Mind Mapping - MindMeister Reviews

by MCP1000

I accidentally signed up for this subscription, mistaking it for a different product. I immediately canceled after having paid the 6 month fee, but never got my refund. I have requested this multiple times. The first time, I was told to get my refund back through the Apple store, even though I paid with a credit card directly through their site. I informed them that the Apple store had nothing to do with it and have requested assistance multiple times. Each time, their “customer support” waits a few weeks, then sends an email telling me the request is closed because it was deemed resolved. However, NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED. I can’t tell if this is ineptitude, apathy, or downright deception. Are they so desperate for cash that they have to be this dishonest? It’s far less about the money and more about the integrity of the company at this point, but you win, MindMeister. Keep the measly cash, you are correct in gambling that I really don’t have the inclination to waste further time get back what I am owed. Best of luck to all the other gullible subscribers out there, you’ll need it.

by Andrew Kir

Ever since MindMeister updated to the new editor, I have not been able to make any edits to my mind maps! I chatted back and forth with support for weeks, being told that I should have the option to add new nodes. Even after screen recording and proving that the editor is view-only, and that MindMapping itself SAYS it is view-only, the response I kept getting was “Hmm. That’s weird.” Ultimately was just told to use the old editor, even though it’s clear I’m the recent reviews that there is nothing weird about it. Advice to the MindMeister team: get better support and listen to your customers!

by CNthinks

I have used mindmeister for 4-5 years & am a pro subscriber.... but the newer iOS version has a glaring BIG annoying problem - you can't move maps into folders!! If you want to encourage people to upgrade, then they would be heavy users/ multiple map creators & (like me) would want to organise the multitude of maps they have created....(i.e.: placing them into an archive folder) yet I can't figure out how to move the maps into folders without going back to the web version... It really reduces the mobile functionality when you can't quickly sort out/ clean up your maps! I also use Simplemind (because it was faster after you previously removed, now reinstated Blitz, (quick entry of ideas). I really want to stick with mindmeister, so can the Devs please advise how to move mindmaps into folders on this iOS version? No support articles on this. Cheers

by Dontwriteme-justfixit

MindMapping has three levels: free, subscription, and Pro. I upgraded to the subscription as I needed to export some charts to a computer for incorporating into Word and PowerPoint documents. Then I upgraded to Pro as it seemed enticing in that it reportedly exports directly into Word and PowerPoint formats. I’m completely disappointed as the Work and PowerPoint exports did not export any sort of diagram at all, but instead only exported a text document that included elements of the chart in a outline format. It does not create any type of graphic objects in either Word or PowerPoint format. Save your money, the Pro version is a waste in my opinion. None of the versions allow cutting and pasting from one map into another, requiring instead to retype from scratch.

by TinyJaha

First, the mapping and organization process is extremely intuitive and easy to use (which I understand is the most important aspect of this product).

However, the design and customization capabilities and processes are such the opposite it’s baffling. Little things like the ability to add topic levels to custom themes, saving color swatches (some colors in the preset themes aren’t even swatch options), fonts appearing in the editing panel (which is laid out poorly all around). There’s a very nice looking theme shown in many MindMeister blog posts that doesn’t even exist in the program - can’t find it.

It’s disappointing that customizations aren’t available at the Personal level because this is not worth the cost of Pro (nearly twice as much).

I get the simplicity, but a lot of this creates more work if the aesthetic is important to you.

by GoldenNickel

I just downloaded this after seeing someone using it and I’m very much enjoying it so far! I may even sign up for the paid version sometime. My only complaint so far is that it is impossible to view public maps within MindMapping . I would love to be able to view and save other peoples’ maps for personal use/reference!

by Hank1686

I really enjoy MindMeister, it suits my thinking process well. I have only been using it for a couple of months now, I have also linked it to their calendar app. I know there is a lot more I can do with it as I integrate it into my daily routine. It is not a total solution to life and work management, but it is a great tool. I have used various tools like Todoist, Evernote and Note shelf; all of these are great tools but none cover every base that I have. I’m finding MindMeister is great for exploring ideas, creating interactive task list and developing a project map and timeline.

by Stout Sender

One of the limitations I have using my maps on paper is that as the mind map develops sometimes I want to move things around and can’t do that easily. I love that MindMapping makes it easier to have more complex ideas on the mind map and be able to move them around. I would love for the developer to make it easy for MindMapping to “read to me” if I touch a node.

by Melvinhug

I have used MindMiester for about a year. I like the simplicity of navigating its features and the power of the presentation mode. I looked at a number of mind map systems before I decided on MindMeister and MindMeister seem to have them beat on price and value.

