Freemind Mindmapping Software

Freemind Mindmapping Software

Introduction

Freemind is free-to-download software available through the internet. To download a copy, go to:

http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

The main uses of mindmapping software include:

·  Planning your thoughts and ideas, for example for assignments

·  Giving structure to your ideas

·  Using colour and other coding to group information

·  Note taking and recording information.

For example, below is a very simple starting point, created in Freemind.

Using Freemind

To create a new mindmap:

·  Go to file- new

·  A new mindmap should be created for you. You can change the initial bubble by clicking on it

To add a new bubble as a subheading – click on the existing bubble you would like it to link to

Then select insert-new child node. This adds a smaller bubble which comes under the heading of the larger ‘parent’ bubble.

Other useful information (including formatting)

·  You can click and drag around the mindmap to move it around the screen

·  You can insert icons – for example ticks, images, crosses – go to insert-icons

·  You can prioritise elements – that is attach a number to put them in order of importance – again, go to insert-icons

·  You can change from a line map to a bubble map- go to edit-select all visible-format-bubble

·  You can change the colour of text and background of bubble.

o  To change text colour click on bubble you wish to change, then go to format-node colour

o  To change background colour click on bubble you wish to change, then go to format – node background colour

·  To add notes to a bubble, go to insert-note. This will open a new window at the bottom of the screen, into which the note can be written

This will then create a notes icon on the selected bubble

Getting help

You can use the built in help menu. It includes documentation and frequently asked questions (FAQs)

To access this:

Select the toolbar top right