Sometimes the most difficult part of completing a project, whether it is a homework assignment or a business presentation, is just getting started. Inspiration 8 takes some of the stress out of staring at a blank sheet of paper, by letting you brainstorm and free associate until you hit that aha! moment.

An icon-based Inspiration Starter screen lets you choose where you want to begin. You can choose Diagram or Outline mode, open an existing file, open one of the built-in templates or check out the training files and examples.

Diagram mode thoughtfully includes a Main Idea symbol in the middle of the screen, so you don't have to face a totally blank page. You can rename the idea to suit your target, and then start playing with the shape tools and symbols. One of the biggest failings of previous versions of Inspiration was a limited symbol library. Inspiration 8 solves this problem, with a built-in symbol library of more than 1,000 high-resolution black-and-white and color symbols, divided into 15 subject areas. You can also add custom symbols and create custom symbol libraries, as well as download additional symbols from the Inspiration Software web site, which contains more than 1 million illustrations and photographs.

Inspiration uses a well-organized interface that is similar to many drawing and painting programs. Adding boxes and other shapes, text or symbols to a diagram is a simple drag-and-drop process. Clicking a symbol in the scrollable symbol library inserts it into the diagram. You can easily click and drag items to rearrange them, or make them larger or smaller, things you can't do when scribbling on a piece of paper. You can create links between items, as well as add hyperlinks to web pages, email addresses or other Inspiration documents. The Note feature lets you add a sticky note to an item, if you want to jot down some thoughts without actually including them in the main diagram. Switching to Outline mode provides a text-based version of your diagram that you can print for reference, or use to reorganize or further develop your ideas.


Pros: Interface is well organized and easy to navigate. Includes a large symbol library, with many additional symbols available for downloading
Cons: No drawing tools. Concept mapping isn't an intuitive process for everyone