There are systems that I found to be more sophisticated but they are also quite complex and confusing. MindMeister gives me just what I need to organize and share my thoughts all for a good price. It’s not perfect but it’s perfect for what I need and I’m looking forward to the new features that I’m sure will be coming.

by Maryspkr

For a while my iPad app had stopped displaying the photos and images I added to mind maps created on Mind Meister online. I mentioned this in a review and the developer responded that it had been addressed in the new version, so re-download and try it. I deleted MindMapping , re-downloaded it, and voila! It works just fine now.

Although there are a few little challenges in Mind Meister with adding floating topics, or changing the color of topic linking lines, or copying and pasting from a past map and having the chosen font revert to the default one, those are all little issues with the online version and aren’t things that are doable in MindMapping itself anyway.

Overall, quite a satisfying app to use.

by Gavriel70

Really great mind mapping app. I have used 10 plus apps. It can do simple to advance features. The only complaint I have is how hard it is to save the file to an outside source. I have mine linked to my Google Drive. I can open and save a file to Drive from a browser easily. From MindMapping it is not possible. Once in there it is hard to move it.
Compared to the other apps out there I can live with that!

by MacWonder65

I stumbled upon MindMeister a few months ago when I was looking for a better, GoogleDocs type, collaborative app.
It has been that answer and THEN some to the point that I don’t even use GoogleDocs anymore. Friends ask me if I work for them, or if I’m getting paid because I refer it to EVERYONE AND THEIR MOMs.
Fitness and Diet plans, book outlines, brainstorming projects and apps, the applications are immense.

I loved it so much I paid for the subscription. Do it, fam

by Org-user

MindMeister (and Meistertask) work well on every platform (phone, iPad and web). The combination of MindMeister and Meistertask is probably the only one that seamlessly combines project management (Kanban and todo lists) with mind mapping. There are a few other apps that do this but most of them seem to have clunky UIs on at least one platform.

MindMeister, as a lone mind mapping software, is easy to use on every platform - including iPhones’ small screens. On iPad and Mac, I appreciate the presence of ubiquitous keyboard shortcuts which make editing really natural. I recommend MindMeister to anyone who is looking for a mind mapping software, even those who are not interested in its task managing abilities.

I do use it for note taking but due to the lack of support for Apple Pencil note taking on the iPad feels incomplete. Adding a feature to add Apple Pencil drawings (like the way Dropbox Paper or XMind does it) would make MindMapping an excellent note taking software as well.

by The FoodCyclist

I have used MindMeister for several years now. I started with only their online platform and now I use MindMapping on my iPad all the time. When I have a big idea that I need to get out of my head mind-mapping is really the only way that I can get it out and have it make sense to other people.
I use it now for business planning, content strategy, home planning, and collaborative projects. MindMapping keeps getting better and I’ll stick with MindMeister going forward.

by RobbyMM

I use MindMeister for personal and work situations. This is the best tool yet I have found to document ideas and collaborate with people when required.

On personal front, I use it whenever I want to plan and execute complex activities. For example, I wanted to remodel my bathrooms myself - a complex task involving demolition, plumbing, framing, tiling, fixtures, etc. This helped with planning and shopping.

On work front, this has reduced the number of onetime use power points we create.

by LostInTheStars

It’s not perfect - yet - but these folks have cracked the hardest part about ideation, and that’s the ability to flow in and of it. Move into execution then cycle back to ideation to iterate on good ideas to make them great. There are so many tiny integrations between Task & Maps that are just delightfully correct. Other systems are cumbersome or force you into thinking inside their paradigm. Meister apps support you and facilitate your flow, whatever that may be. Looking forward to new releases. I’m sure it gets even better from here!

by Utpaman

Without Mindmeister my mind would be a chaotic mess. It’s really a life improvement tool for a scatterbrained person like myself. I’d spend my last dollar to keep it. I have a map for ideas aligned with my business and I have a map labeled “parking garage”. Any time I have an idea that is not in alignment with my business it goes in the parking garage so it frees my mind of anything other than my business objectives which has improved my productivity 100x. Like anything, the more you do it, the easier it gets and eventually you’re laser focused.

by DaddyDevinsDigitalDoggieStyle

Our needs for mind maps are more systems and process’ based. After months of searching and testing, I’m thrilled to have come across MindMeister. It really gives a clean and formatted feel to mind mapping. The organic structure created during the mapping process allows you to revisit your ideas with less confusion later on. The ability to see maps shared by others and gain insight to research is invaluable. All maps created for our company are then shared in our process docs, this lets employees follow along with the thought process and direction of the company. Great app!

by Lorien Nemec

I love MindMapping. I keep coming back to it because it’s such an easy way to quickly jot down and organize my thoughts. I love having a global picture of my thoughts and ideas; helps soothe the anxious one who thinks I’ll forget an important detail. I also like that it’s easy to make “relationships” between thoughts, move different bits around...and one of the best things is being able to invite others via email to participate in your maps. They don’t have to have a paid account if you do; you can just send them the invite and they can edit the map with you...in real time! Yay, technology!

