AnnaMarie Houlis
Even if you don’t know what mind mapping is, chances are that you’ve used a mind map before. Mind mapping is a powerful technique that helps you visually develop your ideas and organize information.
Mind maps often look like trees with a bunch of branches. They expand (or grow) as your ideas do. Each branch breaks down and categorizes the topic into subtopics. So the end result is a structured hierarchy of information laid out in a clean visual journey that flows and is easy to follow.
You can use mind maps to help you unpack those ah-ha light bulbs that go off in your head. You can also use these structured visuals to study already existing information by breaking down topics into more digestible compartments.
You can make mind maps as colorful and use as many graphics as you’d like. Some are very elaborate, but others are super simple. Either way, mind maps exist to help you untangle the mumbo-jumbo in your mind.
Learn more about how to make mind maps and about some of the savviest software out there to help you.
What Can I Use Mind Mapping For?
You can use mind mapping for a whole bunch of tasks. For many people, mind mapping is like doing a big mind dump. Sometimes, just getting your thoughts and ideas on paper is helpful in and of itself.
Of course, organizing all of the information with a mind map is even more beneficial.
Here are some of the many ways you can use mind mapping:
- Developing or brainstorming a new idea
- Conceptualizing a new product or service
- Understanding an unfamiliar topic
- Creating a character
- Organizing recipes
- Building a business plan
- Setting personal goals for yourself
- Managing meets with more efficiency
- Planning written assignments
- Lesson planning for educators
- Carving the path to climb in your career
- Establishing a budgeting plan
- Studying a specific subject
In other words, you can use mind mapping for everything from the serious stuff to the small stuff.
Anything you want to do that requires a lot of thought could probably benefit from a mind map. A mind map provides you with an expansive flow to support your thinking.
5 Easy Steps to Make a Mind Map
We can talk about how great mind maps are all day. But how do you make a mind map that actually helps you do great things?
Here are five simple steps to make a mind map that works:
1. Don’t over-complicate your mind map.
Mind maps are meant to simplify things for you. You don’t need to go crazy with it. That doesn’t mean don’t over-compartmentalize. But it does mean do use simple and concise language that’s easy to read and follow.
2. Start with the main topic, and go from there.
First things first, start with the main topic. It’s important to note that you might think you have the main topic, but really consider whether or not that topic is actually even broader. Write your main topic in the middle of the map.
An example might be “My Dream Wedding.” From there, you’ll draw branches that lead to subtopics like “venues,” which could further break down into the pros and cons of each venue. This is just one example!
3. Make sure to use short keywords.
As you break down your topic into subtopics, make sure to use words that are quick and concise. A mind map is a visual tool that should be super simple to look at. You don’t want to be reading long lines for each branch. Instead, the keywords should jump out to you so you can look at the whole mind map holistically when you’re done.
4. Use visuals and color.
Visuals and color can help improve your memory retention. Therefore, incorporating graphics or logos or different colors into different sections of your mind map can help you familiarize yourself with it.
5. Attach notes to your mind map.
Your mind map should be visually appealing that it’s short, sweet and to the point. However, you can attach longer notes to your branches by linking to other documents or research files. This way, you don’t clutter the map with a whole bunch of text, but you have easy, organized access to go into much more depth.
Tips for Making a Mind Map
Mind maps exist to help you, so don’t over complicate them. Here are some tips to help mind maps help you.
- Use simple language that you understand at first glance.
- Use visuals like color codes, symbols or graphics to enhance your mind map.
- Make sure your mind map makes logical sense, which may mean using chronological order, prioritization or another method of organizing each item.
- Attach your longer notes instead of writing them down on the map itself.
- Don’t feel glued to your structure. Remember that you can rearrange it if it makes more sense another way.
5 Best Mind Mapping Software Tools in 2023
While you can certainly draw a mind map on a napkin or create one in a document on your laptop, there are actually software tools to help you make mind maps.
These mind map tools make mind mapping even simpler—and they add so much flair so you can really get creative with your mind map.
Here are five of our favorite mind mapping software tools in 2023.
