A 100% free mind map tool that is easy-to-use yet powerful. The predefined mind map symbols, prepared templates and advanced formatting tools enable users to create mind map faster than ever. Introduction to Mind Map A mind map is a graphical representation of ideas or topics in a radial, non-linear manner. Mind maps are used to visualize. Focusing solely on mind mapping for 12 years, XMind represents our understanding of mind mapping tool. With its minimal design, smooth experience and powerful features, XMind is a powerful and easy to use mind mapping and brainstorming tool across all devices. #Beautiful and easy to use XMind mind mapping tool - Desktop-class mind mapping graphics engine (Snowbrush): ensure a fast and powerful.

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Before you can do anything with an idea, you’ve got to put it down on paper, or in some kind of a digital setting. Mind maps are perfect if you want to create visual links across your thoughts, spending minimum time on the visualization process. Let’s dive into mind mapping strategies that make it work.

What are mind maps?

Mind mapping, also called idea mapping, is a technique for capturing information and visualizing thought processes, invented by the author, speaker, and self-described brain expert, Tony Buzan.

Mind maps can be used to aid learning, to present information, or as a tool for brainstorming and developing ideas. Every thought map has a visual element to it, allowing you to make connections, remember links, and spark new ideas.

What is a mind map that actually helps you reach your goals? Depending on why you need to visualize ideas, these might be the answers:

• For entrepreneurs, a mind map is a tool for planning and presenting projects, estimating the benefits of a business plan, and drawing conclusions. It gives you the scope to identify challenges and roadblocks, map various aspects of the journey, and plan your next steps.
• An extensive visualization helps students and academics thoroughly explore the topics they are working on.
• Whether you’re working or studying, a mind map is a good way to train focus and concentration.
• The technique is also appreciated by creators — like painters and writers, while it helps create new things in non-boring settings.

Mind mapping rules

Well, we just said mind mapping is pretty much about creating amidst chaos. That’s true. But only in case the chaos is based on the rules that work. Every mind mapping tool covers a set of instruments, which define the rules of the game. But there are also those you can use with any software to visualize ideas more effectively:

Rule 1: Always put the main idea in the center of your screen. No matter what shape your mind map embraces, the main thought will be easier to discover if it lays at the core.

Rule 2: Use short phrases in extensive mind maps. Whenever possible, replace text with symbols, emojis, or illustrations.

Rule 3: Personalize connections. For instance, MindNode app allows to use contrastive styles for different nodes, and even enable Smart Layout to organize connections in the best way.

Rule 4: Build hierarchies of meaning. Some ideas will definitely prevail over the others. Make sure your mind map reflects that. If the tool you’re using doesn’t allow hierarchical organization, vary the size of words, font styles, or use different colors.

Rule 5: Use tools with note-taking functionality for studying. Short phrases won’t be enough if you need to visualize the events of World War I. For such purposes, get an e-reader like MarginNote, or any other digital tool with the support of extensive note-taking.

How to mind map

You can create a mind map by hand. If possible, use a large piece of paper, either on a flipchart or white board, if you want to make changes before committing your thoughts to something more permanent.

However, the only good way to track the evolution of your ideas — how they change and grow into something bigger — is via mind map apps. These tools enable you to generate and visualize thoughts, without worrying about the form. You can always change, edit, remove, connect, add mind map images, etc.

If you don’t know where to start, apps like XMind, MindNode, and iThoughtsX come with extensive visual functionality and the ability to share with others and yourself. Each of the tools has its own methods to organize and connect ideas, but they all work if you need to start documenting with minimum fuss. MarginNote will do a good job with notes, while they don’t limit you on the amount of text you should use. As a nice perk, the described apps are available on Setapp — so there’s no need to choose one. You can use them all to create beautiful visual mind maps.

But first, think about the process. Let's start with a quick guide on how to draw mind maps.

Step 1. Create your central idea

Every mind map starts with a central idea. That can be a topic you want to explore, the theme for a presentation, or an idea you want to develop. Start with brainstorming before beginning to draw.

Your central idea - main goal or challenge - should be represented visually, in the center of your mind map, in a way that grabs attention and makes it clear what you're describing. It can either sit at the left of your mind map, with branches expanding in front, above and below it, or it can be right in the middle of the page, with branches expanding from all directions.

Notice: XMind calls it a topic, but it's the same thing. It's automatically placed on the page when you open a new blank document. Double-click the text to rename it with your central idea.

Step 2. Add top-level themes

Think about your goal or challenge from the highest level.

What are the key, the driving elements to what you are trying to achieve?

If you are creating a marketing strategy, for example, your top themes wouldn't include social media, blogs, and landing pages. You would start with the message and audience (who are they, personas, etc.), and other key themes to consider, before diving into the detail.

In the same way that working on an academic paper involves understanding the key questions to answer after you've done the background reading to give you a top-level overview of the subject. Start with the big ticket items, then move into the detail.

