Free Mind-Mapping Software With Easy Online Tools
Friday, February 13th, 2009
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Free Mind-Mapping Software With Easy Online Tools
- by Jim Edwards
(c) Jim Edwards - All Rights Reserved
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Ever gotten an idea or a brain storm that just wanted to burst out of your head, but you couldn’t quite get it down on paper the right way?
Ever tried to list off all the parts of a project, paper, proposal or report, but kept getting side tracked with ideas, facts and points you wanted to include, but didn’t know how to organize?
Though traditional education taught us to outline and make lists, those techniques don’t work best when it comes to fleshing out ideas and brainstorming various topics. However, a technique called “mind mapping” actually helps you drain your brain of facts, points, and topics quickly and easily.
Though mind mapping with pen and paper is not new, the introduction of software and websites to facilitate mind-mapping is a very exciting development in the world of mind-mapping.
Mind-mapping involves taking an idea and fleshing it out quickly by simply jotting down the points you want to include in whatever project.
The objective with mind mapping is not to go in-depth on any topic, but rather to get all the points out of your brain quickly so you don’t lose your train of thought. Often points listed only contain a few words, a title, a name, a number, a web address, or some other tidbit of information.
One idea sparks another and another, creating a chain of ideas you will go back to and expand later. The mind map literally creates a linked map of how all the ideas fit together and flow one to another.
Mind-mapping also enables you to draw connections between ideas that previously seemed totally unrelated. But, unlike pen and paper which require redrawing your maps, software enables you to easily shuffle your ideas around to find the best combinations, new associations, and the optimal organization.
It’s as simple as dragging and dropping with your mouse right on your screen.
If you want to get started mind-mapping quickly, and without spending hundreds of dollars on expensive software, then “Mindomo” makes a great first step.
Log on to www.Mindomo.com and register for a free account.
This online software application enables you to create, build, and export mind maps in a variety of formats. I personally used this software numerous times in the past to plan important projects and I loved it.
Though not as robust as some paid mind mapping software, Mindomo hits a home run with the basics of mind mapping and makes a great way to quickly get your feet wet with very little instruction.
Two negatives exist with Mindomo, especially with the free version.
First, you must be online to completely use the software, even with their new desktop version.
Second, your options for exporting your mind maps are extremely limited and will frustrate “power” users.
With that said, it still rates a hard look if you need a solid mind-mapping tool to get those ideas out of your head and into more concrete form.