MindNode Full Review: Is it the Best Mind Mapping Tool to Use?
Choosing a mind mapping tool to use is a crucial decision one must make. You see, many programs out there claim to be the best for your mind mapping task, but which of them is worth acquiring? One of these mind mapping apps is MindNode. On the one hand, this app makes a great impression on some, but on the other hand, it comes with a conflict with others. Therefore, to cut the division out, we created this article outlining a full review of the said mind mapping software. Thus, after reading this, you will be able to determine if this app is for you or not. So, without further adieu, let’s start recognizing everything that we need to know about this mind mapping tool below.
- Part 1. MindNode Best Alternative: MindOnMap
- Part 2. MindNode Full Review
- Part 3. A Quick Tutorial on How to Use MindNode
- Part 4. Comparison of MindNode among the Other Four Tools
- Part 5. FAQs about MindNode
As one main writer of MindOnMap's editorial team, I always provide real and verified information in my posts. Here are what I usually do before writing:
- After selecting the topic about reviewing MindNode, I always do a lot of research on Google and in forums to list the mind map creator that users care about the most.
- Then I use MindNode and subscribe to it. And then I spend hours or even days testing it from its main features to analyze it based on my experience.
- As to the review blog of MindNode I test it from even more aspects, ensuring the review to be accurate and comprehensive.
- Also, I look through users' comments on MindNode to make my review more objective.
Part 1. MindNode Best Alternative: MindOnMap
Before proceeding to the MindNode review, we would like to present you with the best alternative that you would need just in case MindNode might not meet your expectations. MindOnMap is an online mind mapping software that best fits all kinds of users that utilize Windows and Mac computer devices. So whether you are a professional or a newbie, this online mind mapping software got your back. Furthermore, MindOnMap enables you to organize your ideas and turn them into a compelling map with the help of its beautiful features that are free to use in the first place. Imagine a free tool that provides you with numerous templates, shapes, backgrounds, themes, layouts, styles, fonts and a wide range of ribbon menus that will excite you!
Not to mention that this free mind mapping program also comes with a collaboration feature that will enable you to work jointly with the rest of your team. Not just that, for it brings out your maps into different formats such as JPG, PDF, Word, PNG, and SVG, ready for printing. You can also freely download your projects on your computer or mobile device or keep them in its extensive file library forever.
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Part 2. MindNode Full Review
Now, proceeding to the MindNode app review, is the content about the app’s fundamentals. To start with, let us have an accurate description of this mind mapping tool.
What is MindNode Precisely?
MindNode is a mind mapping software that is intended for Mac and iOS users. Yes, this software is only available for Apple users only. It is a software that IdeasOnCanvas developed in Austria that allows a group of users, such as organizations or teams, to share, capture, explore, and organize their ideas via illustrations. Moreover, this software comes with an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to document and customize their projects. In fact, within an effortless procedure, MindNode inserts images, tasks, links, and texts in just a matter of seconds.
Many assume that this mind mapping software has a web-based version, but we failed to find it. It led all our team members to its downloading procedure for Mac and iOS. Anyways, this won’t alarm you if you use the specified OS devices, but it would be saddening for those who use Windows-based computers.
Features
Technically, MindNodes has powerful and essential features you wouldn’t expect. And to come across them, here is the list that you can anticipate.
Quick Entry
Once you acquire this MindNode app for Mac, you will realize how quickly you can enter or launch it. This is because this app will conveniently display in your menu bar, waiting for your tap to open it.
Focus Mode
As its name suggests, this feature will block out any distractions that can be a reason for you to lose track. This focus mode works to put the specific part of your map in a spotlight, which basically reasons for you to focus on it.
Task Scheduler
This feature benefits those who are unretentive when it comes to doing tasks. In addition, this task scheduler will stay on top of your project and help you keep track of progress.
Themes
Besides MindNode’s connections are the beautiful themes it provides users. Letting users choose a theme that will fit their project also enables them to beautify it more by customizing it to their own style.
Stickers
MindNode has been generous in giving its users more than 250 different stickers to choose from. These stickers are very helpful in providing more clarity to the mind maps they are working on. What’s good about these stickers is that they are adjustable according to the color and size needed.
Pros and Cons
We outline the benefits and drawbacks that you can experience with this mind mapping software: MindNode.
PROS
- It has a user-friendly interface.
- It provides a free version.
- It easily imports and exports documents.
- Support of a wide range of formats.
- It helps users to focus on the project efficiently.
- Numerous features and widgets are available.
CONS
- There is no MindNode Windows version.
- The free version comes with limited features.
- Many users ask for more themes and color choices.
- It lacks label attachments.
Pricing and Plans
This part will show you the plans that you can have if you want to obtain MindNode on your device.
Free Trial
MindNode can be acquired with a free trial for two weeks. This free trial will let you create and edit nodes, organize, import, export, use widgets, and get Apple Watch support.
MindNode Plus
You can purchase this premium plan for 2.49 dollars per month or 19.99 dollars per year. With this plan, you can access all from the free trial plus the following: Outlining, visual tags, focus mode, quick entry, task, themes, styling options, and many more.
Part 3. A Quick Tutorial on How to Use MindNode
Here is the MindNode tutorial. If all this information has resulted in curiosity about its usability, then the good thing is we prepared a quick guideline below. This tutorial will show you how to use MindNode in mind mapping.
Start by installing the app on your Mac or iOS device. To do so, you can directly get to its official website and click the download button applicable to your device.
Next to this, launch the app and get into the main canvas. Once there, you will notice how neat the canvas is, and from there, you can start working on your mind map. Begin with renaming the main node, and click the Plus mini button beside it to add sub-nodes.
Expand your mind map even while you are still brainstorming. Then, you may arrange your map by dragging the nodes based on your preferred order. Plus, you may use the editing menu or the plus description at the top right corner of the screen. The styles, fonts, themes, and other stencils will be there for customizing your map.
Part 4. Comparison of MindNode among the Other Four Tools
Indeed, MindNode is a fantastic mind mapping tool worth trying. However, there are also other apps out there that deserve to be seen. Thus, we compare the essential factors of the five most sought-after mind mapping software, including MindNode.
| Features | MindNode | MindOnMap | XMind | Scapple | MindMeister |
| Devices Supported | iPhone, iPad, Mac. | Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad. | Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad. | Windows, Mac. | Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad. |
| Auto Save | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Collaboration | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Supported Export Formats | Text, docs, RTF, PDF, OPML, image. | Pdf, word, SVG, PNG, JPG. | SVG, PNG, Word, PDF, Excel, OPML | PDF, image, Text. | Docx, PPTX, PDF, RTF. |
Part 5. FAQs about MindNode
Why can’t I find a quick entry for MindNode?
If you cannot find the quick entry feature of MindNode, you might be using the free trial version. The quick entry feature is only available on the plus premium version.
What is the best MindNode Windows alternative?
MindNode doesn’t have a Windows version so you can hang on to its best alternative, the MindOnMap. At least in using MindOnMap, you wouldn’t need to install it on your desktop, for it is accessible online.
Are there print options in MindNode?
Yes. However, the print options are only available on the paid versions only for Mac.
Conclusion
MindNode is indeed a great mind mapping software to use. However, every bean has its black, and so does MindNode. The fact that it cannot be accessible on the Windows desktop makes us and others rethink its flexibility. On the other hand, trying it would be a great idea if you are an Apple user, but on the contrary, choosing its best alternative, MindOnMap, over it would be great!
