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Mind mapping (Mindmap) is a widely adopted note-taking method across various fields. Compared to traditional note-taking, it enhances your ability to analyze, synthesize, memorize, and generate new ideas. So, what is mind mapping, and how can you create mind maps online? This article from Mytour Blog has the answers!
What is Mind Mapping?
Mind mapping is a note-taking method that leverages information processing by structuring it with concise language and visual imagery. This approach facilitates easy, quick, and long-lasting access and memorization of information by the brain.
Mind maps consist of a central theme/keyword at the core and develop into smaller branches containing various content and images.
Utilizing mind maps helps users save time and effort. Through vivid language, symbols, imagery, and vibrant colors, mind maps aid in memorizing information in a specific sequence, fostering an engaging learning and working environment.
Mind maps are a note-taking method using concise language and visual imagery (Source: Mytour)Effective Techniques for Drawing Mind Maps
Drawing a mind map is a valuable skill that helps you memorize, comprehend, and innovate information. Practice regularly to enhance your mind mapping skills. Refer to the steps below for more effective mind mapping!
Step 1: Identify the Topic and Objective
The first step is to clearly identify the topic and objective of the mind map. The topic is the main issue you want to present, while the objective is what you aim to achieve. Clearly defining the topic and objective will guide the content and structure of the mind map.
Step 2: Draw the Topic in the Center
Next, write the main topic of the mind map in the center of the paper or screen. You can use images to highlight the main topic.
Step 3: Draw Primary Branches
From the main topic, draw primary branches, including key ideas related to that topic. Primary branches should be connected to the main topic with straight lines.
Step 4: Draw Secondary and Tertiary Branches
From the primary branches, draw secondary and tertiary branches, including sub-ideas related to the main ideas. Connect secondary and tertiary branches to their respective primary branches with lines.
Step 5: Add Color and Illustrations
Using color and illustrations will make the mind map more vivid and understandable. You can use color to differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary branches, or use images to represent ideas.
Here are some tips for effective mind map drawing:
- Use concise keywords to capture information.
Guide on how to draw an effective mind map (Source: Mytour)Some Beautiful and Simple Mind Map Examples
Here are some examples to help you organize information logically, beautifully, and easily:
- Circle Map: Consists of a small circle inside and a larger circle outside. The larger circle includes supporting ideas for the main topic.
Circle Map consists of a small circle inside and a larger circle outside (Source: Mytour)- Bubble Map: Includes a central circle containing the main topic and bubbles around it with additional ideas that enhance the meaning of the central theme.
Bubble Map consists of a central circle containing the main topic (Source: Mytour)- Double Bubble Map: Combines two bubble maps, featuring two main topics and circles to identify similarities and differences between two different fields or themes. It is used to compare concepts, objects, aiding comprehensive evaluation before making decisions.
Double Bubble Map is a combination of two bubble maps (Source: Mytour)- Tree Map: Designed like an unlimited-branching tree. Tree Map is widely used in education for its concise and understandable organization. In professional settings, this type of diagram is employed for planning and listing tasks.
Tree Map is commonly used in education (Source: Mytour)Top 10 Free Online Mind Mapping Software
Mind mapping, traditionally reserved for students, has evolved into a versatile technique applicable across all fields. The following 10 free online mind mapping tools are designed for a faster and more memorable experience.
Smartdraw
Smartdraw stands out as a professional tool for creating intricate mind maps and charts. With its pre-designed templates, swiftly and effortlessly generate complex diagrams. The graphic design tools in Smartdraw empower users to customize and craft unique designs effortlessly.
Smartdraw is a professional tool for creating mind maps and charts (Source: Mytour)TheBrain
TheBrain is widely used for its free features across multiple platforms. The software provides essential tools for constructing branches in the diagram systematically. It also synchronizes data when logged in from different devices, facilitating users in task management and enhancing knowledge retention.
TheBrain is a free mind mapping tool available on multiple platforms (Source: Mytour)Blumind
Blumind is the solution that helps users link tasks and information through key keywords. This online drawing software is designed for Windows, featuring an easy-to-use interface for editing. Users can insert links, videos, and images as needed, and save their work in various formats such as PNG, JPG, GIF, TXT.
Blumind can be saved in various formats such as PNG, JPG, GIF, TXT... (Source: Mytour)Xmind
With fast processing speed and minimal design, Xmind is increasingly popular. This mind mapping software supports various topic formats and easily shares to PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote.
Xmind mind mapping software offers fast processing speed and a minimal design (Source: Mytour)Freeplane
Freeplane is user-friendly mind mapping software suitable for both Windows and macOS users. It allows customization of components, colors, icons, based on available templates, and can be saved in desired formats.
Freeplane allows customization of components based on available templates (Source: Mytour)Edraw Mind Map
Creating a mind map is easier with Edraw Mind Map, especially for beginners. Edraw Mind Map offers numerous unique diagram templates and smart features, making it easy to organize information and knowledge in just a few steps.
Edraw Mind Map offers numerous unique diagram templates and smart features (Source: Mytour)Novamind
If you struggle to remember important content, let Novamind synthesize information in an easy-to-remember diagram. Novamind supports both learning and managing tasks or short-term planning.
Novamind software supports both learning and task management (Source: Mytour)MindArchitect
MindArchitect is a simple and fast diagramming tool that is compatible with both Windows and macOS. It allows creating unlimited-sized diagrams and saving them in various formats.
MindArchitect is simple online mind mapping software (Source: Mytour)Ayoa (iMindMap)
Ayoa combines Task Management features with iMindMap – a popular diagramming tool. Using this software, users are guided to create detailed, clear diagrams with intelligent tracking, and task assignment tools. Ayoa helps users collaborate more effectively.
Ayoa is a combination of Task Management features and iMindMap (Source: Mytour)ConceptDraw Mindmap
ConceptDraw Mindmap is software that integrates with Microsoft Office and Evernote. Additionally, users can publish and share mind maps as PDF documents, images, or other formats. ConceptDraw Mindmap provides numerous templates for quick and convenient diagram creation and customization.
Download ConceptDraw Mindmap here
ConceptDraw Mindmap offers a variety of templates for quick and easy diagram creation and customization (Source: Mytour)Above, Mytour has suggested the top 10 free and user-friendly online mind mapping software. Hopefully, this sharing proves helpful for your study and work. Mytour has many more articles on this topic, so visit regularly for more insightful content!
