By default, the template starts out with a core text bubble nicknamed “node”, to which multiple elements can be added, ranging from child, sibling, parent, floating and summary nodes, to images, links, connections, scripts and password protection. When creating a new mind map, the program allows the user to pick from a handful of predetermined templates, each with a custom theme. The application’s title bar contains a wide variety of vital options for creating, editing, visualizing, navigating and customizing the interface, while the toolbar below lists buttons for quickly editing the text inside the mind map elements. Upon starting up the app for the first time, users will be greeted by an exhaustive list of functions conveniently laid out in the form of a complex mind map, with each of the showcased options providing a link towards a more detailed instruction menu explaining the intricacies of the selected feature. Its portable counterpart also lets you edit mind maps on the go.

Freeplane is one particular program capable of successfully transposing the ability of creating mind maps from a sheet of paper into a highly customizable digital template. One way of organizing one’s thoughts, schedules or study topics is represented by mind mapping, an incredibly useful tree-style overview of data for easily visualizing the connections among its different elements. Ever since the introduction of the personal computer into mainstream markets, the digitization of all of humanity’s facets of life turned from an ambitious goal into a priority for most tech giants with the necessary resources to accomplish such a feat.

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