XMind - Mind Mapping program

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[Moderator note: Edraw Mind Map was moved to its own thread.]

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Xmind is up to 3.3.1 ... looks mostly like a bugfix release:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Office-too ... MIND.shtml

I also merged the two XMind threads into one.

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Program update: v. 3.4.0 is out

• 10 new templates, additional styles
• Local Network Sharing
• New Export Feature

Changelog:
http://www.softpedia.com/progChangelog/ ... 72524.html

XMind Entry: http://www.portablefreeware.com/index.php?id=1732

[webfork]

How to save time downloading XMind

1. Launch Free Download Manager and click the blue download button
2. Paste the ZIP file link in the URL window and click OK
3. When prompted, uncheck the following folders:
   
   
   
   Note: if you do not have Java installed on your system, leave the "jre" folder checked.

As of version 3.5.2, there was a savings of 44 megs.  Note that for compatibility reasons, the ZIP file may continue to show as full size, but actual download time is reduced by 1/3rd.


To save space on your machine

Simply run AppCompactor on the program folder. Note that this may slow program launch time slightly.

[webfork]

I've been testing out the Xmind beta and saw a unique interface feature: a search component in the Preferences menu:

Normal:


Something entered into the search menu:


It's not quite there as it doesn't find all terms available in the menu (e.g. backup) but it's still a great idea.

[webfork]

hamasaki poined out in forums that the program no longer adequately hides the Pro functions if you disable that in the Options.

I sent them a note:

When you go through the menu and select Edit - Preferences - XMind Pro and check Hide Plus/Pro features, only some pro features disappear. There are still several in the menu system that remain (Iconfinder in the Window menu, presentation icon on the top-right of the window).

Certainly you want to remind users that there are additional "pro" tools available but I think there's a better way to do that. Some possibilities include;

* Having a hints popup with tips and tricks and an "if you upgrade to pro" section, as well as a "do not show again" checkbox
* "Why upgrade?" "Try pro for 30 days" or just an upgrade button linking to a feature list and maybe something in the Help menu to convey that.

Please please please no animation. Those are super distracting. I think Adobe Acrobat free did that for a while and it was awful. It's the complete antithesis to a mindmapping program.

... and updated the entry.