Your mind instantly starts making a map, creating links between these associations, or concepts – a mental website of sorts.

In association with pilots, you might think of their pay or training. And so the map grows. [2] X Research source A mind map mirrors how our brains actually process and recall information – dynamically and visually, not in a purely linear fashion as it was once thought. For instance, mind mapping has proven very effective for note taking. Instead of writing down each word the teacher says as it’s said (linear thinking), you write the name of the lecture topic in the center of your paper. As subtopics, examples, dates and other information are discussed, you draw and label corresponding branches. It’s also used instead of standard outlines in academia to prepare essays, to write research papers, to study for exams, etc.

A mind map helps you make connections between and among these different pieces of information and concepts. And, the more connections or associations our brains make to a thing, the more likely we are to remember it.

Mind maps are a tool to create things and to devise approaches for handling issues. Doing this requires brainstorming. So, for instance, you could create mind maps for things like your wedding, new recipes, an advertising campaign, proposing a raise to your boss and so forth. Jot down what you know about the topic. It also involves solving problems, such as better managing your money, a health diagnosis, interpersonal conflict, etc. – all of which can be mind mapped. They are also tools to capture information that’s directly relevant to a topic so you can compress large amounts of information. For example, they help you figure out what you really need to be taking notes on, recording for a meeting’s minutes, writing in your autobiography, using in your resume, etc. Mind maps help you easily consume information and then use it. So, they can help you better remember things, such as the content of a book, discussions with others, your schedule and so forth. You can also use them to analyze complex subjects like trading stocks, computer networking, engine mechanics, etc. Finally, they’re useful in planning and executing things like a vacation, your time, a sensitive work project, etc. They are also powerful tools for communication. [6] X Research source You can create a mind map for presentations, group projects, heart-to-heart conversations, written materials, etc.

Nonetheless, advocates highly encourage you to find your own style and let it be free flowing. Don’t be too rigid when constructing a mind map. In doing so, you don’t use both your right and left brain hemispheres as actively. A mind map relies upon the person using both hemispheres to create a network of associations – the right hemisphere for images, color, dimension, imagination, and “big picture” thinking and the left for words, logic, analysis, numbers, and sequential thinking. [7] X Research source

The adage, “A picture speaks a thousand words,” is a good way of understanding what your mind map should look like. It shows both the big picture and the details. You can also write down the subject in words instead of drawing it⁠⁠, or even combine methods by both writing and drawing the subject.

Don’t organize information at this point. Just get it out. [8] X Research source When you’re brainstorming, ask yourself how the topic relates to what you already know and what’s different about it.

How you want to arrange the colors is up to you, but one idea is to use a different color for the topic word and circle to separate it from the other branches. Strive for a minimum of three colors in each map. They help separate ideas and aid in memory. For example, if you have four main branches, you could draw or highlight each one in a different color. And don’t use lined paper. It can lead you into thinking in a linear fashion.

Each word or image used in a mind map must be on its own line. Use images, photos and drawings wherever possible. For instance, you could draw a stop sign next to a branch with a negative sub-category (airports, generally) or a bright yellow plus sign by something positive (pilots, generally). Use arrows, other symbols, spacing and so forth to connect images and produce an “image-rich network,” which Buzan says is the essence of a mind map.

You would then draw a line for each of these that branches off from the line for AIRPORTS. You’d give it a name, such as SECURITY. Again, use color and images.

Some also suggest making subcategories hierarchical. Therefore, if “delays,” “security” and “expensive food" were all subcategories, you’d draw three lines or branches – one for each. Then you’d put what you consider to be the most important sub-category on the top or uppermost line.

Either way, ask yourself what you’re learning or have learned. What larger patterns did you discover?

They range from being simple to use to probably requiring training. A couple of the top-rated programs are free. Others range from $4. 99/month on up depending upon the features. They’re easy to modify, update and are orderly in appearance. You can often upload your own images. Generally, you can download them as a PDF, if not in a number of other formats.

Most don’t allow you to draw with anything other than your mouse. They can take time to learn and might be expensive. Also, handwriting enhances cognition and memory while typing lacks this benefit.

Some free mind mapping software you can try includes Coggle, MindMapple, and NovaMind. Mind map is another free option that also offers paid versions with more features.

Though it can be helpful to use a specialized program for mind mapping, you can just as easily mind map with PowerPoint, which is easier to access and which you may already have.

You can wait to add more text boxes if you’d rather add in the lines first. You can also insert images to expand on your topic!

For example, you could arrange them in a circle or around your main idea, or only branch off to the right side.

For instance, you can type your words into text boxes that are other shapes (like circles) to add variety and personality to your map. To do this, click “Insert,” then “Shapes. ” Select the shape you want and you’ll be able to type into it. [20] X Research source You can also format your text in different ways, like changing its size, making it bold, or adding colors. Don’t forget that you can add images too! If you don’t want to make a mind map from scratch in PowerPoint, you can also use “Insert” to add “SmartArt” to your blank slide. Choose the shape template you want and begin adding text. [21] X Research source You can create a mind map in Google Slides just as easily and in a similar way: go to “Insert” and you should see the “Text Box” option, as well as options to add a “Line” and a “Shape. ”

Google Docs is another great and accessible option that’s easy to learn and adapt for mind mapping.

If you don’t see the drag option, hover your mouse pointer over the edges of the textbox until you see the 4-arrow icon appears. This indicates that dragging is possible.

You can come back to this later if you’d rather add in lines first. You can also insert images to arrange around your topic.

You can go back and edit this drawing whenever you wish, so don’t worry if you can’t finish your mind map in one drawing session. Just double click on the drawing to open up the “Drawing” window again. [26] X Research source

For example, you can type your words into shapes instead of normal rectangular text boxes. To do this, click the icon containing a circle and part of a square behind it (this is the “Shape” icon). Choose the shape you want, double-click on it, and type your word in. [27] X Research source You can do this on Word as well. Create a blank document and use the “Insert” function to add the text, lines, and shapes that you want. Don’t feel limited in your software choices: most programs that have illustration capabilities⁠—like OneNote, Visio, or even Excel⁠—will allow you to add shapes and lines (some may even come with templates) and provide great platforms to try creating mind maps on!