ConceptDraw MindMap 5 is currently available free. Here are the details -
(Note: I am a fan and user of the comprehensive Mindjet MindManager, so can’t give you a run-down of the features of ConceptDraw, but for those of you looking for a free mindmap creation application, I would suggest you may find this one very helpful).
Originally offered via the Digital Inspirations Blog (where you can see a screenshot of ConceptDraw MindMap), who also got it from a Mac Forum – where the forum post mentioned a Mac Magazine, ConceptDraw has been offering this version via several CD inserts to many magazines lately. The free license and software was also recently blogged on Lifehacker. This is a legitimate offer of free software as a marketing device, to find new customers for ConceptDraw.
It should be pointed out that free software this time – ConceptDraw MindMap 5 – is a prior release.
On ConceptDraw’s website you can currently download and purchase MindMap 6 (with a going rate of $200!), so 5 is the release prior this, however if you don’t mind working with this prior release – which still gives you plenty of features, then this is an excellent opportunity, and you should get in quickly to follow it up.
The free license key works on both Mac and Windows versions also. Here are the links for you -
- ConceptDraw MindMap overview page – for a general feature tour.
- Windows Download for MindMap 5 – this is via cnet.
- Mac Download for MindMap 5 – this is via brothersoft.
- Auto-generator for license / serial key – on the ConceptDraw website.
On the auto-generator form, input your details including a correct email address. The form will then give you your unique license key, and you should receive this at your email address also.
Once you have downloaded the correct platform version of ConceptDraw, run the install.exe. On the first time opening the program, a window should present itself, asking for details – your name, email address and key registration. This will open up all the features and functions of the product.
That’s as far as I got with ConceptDraw, as I said – I’m a Mindject MindManager lover. But the features inside certainly look comprehensive, and mindmanaging to organise your life, your hobbies, and your writing is something I thoroughly recommend – plus it’s fun designing with bubbles!
Watch out shortly as I attempt to organise a top-level novel outline via MindMaps.
These posts may also be of interest:
October 29th, 2008 at 2:03 am
Michelle – Thanks for the tip about ConceptDraw MindMap 5. I’ve been trying out different mind mapping software products for the past few days and had pretty much settled on MindJet MindManager Pro 7, but was reluctant due to the high cost. I tried MindMap 5 after reading your articles and I LIKE it. So far it does everything that I want it to do (save labeling relationships) that MindManager Pro 7 did (for a lot more money), and all for free.
I should add that the version linked to above (5.0 is a bit buggy – wouldn’t ‘activate’ properly in Vista and crashed in both XP and Vista when I performed a particular operation). However, the support folks at the ConceptDraw site are giving away an upgrade to 5.5 (see http://community.conceptdraw.com/showthread.php?tid=3560), which so far seems 100% stable AND runs properly in Vista.
Thanks again,
Greg
Greg’s last blog post..MindMapping to Prepare for a Novel