While there’s no doubt that mind maps are an effective way to improve one’s memory recall, it does not however end there. Its areas of application can be anything from problem solving, taking notes, sorting out complicated ideas and even expressing your thoughts and emotions in a graphical and non-linear manner as creatively as possible.

Perhaps its use at a personal level only requires a pen and some paper but when you would like to use it at an organizational level (where several central themes) have to brainstormed, mind mapping software can help you to organize large amounts of information.

Several mind mapping software are available that come with the option of being offered at no cost or are charged a one time fee for its use. The official mind mapping software designed by Tony Buzan himself if offered at a cost in three version, whereas there are other mind mapping software that are offered for free.

MindMeister, the online mind mapping software, which is published by MeisterLabs Inc. in 2007, has three editions that one can pick from namely Basic, Premium and Business. Of course, the Basic version is free of cost with three mind maps while the other two are priced at $ 59 per year (Premium) and 6 per user per month (Business) along with a 30-day free trial period for the latter.

Not only are they available on a web-based platform but also offer a variety of tools such as MindMeister API, an iPhone app version of MindMeister, in Offline Mode using Google Gears and a free service known as Geistesblitz.