The most popular formats for inter-operation between different mapping tools are FreeMind, MindManager and Xmind. Or – if the publisher of your desktop software has not produced a mobile version – you’d best look for an app that can import and export files in a format that your existing software can read. Personal Faves is the best place to start in that case. If you already use a desktop mapper, you’ll probably want to find a mobile version of the same software. There are two sections here – Personal Faves and the Mobile Master List. Most have some personal observations – some drawn from experience, others by looking at available on-line information. The entries quote each publisher with an extract from the apps iTunes or Google Play page for the app. You may be as surprised as I was at just how many there are in Google Play and the Apple iTunes App Store. Here then is an almost complete view* across the apps that can make mind maps and concept maps on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. The field now deserves a comprehensive look as more and more of us do at least some of our mapping ‘on the run’ so this is a total re-write. This piece first went online in early 2010 and plenty has changed since then.

Ithoughts vs simplemind pro