ConceptDraw MINDMAP

ConceptDraw MINDMAP Pro version 3 offers valuable enhancements to polished program

If you're seeking a powerful yet easy-to-use mind mapping program that also offers some valuable drawing tools, then you ought to take a serious look at ConceptDraw MINDMAP Pro 3. The latest version of this polished mind mapping software introduces an improved outline view, support for multi-page maps and numerous small improvements that make it a pleasure to use.

In this "first look" product review, we'll take a quick look at ConceptDraw MINDMAP Pro 3's most notable new and upgraded features.

Enhanced outline view

I'm a big believer in using computer-based outlining to quickly capture and organize my ideas. So I'm pleased to see that developer CS Odessa has decided to significantly enhance this part of ConceptDraw MINDMAP in version 3.

The outline view is designed in a tabular format; the outline fills roughly two-thirds of the screen, while the other one-third is used to display any associated symbols, text notes and hyperlinks. This well-designed view enables you to work with your ideas equally well in outline view or in map view. When you switch to outline view, the program displays it in a new window. This means you can view your outline and mind map simultaneously - a unique feature that can give you some fresh perspectives on your ideas!

There are several ways to add topics to your outline: You can use "add topic" and "add sub-topic" buttons in the program's toolbar. You can also use the enter key to add another idea at the same level, or shift plus enter to add a sub-topic.

Moving topics within the outline view is easy as well: you can simply drag and drop any topic or sub-topic to a new location within your outline, or you can use the control key in combination with the arrow keys to move topics up or down the outline, or to move them up or down a level -- a feature that can help you to quickly organize and reorganize your ideas as you see fit.

Improved brainstorming mode

The enhanced brainstorming mode in version 3 is based on the program's improved outline view. In past versions of ConceptDraw MINDMAP, the brainstorming mode would open in a separate window, floating above the program's workspace. In that window, you would enter ideas in the form of a structured list -- actually a simple outline format. In version 3, the brainstorming mode uses the outline view, which is integrated with the program's interface more than the old brainstorming dialog box.

New feature: multi-page maps

To help users better manage large mind maps, ConceptDraw MINDMAP Pro 3 enables you to break a large map into several smaller maps, which can then be displayed on separate pages within the program's interface. A separate page navigation toolbar enables you to quickly move between pages and sub-maps.

New feature: insert relationships

A feature that was missing from previous versions of ConceptDraw MINDMAP was the ability to create relationships between topics. Version 3 now offers this functionality. Relationships are represented by a dotted line with arrowheads that join two related topics. As you might expect, ConceptDraw MINDMAP Pro 3 allows you to reshape this relationship line as needed.

Tools to help new users

ConceptDraw MINDMAP continues to provide a bevy of tools to help first-time users get up to speed quickly, including the Assistant (which helps you to quickly define the central theme, main topics and general appearance of your map), branch wizard and brainstorming mode. Although these are not new features, I like the fact that CS Odessa pays such close attention to the special needs of new users.

Drawing tools help you to enhance your maps

If you want to get a bit more creative with your mind maps, ConceptDraw MINDMAP Pro 3 offers some unique graphical capabilities. This program is part of a larger family of graphics software offered by CS Odessa. As a result, ConceptDraw MINDMAP has always inherited powerful drawing and shape manipulation options that are superior to most other mind mapping programs. Version 3 ships with an extensive library of shapes, objects and connectors, and you can also create your own new shapes using the program's powerful drawing tools. You can also easily insert images and OLE objects from other programs (Windows version only), enabling you to add some sophisticated embellishments to your ideas.

Conclusion

ConceptDraw MINDMAP Pro 3 continues to be one of the best kept secrets in the world of mind mapping tools. Although the developer, CS Odessa, keeps a fairly low profile from a marketing standpoint here in the States, its mind mapping product enjoys a growing reputation, and rightly so. Its polished interface and extensive capabilities make ConceptDraw MINDMAP Pro 3 one of the world's best mind mapping programs.

ConceptDraw MINDMAP Pro 3 is available in Windows and Mac OS X versions for $199. A standard version is also available for $149. Downloadable trial versions are also available from the ConceptDraw Web site.