Mind mapping is considered one of the most powerful tools when it comes to improving creativity, organizing thoughts, identifying problems, or even creating a timeline. There are several benefits of creating a mind map, like:
- Visual Representation: A well-organized mind map provides a proper structure to different ideas, concepts, and information. This makes it easier for others to grasp the complexities of different topics.
- Improved Creativity: Mind maps provide nonlinear thinking that stimulates creativity and encourages everyone to generate new ideas.
- Organized Information: Mind maps further help organize information so that the viewer gets a systematic overview of the overall topic.
In this detailed guide to learning Coggle mind maps, we will discuss the step-by-step process of creating a mind map in Coggle. We will further explore a few advantages and disadvantages of using this tool and introduce EdrawMind -- a better alternative when it comes to creating mind maps for beginners and professionals.
In this article
What is a Mind Map?
A mind map is a graphical representation of varied thoughts, ideas, information, and concepts organized around a central theme. When we focus on this different information written down in our own words, we get a clearer understanding of the central theme and also understand the different connections between them.
There are several important elements of a mind map:
- Central Theme: This is the core idea or topic (central node) for which we are creating our mind map.
- Primary Topic: This is the first layer of topics that radiates from the central node.
- Secondary Topic: Secondary topics are those elements that we add when we break down the primary topic into different nonlinear phrases or keywords.
Creating mind mapping can be challenging if you do not find the right tool. There are several mind-mapping software that help professionals, like Coggle. This is one such tool that provides different features to create Coggle mind maps.
How to Create a Mind Map in Coggle
Coggle is a freeware mind-mapping web application tool that helps in creating hierarchical structures. Check out the following step-by-step guide to create a mind map in Coggle.
Step 1: Create Diagram
Go to the official website of Coggle and register yourself using your email address. Once you have selected your work area, you can start creating the mind maps.
At the top of the page, click on the Create Diagram option that will take your Coggle canvas board.
Step 2: Add Title
In the Coggle canvas board, start by clicking the first element to edit the title. You can add an image or text in the first element that would work as a central theme of your Coggle mind map.
Step 3: Add Branches & Elements
Click on the + icon next to the first shape to add different primary and secondary branches. Repeat the same step of editing the text to add different content to your sub-branches.
You can even drag the branches to change the structure of your Coggle mind map.
Coggle lets you easily edit the text by simply double-clicking on them. You can even make further customization by right-clicking on them. From the context menu, you can pick different colors, add comments, and even add branches.
Step 4: Gallery Access
Coggle also comes with a template gallery. From the homepage, select the Gallery option to access mind map templates.
Click on the one that you like > click on Use as Template on the right side, and start customizing the content as per your requirements.
Step 5: Download Mind Map
Once you are satisfied with the content of your Coggle mind map software, head to the top right side of the canvas board and click on the Download icon. Coggle lets you download the mind map in multiple formats, like PDF, PNG, VSDX, and more.
Even though using Coggle for mind mapping is free, it also comes with some limitations. Here is a proper breakdown of some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Coggle mind map software.
How to Make a Mind Map in EdrawMind for Beginners
If this is your first time creating a mind map, EdrawMind is the best mind-mapping software that you can find. The tool comes with free templates and offers AI assistance that makes it extremely easy to create complex mind maps.
In order to get yourself started with mind mapping with EdrawMind, you will first need to download and install the latest version of it from the official website. The latest version will ensure that you get all the recently released features, like Workbench, AI One-Click option, and more. Once you have registered to your EdrawMind account, check out the following steps to get yourself started:
Step 1: Free Mind Map Gallery
From the EdrawMind homepage, head to the Gallery option on the left to access all the mind map templates. These are user-generated mind maps, and you can easily replicate those templates that are made public by the designer.
Check the free mind map templates > click on Duplicate to instantly copy the entire template to your EdrawMind canvas.
Step 2: AI-Generated Mind Maps
Every EdrawMind account now comes with AI assistance that easily lets you create a mind map with the help of simple prompts. Head to the homepage and, in the AI search bar, provide the prompt regarding the mind map. The AI assistance will instantly generate the mind map for your work.
Step 3: Personalized Mind Maps
With EdrawMind, you can also create mind maps from scratch. From the homepage > click on Create. This will open a wide range of options, like Local MindMap, Cloud MindMap, Personal Item, Inspiration, Outline Notes, Inspiration, and more.
Choose the Local MindMap to enter EdrawMind’s canvas.
From here, you can start adding the content of your mind map. Add multiple subtopics and even make connections between them.
Step 4: Customize to Share
EdrawMind offers several premium features to customize your mind map. From the right context menu, you can easily change the layout, theme, background, and even Insert Watermark.
Once you have customized the mind map, click on the Share icon on the top right to share the mind map with your peers. You can share the mind map to collaborate or make it public so others can use it or share it as an image.
Why Choose EdrawMind as a Mind Map Tool?
As you saw in the step-by-step guide above, EdrawMind offers some premium features that let you easily create complex mind maps. Some of the advantages of using EdrawMind over Coggle mind map software are:
- EdrawMind has 1500+ templates that help beginners to create mind maps.
- EdrawMind offers real-time remote collaboration that comes in handy during brainstorming sessions.
- Creating different mind maps has become much easier and quicker with AI assistance.
- EdrawMind has multiple shapes, layouts, themes, and connectors, ensuring uniqueness in every mind map.
- This free mind mapping software lets you export the mind map in multiple formats, like HTML, Docs, PDF, PNG, SVG, JPEG, and more.
Start Mind Mapping With EdrawMind
The core purpose of mind maps is to help users understand the complexities of a problem easily. As we saw in this detailed guide to creating mind maps, the free version of Coggle mind map software offers some basic features that help you create mind maps.
However, if you are looking for a Coggle alternative that offers premium features and also comes with an AI assistant, look no further than EdrawMind. This free mind-mapping software is trusted by millions of users around the world and offers free templates, support, and hundreds of online resources. Download EdrawMind from the official website and start mind mapping today!
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