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To create a secondary node, or sub-topic as XMind calls it, click on the central topic and tap the Tab key. To add more sub-topics, keep tabbing with the central node selected. To add topics branching off the sub-topics, click on a sub-topic and hit Tab. These steps work for all popular mind mapping tools.

In the mind mappers you can change the shape of the node, as well as its color and the thickness of its border. You can also change the font, color, weight, case, and size of the text.

Step 3. Sub-branches and notes

Here is where you outline the smaller details, e.g. how you answer the big questions and what methods you use to achieve your marketing plan objectives.

Don’t worry if every branch of the mind map fills up with with a lot of ideas. You don't have to implement everything you write down. Mind maps are a chance to unlock what is possible before focusing on the implementation element of the plan.

And if having lots of notes is, actually, your goal, you need a note-taking app. In MarginNote, you’ll be able to analyze huge pieces of information — yes, books work as well — while adding annotations and capturing notes on the go.

Remember we said earlier that the visual elements of a mind map are important? Here's where you add them. Almost all mind mapping tools have a collection of clip art and icons you can add to your mind map. Also, you can add any image you like, provided it's stored on your Mac. With MindNote, you can instantly jump into Photos, pick the image, and adjust it to the size and format of the nodes — right in the mind map.

Then, add some information about a topic — notes, keywords, and phrases — like who assigned to complete the task and when it must be completed. Images are great for conveying a message, but sometimes you need to add more detail.

#3: Greater than the sum of its parts

A finished mind map should outline all of the ways you could achieve the answer/solve the problem at the centre of the map. It doesn't mean you will do everything written down; but this should prove a useful starting point. Everything on the mind map should lead back to the core theme.

You can now add more topics and add images and other details to them to flesh out your mind map. As well as the elements we've discussed, you can add markers to each topic, such as a day of the week icon, a progress meter, or a priority badge. Using icons and images in this way is a great way of conveying detail in your mind map without adding too much text. Don't be afraid to experiment with themes and colors. Remember, the idea is to make it stand out and be visually stunning!

From the various threads and sub-threads of the idea, should emerge a solution, or series of steps that you and anyone else involved can implement. The most effective mind maps lead to actionable outcomes, which is a sign of a positive mind mapping session.

The most well-known mind mapping tools give you the flexibility of sharing mind maps. iThoughtsX is one of the best in this regard. The app allows you to print the mind map, export it in one of many supported file formats, or press the share button to share it on social media, the web, or by email. And cloud integration allows you to sync, view and edit mind maps online, on your Mac, iPad or iPhone so that you can brainstorm on the move! Basically, anything that you want to achieve with your mind map, can be done here.

With tools, available on Setapp, you've got the ability to create visually appealing mind maps, upload documents and files, and sync between devices and other people involved in the project. At the creative stage of any project is an exciting opportunity to imagine everything that is possible. A mind map is one of the most effective ways to unlock your problem solving capabilities and visualize a way forward.

Questions and answers

Why is mind mapping better than taking notes?

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It’s not, actually. For some projects and tasks, you need to capture the ideas and expand on them, or analyze a large piece of information. That’s where note-taking is enough. Mind maps will work better for brainstorming sessions or any types of activities where you have to come up with ideas.

If I create a mind map on Mac, will it look distorted on mobile?

The bigger your mind map grows, the more squeezing and scrolling you have to do. You don’t have to worry about mobile resolution, though. The majority of mind mapping apps — including those mentioned in the article — have their iOS counterparts.

Are there any visual thinking guides that help me create better mind maps?

Check out Dan Roam’s approach to visual clarity. He’s an inspiring teacher when it comes to transforming ideas into visuals. If you use an advanced mind mapping app, it will guide you through the process. For instance, MindNode has one of the most extensive sticker libraries. So you’ll have many choices on how to replace text with visuals.

How many branches/sub-branches can I add in a mind map?

The sky’s the limit. Or, rather, clarity is the limit. In XMind and MindNode, you can add as many branches as you like — just make sure they don’t block up the others.

Is there a universal tool that handles mind maps of any complexity?

Or two on the upper part of the screen and one below? While your Mac only offers you a fullscreen or split-screen option, why not have three apps in a row? Software aoc e1659fwu for mac.

Most of them do. Your goal is to align the tool and the purpose. If your desired output is a collection of notes you can use for study, a book summary, or an extensive article analysis, MarginNote is perfect. For visual projects, XMind, iThoughtsX, and MindNode will cover the needs.

Make your Mac invincible

Here's an app kit that will turn your academic life into a pleasant bearable experience. When you have the right tools, it's so much easier to score those A's. Get published, get a Nobel prize in math, get a favorable comment from your supervisor (in that order). You can do anything because academia is the true land of opportunity.

You can have all these apps as a part of Setapp subscription.

Best apps for students

Download Setapp and get access to handpicked apps for studying. Hack your way through college.

Manuscripts: Academic document manager

Manuscripts knows what it means to write a proper paper. Handling footnotes, annotations, references, restructuring, and editing is unbelievably easy. Everything is a click away and, unlike in Word processors, all formatting is intuitive and painless. With Manuscripts it even seems (briefly) like the style guides weren't invented to make you suffer.

