas, then planning and organising campaigns. Additionally, as the information is digital, it can be easily moved, expanded on, files attached to various branches of a mind map, essentially providing the ability to create a digital file repository into each mind map and share those more easily with remote users. Using software provides much more space and better organisation of data than traditional flip charts offer. Mind map software digitises the creation of mind maps.

An additional use for mind map software is to create visual presentations as an alternative to traditional software such as Powerpoint, which is most frequently used by project managers and business analysts because the information is easier to digest and comprehend.

Whilst mind mapping can be done with white boards, flip charts, and even post-it notes, using mind map software lets users better organise information and streamline collaboration enabling groups of users to contribute to idea generation. The primary use of mind map software is for brainstorming, although it is also used for more effective note-taking and for organising processes such as project planning.

Using mind maps allows information to be better organised and due to the visual nature, increases comprehension and information retention. Mind map software is a computerised program used for creating diagrams to display concepts and thought processes visually.

Review of mind mapping software