head - mapping is a pattern of visual outlining that can help oneself you get a better overview of your projects , open your thinker when brainstorming , take notes , and organize disparate ideas easily . Unlike text - based outline , mind maps do n’t lock you into a fixed upright structure : you could move items around , modify their spatial human relationship , and link them as you require .
A number of Mac program let you make judgement maps , and NovaMind 4.0.11 Pro is one of the most diagrammatically advanced of these mind - mathematical function tools . you could start with a vacuous document , or get inspiration from one of a XII predetermined templates , which hold format items that you could satiate in , replace , and add to . you may also use RapidFire mode [ rename BranchStorm in edition 4.1.14 of the software ] , which is majuscule for brainstorm and note - pickings . With this lineament , you just typecast ideas and press the Return key after each one ; when you ’ve wind up , each idea appears on its own offshoot . You ’re then free to move them around , deepen their connexion , and format them in any way you need .
The identification number of options for embellishing your text file is stunning , and can in fact be puzzling . you could lay your own styles for text , branches , link , graphics , backgrounds , and much more . More than a dozen pallet — that can sit down in the program ’s windowpane or be haul off to float on your desktop — let you access all these formatting options .
In addition to canonic formatting — font styles , colors , borders , and links — you could append graphics to your mind mathematical function . Import your own graphic , or use the more than 1,400 graphics available for download from the NovaMind Web site . Some of these are great graphics that stick out out and illustrate thought , and others are tiny adornments , which you may use to set up your thinker single-valued function .
One useful feature in NovaMind is its power to pack multiple mind maps into a individual document ; just create a young tablet and you could start building a new mind map .
While the program is brawny , its graphic options may be overkill for some . Each type of item in a mind map has many options , and the legion palettes can be puzzling . However , when you ’ve master the complex graphics , you may preserve your favorite layout as a template so you do n’t have to keep tweaking new mind single-valued function .
In addition , the programme focuses on its graphic video display ; while it does have a text outline view , you’re able to only consider the outline , not reorder it as you’re able to with some programs , such as Inspiration 8 ( ) . you could add banknote to any part of your creative thinker mathematical function ; formatting alternative are circumscribed , but sufficient for most cases .
The programme offer a full - screen mode , but what you get may not be what you may expect if you ’ve used one of the many text programs that extend a likewise cite modality . NovaMind ’s full - covert mode simply zooms the programme ’s window and blot out the menu saloon , but retains its rubric streak . And one bother when working with large mind maps is that when you close a document and then reopen it , the program does n’t remember the windowpane ’s old sizing ; all documents reopen in cramped window , regardless of their content .
NovaMind has fantabulous printing choice , allowing you to add head and footers , crop marks , and moulding , and you’re able to export document in a variety of lifelike formats . NovaMind documents are also Spotlight - searchable .
The curriculum comes with very good software documentation , and an excellent set of tutorial , which , in both textbook and video strain , put in new users to the concepts of mind maps and the specific features of NovaMind .
Macworld’s buying advice
NovaMind 4.0.11 Pro is a powerful program designed for experienced mind - mappers . If you ’re just getting into this method of organizing ideas , you may retrieve the artwork options consuming . But the ability to create template is a boon for those who use judgement maps regularly , and if you take the time to discover all the program ’s graphical options , you’re able to make a template that is stark for your style . NovaMind is a piece pricey , but those who are familiar with mind maps will regain it deserving the money .
[ Kirk McElhearn writes more than just computer books and article . His blog , Kirkville , babble about Macs , iPods , and much more . ]
[ EDITOR ’S promissory note : This revaluation was modify to designate the author test version 4.0.11 of the package ; this modification did not impress the product ’s black eye military rating . ]