by DM Duffy

About a month ago, I was having a hard time connecting the dots on a few projects and their interrelatedness. Then this wonderful thought popped into my head, mind-map it! I’ve had and used MindMeister for some time, but not like this. I began to mindmap everything and the clarity that descended was and is outstanding! I love the ease of interface on every device, how everything autosaves, and that I can bring on different collaborators on different maps. I love the icons, color, task mode, presentation mode, I could go on and on. So glad I rediscovered something I was already paying for and have been able to shift my clarity and in turn, my productivity. So grateful for this awesome tool. If you’re a right brain, big picture, associative thinker, you’ve got to get MindMeister! Thank you for creating exactly what I needed. #grateful

by Dispointed!!!

Please add the future that enables to use the key board to select the topic, not only the mouse or have to use finger point with iPad. It’s really inconvenient and very uncomfortable. In addition, the new version don’t allow me to use ENTER to create a same level topic if I select the topic by touch. It means after I editing a sub topic of topic A, I couldn’t go topic A to create topic B by ENTER. I have to go to higher topic of topic A to create topic B, which is very different from the computer version. It suppose to have the same feature in order to make easy transform. In conclusion, it’s a back off and a upgrade.

by NC_grouch

I was a paid subscriber thru iTunes but after a while and lack of use, I decided I didn’t need it anymore and why pay for it? So I canceled. I had an older account thru PayPal and when I cancelled the iTunes account they just decided to go in and hit my PayPal account for the money? What the heck?? No emails, no nothing. At least PayPal sent me an email saying a payment was sent. I sent an email to these people about this and I stopped all future payments to these people. And in the future if I decide I want another Mind Mapping app, I’m willing to bet it won’t be with these people.

by TootsB

I don't know if this is a fault of the developers for MindMapping or apple's Safari not opening the link correctly but i have no way of viewing another persons mind map from safari to MindMapping . I get if I could favorite the mind map from my computer and then view it from my phone, but that defeats the purpose of MindMapping for me, which is convenience. Maybe if there were someway to open links to other mind maps in MindMapping itself

by Driftkingz

MindMapping is almost a 5 star, yet lacks one key feature that makes it slightly annoying to use. You’re not allowed to position anything wherever you want it. My mind maps usually are spread out on both sides of the main topic and have a fair bit of space between them so they’re easy to read. With this one, they’re bunched together, making the maps look cluttered and hard to read.

by WhatAmIdoing?!

I use this tool for personal and business. Mind maps help convey information in a easy to consume way (even for a new audience). The platform and app works flawlessly!
I’m used to the Desktop version and some things are more intuitive on the Desktop vs MindMapping . I like MindMapping ; only took 1 star off because I would like to be able to use the same keyboard shortcuts across Desktop and App. Overall Thumbs Up!!!

by Ppita86409

I have very specific needs for a mind mapping tool. MM Is the closest to meeting all of those needs out of numerous other products I’ve tested. A few pros: Working between ipad and windows desktop is virtually seamless. Easily locate a map with powerful search. Ability to use links in iOS version. This is the most powerful feature of MindMapping for me. I can easily add a link from Dropbox or Drive to a map which allows me to use iPad to organize and process information when away from my desk.

by MediaJolt

I've tried them all over the years, and so far MindMeister has been the best experience and easiest to use. I've created writing outlines, timelines, curriculum designs, brainstorms, and simple lists with it, and even as other contenders appear, I keep returning to this one. If there were anything I'd request, it would be the ability to focus on on a given topic. But that's nitpicking. I love MindMapping and I love the service.

by ElleBrown701

I was introduced to mind mapping a few years ago through MindMapping and since using it, I utilize mind mapping as a way to get all of the ideas that clutter my brain and overwhelm me, into a mind map! This is the absolute best app - I love that I can use it seamlessly between my computer and my iPhone! Thank you to the creators and I also appreciate the fact MindMapping is kept up to date!! Much appreciated!

by Mansonmelissa

MindMapping is easy to use on the phone and on the run. I am able to add and remove things easy. I have been able to make a mind map in very little time. I also email a copy to myself often just Incase I delete it on accident. I have not used other apps to compare it to, so far this has been the only one I have needed.

by The Beneto

As the Director of a large company I have many projects in develop and in action at a time. Many involve setting up an obscene amount of structure with many moving parts and systems development.

I am only on my third day with MindMapping but it has helped tremendously. I can quickly map out idea outlines, job progress, set and measure KPIs in a fraction of time.

I will be buying this for my entire management division tomorrow now that I see how unbelievably easy it is to sync with our calendars. Create task directly from any map with a simple drag and drop.

This is by far the most return I have ever got from a $10 app. It has saved me so much time and improved my productivity drastically.