1. ClickUp
ClickUp is a popular mind map tool that claims to be one app that exists to “replace them all.” You can create tasks, draw on whiteboards, set goals for yourself and even create regular shared documents. And ClickUp Mind Maps allow you to draw connections between tasks and ideas and map out workflows with drag-and-drop nodes.
You can even use ClickUp AI to write notes for you, simplify your language, summarize your points, fix spelling and more.
Pros
- Artificial intelligence to help you improve efficiencies
- Easy drag-and-drop interface
- Two different types of mind maps: task-based or node-based
- Ability to manage tasks directly from the mind map
- Add links to tasks from your mind map
- Easily convert nodes into trackable tasks
- Share your mind map with others
Cons
- ClickUp is only free for personal use and then ranges from $7 to $19 per month, depending on your team size.
- To upgrade, you need to upgrade your entire workspace (so all members).
- ClickUp isn’t a strictly mind-mapping tool, so other features might feel overwhelming if you just want a simple solution.
2. XMind
XMind is a mind-mapping app that does exactly what it says: helps you mind map. It compares itself to a Swiss Army Knife, offering a complete toolset for thinking and creating outside the box.
You can easily capture your ideas by writing them down freely or using pre-set structures. From there, you can use drag-and-drop lines to connect subtopics and organize your thoughts. You can even use color themes and explore different styles to customize your mind map.
Pros
- Customizable with color themes and various styles
- Various mind map structures from which to choose to help you get started
- Ability to seamlessly switch between structures with just one click
- Ability to “express different minds in one map” by combining multiple structures on the same branch
- XMind is an app that’s specifically for mind mapping, so it’s not overcrowded with other unnecessary tools and features
Cons
- It’s not free! It will cost you $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year.
- For any commercial use, you must upgrade to Xmind Pro.
3. MindManager
MindManager allows you to easily capture your ideas and transform them into actionable plans with more than mind maps; you can also create flowcharts and timelines. Thanks to all of these, you can easily plan and manage projects, compile research and define processes.
MindManager comes with a web version and multiple levels, whether you’re using it for personal or professional use. Tons of big-name companies use it, including P&G and conEdison.
Pros
- Free trial
- Ability to tack on MindManager add-ons
- Option to choose between various diagram types, from mind maps to concept maps, Gantt charts and more
- Find helpful resources in the Resource Center, watch videos, attend webinars and more
Cons
- MindManager is a more expensive option, costing a couple hundred, depending on the tier.
- The cheapest version of MindManager doesn’t have a desktop version or offer team content sharing.
4. Miro
Miro is a very popular mind-mapping tool that companies big and small use all the time to flesh out ideas. It’s a completely visual platform that’s designed for collaboration and creation. And it’s trusted by more than 50 million users, including Best Buy and Deloitte.
Pros
- Ability to co-create in one space, even virtually, with shared access
- Capability to integrate Miro with over 100 other tools like Google Docs, Jira and Zoom
- Add sticky notes, images, videos and more, or draw directly in Miro
- Get started with thousands of community- and expert-built templates
- Option to use Miro for free with limited features
Cons
- The free version of Miro only offers three editable boards, and you can’t recover lost content or versions.
- In order to unlock unlimited and private boards, or scale your collaboration with important features, you need to pay $8 or $16 per month depending on the level you choose.
5. MindMeister
MindMeister is a mind-mapping tool that is trusted by 25 million users already. It allows you to manage tasks, collaborate with your team and share your visualized ideas with others. You can choose from all sorts of layouts, and you can add media and comments. Notifications also allow you to start discussions within the map itself.
Pros
- Customizable with different layouts, colors, styles and emojis
- Outline mode vs. focus mode to showcase all or only your best ideas
- Ability to have discussions directly in the comments on your mind map
- Fun, colorful and creative styles to bring your mind map to life
- Free for personal use with up to three mind maps and unlimited collaborators
Cons
- To get features liken version histories or exporting capabilities, you need to upgrade from a basic to a paid personal, pro or business plan.
- The free basic version only offers community support; you can’t email for help.