Have you noticed lately that mind maps are used more frequently than ever? They are excellent for understanding complex and more extensive concepts. Basically, their main objective is provide visualization to challenging topics.
A mind map is a visual representation of a main idea, its topics, and subtopics. All of them are linked to each other via arrows or lines. Although it may initially seem difficult, drawing this diagram is pretty straightforward. The process is easier if you use a capable tool like EdrawMind. Let’s look at how to draw a mind map, its benefits, and some tips to help you.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Mind Mapping
Here are some benefits of mind mapping:
- Makes learning fun and exciting.
- Boosts confidence in presenting new ideas.
- Enables understanding compounded concepts quicker and easier.
- Improves your productivity.
- Useful in a wide range of fields.
- Makes you an efficient problem solver.
- Helps memorize the information and retain it for longer.
- Creates an engaging environment to learn.
- Empowers collaboration on a single central idea.
How to Draw a Mind Map with EdrawMind?
EdrawMind makes mind mapping easy and fun. It has tons of powerful features to craft a visually-appealing diagram. Let’s look at how to make a mind map using this application.
First, you have to open the EdrawMind desktop or web application. Both of them have almost the same method for drawing mind maps. However, the web version is accessible from anywhere. All it needs is an active internet connection.
Once you have chosen your option, sign in with any social account, like Gmail or Facebook. You can also create a Wondershare account for free.
Now, follow the steps below:
- Click on New from the left toolbar and select New MindMap from the main screen.
- Now, select the Main Idea and click Topic from the top bar to add another main topic.
- Similarly, select a Main Topic and click Sub Topic from the top menubar. You can also add main topics from the hovering menu when selecting a component.
- Next, select any component and change its properties from the right toolbar. Let’s change the color of our main idea as an example. Repeat the same process for other components to change their properties. Some limited customization options, like color, font, and style, are available in the hovering menu also.
- After finalizing your diagram, click the horizontal three-dot icon at the top-right corner. Select Export or Download from the drop-down menu to save this mindmap.
EdrawMind offers several options for exporting a file. You can save it as a picture or PDF, according to your requirements. Additionally, you can choose the file format as the app supports PNG, JPEG, SVG, and more. The app also lets you select the display mode, range, and background settings before exporting your project.
EdrawMind online also offers unique options, although they are limited. While exporting, you get to choose between settings like range and background. So, you can save your diagrams’ specific pages and with transparent background.
Another primary benefit of EdrawMind online is its cloud document integration. You can seamlessly import your projects using DropBox. This way, you can add images, icons, and previously-made mind maps into newer diagrams.
6 Tips For Effective Mind Mapping
Here are 6 helpful practices to improve your mind mapping skill and make you a pro mind-map maker:
1. Keep The Diagram Simple
The entire purpose of a mind map is to deliver information more efficiently than text. But a complex diagram beats this purpose. If you want to convey your idea effectively, draw simple mind maps. Simplicity in this diagram means having all the components organized and structured. This way, each component provides clear meaning, and the diagram makes more sense.
2. Make The Most Out Of Visuals
A visually appealing mind map is better than a dull one. That’s because it makes the learning process refreshing and exciting. The presentation of the diagram looks better with vibrant colors and symbols. Furthermore, each component can be easily distinguished with a unique color or symbol.
3.Use Short Phrases and Keywords Wisely
Keywords and phrases are common in mind map diagrams. They convey additional information for each component. At the same time, we can use them as comments in a diagram. Either way, they explain a mind map further and provide a clearer picture. This tip comes in handier if you are inexperienced in mind mapping.
4.Use Icons, Images, and Graphical Elements
Beginner-level mind map diagrams are comparatively easier to draw and understand. They contain fewer main topics and subtopics. However, that’s not the case with advanced and detailed mind maps with more components to worry about. That is where icons and images come in to elaborate on your idea. They provide a personal touch, making the drawing less complex.
Keep The Focus On Your Main Idea
A mind map can get confusing along the way due to its many components. You must keep yourself focused on the central idea to make the diagram easily understandable. It will help you avoid a messy diagram by keeping things in check.
Stay Flexible
What is a flexible mind map? One that appeals to a broader audience and has multiple usages. Your diagram should not be limited to a specific purpose. Mind mapping is flexible, as it can be used in various fields of life. A flexible mind map diagram can be modified in the future as well. As you find more relevant topics and sub-topics, you can continue updating your mind map if it has room.
Conclusion
A mind map is an all-in-one solution to solving complex problems. Due to its many benefits, these diagrams are equally helpful in education and business. They enable you to brainstorm better ideas and assess prior knowledge. Regardless of your problem, try finding its solution visually. You can use a feature-rich application, like EdrawMind, to craft the best mind map diagrams.
As a beginner, start with basic diagrams with only a few associations. Then, you can move to more detailed mind maps. But the pro tip is to keep your diagram flexible and leave room for future customization.
