Bubbl.us

A browser based tool for mapping ideas

This online mind mapping tool captures ideas and connects them visually. Nothing needs downloading, because it works in the browser and behaves the same way on a phone and on a desktop computer. The company calls itself a solid, independent software business that started in 2006 and has grown organically since, and it says the tool has reached millions of people, among them writers, musicians, teachers, professionals and entrepreneurs.

Keeping the editor out of the way

The company puts weight on avoiding distraction while brainstorming. The interface keeps the number of visible buttons to a minimum, so that a user can stay on task and capture thoughts quickly. A new map can be started instantly, and the site offers example maps and ready-made templates for people who would rather begin from a structure than from a blank page.

What people build

Typical uses named in the company's material include taking notes, planning goals, improving study skills and organizing thoughts. The tool is also pitched for making family trees, flow charts and organizational charts, and the site describes virtual whiteboards for working through concepts, project plans and visual learning.

Working with others

Maps can be shared with a link or sent to social media. Colleagues or classmates can edit the same map at once, whether in a classroom or a business meeting, and see each change straight away. A one click presentation mode takes a map to full screen, which lets a group walk through ideas without rebuilding them in slides.

Getting work out

Finished maps can be saved as JPG or PNG images or as text, and can be printed on one page or spread across several. The combination of export, sharing and presentation features is what the company offers to people who need the map to leave the screen and reach other people.

Bubbl.us is an online mind mapping application for capturing ideas and linking them visually. It runs in the browser with nothing to download, on both phones and computers. The company describes itself as an independent software business.

What Bubbl.us offers

• Mind maps: build maps, family trees, flow charts and organisation charts.
• Real-time collaboration: several people edit the same map and see changes at once.
• Sharing: send a link or post to social media.
• Export and print: save as JPG, PNG or text, or print across pages.
• Presentation mode: show a map full screen with one click.
• AI ideas: generate suggestions to start a map.

Who it works with

Students, teachers, writers, professionals and teams using maps for notes, planning and meetings. Team accounts allow several users to be managed together.

Key facts

• Founded: 2006.
• Hosting: Amazon Web Services.
• Format: browser only.