t creatively.
Once you understand how to make notes in the Mind Map format, you can develop your own conventions to take them further, just like the way I use this when start up.
- Use single words or simple phrases for information.
Most words in normal writing are padding: They convey facts in the correct context, and in a format that is pleasant to read. In your own Mind Maps, single strong words and meaningful phrases can convey the same meaning more potently. Excess words just clutter the Mind Map.
- Print words.
Joined up or indistinct writing can be more difficult to read.
- Use color to separate different ideas.
This will help you to separate ideas where necessary. It also makes your Mind Map easier to remember. Color also helps to show the organization of the subject.
- Use symbols and images.
Where a symbol or picture means something to you, use it. Pictures can help you to remember information more effectively than words.
- Using cross-linkages.
Information in one part of the Mind Map may relate to another part. Here you can draw in lines to show the cross-linkages. This helps you to see how one part of the subject connects with another.
Which is the best tools for mind mapping?
What’s “best” depends so much on how you use mind maps. Some people use them for study, some for planning projects, some for organizing information, some for sparking ideas and facilitating brainstorming sessions, some for planning the writing of a report or blog. Some mindmap alone, others mindmap in groups. Most of us probably do all of these from time to time, so we need a quiver full of arrows to choose from.
So, it could be up to you. Every tools are great if you know how to do. There are several software products available for mind mapping. I personally use MindManager on my desktop computer and have also used it on my Windows XP laptop.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of good options in this area. Here are 30+ very powerful mind mapping tools (applications & web services) that you can use for brainstorming, strategizing, project planning, and even for managing tasks.
MindMeister is by far the most simplistic mind mapping tool in the top five, but its simplicity is definitely an asset. Once you’re logged into the service, you can create a fully functional mind map using little more than the directional arrows and the Insert key to add new nodes to your map. Additional customizations like font size and node colors are available for when you want to go beyond the basics. In the upper right corner is a navigation window, handy for when your mind maps become larger than the display space.
Exporting is also a strong point for MindMeister; you can export your files to a text outline, PDF, JPG, PNG, or GIF. MindMeister’s history function lets you view past versions of your mind map and revert to them if you desire. You can share your maps for public collaboration or hand-select collaborators.
02. Mindjet MindManager
Mindjet MindManager isn’t cheap by any means, but you get more than your share of value and sophistication for the hundreds you spend on the program. The interface and feature set of MindManager are very polished, and the primary menus are set up like the Microsoft Office Ribbon. After the initial installation, MindManager walks you through the creation of a sample mind map—helpful both to familiarize you with the interface but also to show you features you may have overlooked.
MindManager is definitely oriented towards corporate environments, including extensive integration with the Office suite and support for linking your mind maps directly into common database formats like MySQL and Access.
XMind is the kind of free application that makes you forget you’re not paying for the privilege of using it. The interface is simple and intuitive to use. You can quickly move through your entire mind map with only a handful of keystrokes or jump over to the outline view for even quicker navigation.
In addition to a basic mind map you can also create fishbone, organizational, tree, and logic charts. You can export charts as HTML, ima