Prizmo: Image to text converter

Prizmo is the best for scanning and performing OCR (Optical Character Recognition ) in 23 languages, has powerful editing capability, text-to-speech, iCloud support, and translation into 59 languages.

You can convert printed documents, photocopies of text documents, text on the images, scanned documents, and screenshots – whatever you want – into digital text. It allows to effortlessly extract and share text directly in the camera view, search for or edit your document.

Prizmo has editing tools to correct warping, skewness and other distortions. For multipage documents or multiple text documents, the software offers batch OCR functionality to speed the process.

PDFpen: Robust PDF editing

Is anyone still buying hard copies of textbooks these days? When it comes to cramming, PDF is way more convenient (weighs less at least). And with PDFpen, you also get the freedom to tweak your docs in any way imaginable – from editing text to merging multiple PDFs into one test prep package. Redaction functionality is a nice perk as well: if you’re often tempted to check solutions to exercises in your textbook, PDFpen covers them up, so that you concentrate on tasks.

MarginNote: A non-boring way to read and learn

Out of all the apps for studying and completing assignments, MarginNote is the most fun. Whenever your relationship with a textbook gets complicated, the app is there to save the day. The ultimate e-reading expert, MarginNote adapts to your study habits: you can choose your perfect annotation mode, outline and mindmap, or turn notes into flashcards. No more humdrum courses – as soon as you start using MarginNote, your study plan will be nothing short of awesome.

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MathKey: Translating words into math expressions

If you’re dealing with math documents and reports, you’ll want to get your hands on MathKey. The app converts your handwriting to LaTeX, MathML, or a perfectly formatted image. Write an equation with your mouse or TrackPad and hit the Convert button – it’s that easy. You can also apply various colors to formulas and images.

Be Focused: Smart timer for productive work

Be Focused is a work timer that uses psychology to keep you on task. If know yourself to be easily distracted, this app is your jam. It's created for the ultimate work-break balance, which is essential if you want to stay sane through the semester. Set daily goals and move towards them at a steady pace, controlled by the fun interface with a classic 'pomodoro' timer.

Instant Translate: Quick translator with 100 languages

If Google's Translate kind of bums you out with its inaccuracy, try Mate (Instant Translate). It's way more powerful and can correctly translate phrases and sentences with its new feature 'Phrasebook.' It even has speech translation if you're in a hurry and typing seems tedious. 104 languages, a history of translations, and an easy access from the menu bar.

Studies: Storage for info, schedules, and memos

When you take on the next project, it all starts with notes. You probably have a pack of subject-related notes stashed somewhere on your Mac and it's a pain to find the ones you need when you need them. Studies solves this issue with elegance: it gives you separate and comfortable niches for each subject, there's a space for images and screenshots alongside text notes, and a schedule with statistics data on classes. So good.

MoneyWiz: Personal finance manager to track your expenses

You should be thinking about your next scientific breakthrough, not heating bills. Let MoneyWiz take care of money matters for you: a single setup and a single input of all your regular bills, and you'll never forget to pay anything. MoneyWiz will send you reminders, plan your monthly budget, even predict your future expenses for the nearest period (if you feel like looking into that).

Ulysses: Professional writing app

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Even if your plans go as far as dissertation, Ulysses is where you should write it. This app is favored by writers and bloggers, it's distraction-free and highly reliable. It allows you to focus on writing, quickly export finished work as a PDF or an ebook, and enjoy the process way more than with the usual doc-like services.

Aeon Timeline: Project management app

When you feel overwhelmed by the number of important items in the project, by the subtasks and milestones, open Aeon Timeline and put all of it in there. Aeon gives you a bird's-eye view of the whole project and lets you easily orient among its parts. You'll never miss anything important and your beautiful research will form easily, chapter by chapter.

Findings: Experiment and research notebook

If your academic endeavours include conducting experiments and keeping protocols, Findings is simply indispensable. It's a whole toolset of notes and indicators that allows you to keep track of anything and measure everything. From Physics to Sociology, it covers all processes and nuances. Cross-sectional, longitude, with multiple sampling and fifty variables? Ez pz.

TaskPaper: To-do list to have tasks at hand

Deep down you know that your memory did not undergo that tedious evolutionary process to cope with dry cleaning and groceries. Your mind is made for higher levels. That's why when it comes to routine, to-do lists are life saviors and should be used at all times. And TaskPaper is a perfect example: it has the simplicity of a sticker note, the search of a smart engine, and the cleanest interface.

XMind: Mind map for idea generation

Whenever you feel bubbling with ideas, use XMind. It's a brainstorming and idea-gathering tool. Visualise every possible solution or see how many studies refer to a specific topic. It's a fast and clear way to approach a complex subject and understand the big picture. And when it comes to drawing conclusions, mindmapping is a magic well of insights.

Every app on this list is available as a part of Setapp subscription and we have an Educational discount for a whole year. Try it out and see the difference a good toolset makes in studying.