There's a saying that when something does what's expected of it that it does "exactly what it says on the tin ".In regards to selecting mind mapping software good Mind Map software that is also true meaning that it has to have the ability to replicate the Mind Mapping process on your own computer.

Now there's a debate about whether the program needs to mirror exactly everything you can cause in some recoverable format but for the purposes of this information we will assume your candidate software can produce basic Mind Maps. This means they've a main image, extending main branches with smaller sub-branches. The branches could be drawn in different colors and you can include keywords and images.

If your software has those set up then you can proceed to phase two of one's assessment.

The 2nd group of hoops your Mind Map software has to jump through are criteria that enables you to harness the power of this incredible technique even more. Hand drawn Mind Mapping is brilliant and once you transfer the method to your computer you are able to begin to extend its power even more, but only if your software has certain key features.

Listed below are 5 key things your Mind Mapping package has to be able to do if you should be to invest in it.

1. The capability to hyperlink to files and web pages

Among the big features of using a good Mind Map program is the capability to connect to the different files and website pages relevant to your map. Using this feature is a superb way to create every one of the connected information in all its different formats into one place

2. The creation of lower level maps

As you start using your software and generating Mind Maps, you may find a number of them start to become a bit large and unwieldy while they grow and develop over time. Pretty soon you may also start to see a location developing that you may wish to put on a brand new map. A really useful feature is the ability to create a lower level map. This means at the click of one's mouse, a heavily laden branch may become a brand new map in its own right.

The program must also be able to create links from the first branch to the new mind map and vice versa. You will discover this feature can be invaluable as your maps grow and what'll happen is you will begin to develop your personal neural network of knowledge filled with interlinked maps in pretty quite similar fashion as your brain.

3. Show relationships

When you yourself have a Mind Map drawn on a piece of paper, it's super easy to draw a point from branch to a different on one other side of the paper. This implies you can show associations and relationships quickly and easily in a way that enables you to keep track of the big picture. The need to try this remains whenever you transfer to the computer and so to be able to try this in your software is vital.

4. Have the ability to add notes to a department

Mind Mapping purists will show you that the branch can only have just one keyword or image on it and if that you do not you then are affected the consequences in your after life (yes they are able to get quite militant!). Now in the hand drawn variety this really is most evident if you wish to get the absolute most from the paper and pen version however in the program world it's slightly different. Needless to say having single keywords stays true to the principle, but it is really useful to have the ability to refer to what that keyword meant. When you have the ability to then add notes (that can remain hidden so you can appease the purists) then a keyword (or image) maintains its power.

5. Interfacing with Microsoft Office (or your selected productivity suite)

These days in the event that you work in a knowledge based environment (and more and more folks do) then it's hard to assume how you can function with no facilities given by Microsoft Office (or its MAC and open source equivalents). Mind Mapping as a procedure dovetails really neatly with any thinking we do and so when we are likely to use software for it then it's wise that it interfaces with the programs we already use. Fortunately the very best Mind Map software does that and combined with previous feature (adding notes) you is likely to be amazed at how fast and easily you are able to generate and publish impressive reports, essays, documents and even books.

So might there be the 5 things that you need to check for whenever you choose your Mind Map software. With those features set up you then have a potent tool for being able to increase your own personal productivity, save time, increase your creativity in addition to a whole host of other benefits I won't enter for fear of the accusation of being too evangelical concerning the process.