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Getting Started: Tools and Icons in MindDraw™

To begin creating concept maps, theory diagrams or design models, first read the drawing sections for each , them begins entering the key elements in a situation of interest to you. You may enter elements via the "Brainstorming Tool" or via the "Element Tool". Once a few elements have been placed in your diagram, begin drawing the important relations among them.
The following chart is a summary of the tools available in MindDraw™.

Save Map
Map Properties. Displayed in a dialog box which may be changed by the user
Print Preview. Allows zoom in and out while in preview mode.
Print Map. Connects to your network and Internet printers and allows print properties to be changed.
Undo. Allows unlimited number of undo actions.
Redo. Allows unlimited number of redo actions.
Brainstorming Tool. Allows rapid creation of maps from thoughts from one dialog.
Value (Stock) Indicator Tool. Toggle to show or hide for elements.
Trend Indicator Tool. Toggle to show or hide for elements. Trends can be set by an interactive tool for each element.
Legend Indicator Tool. Toggle to show or hide for elements. Legend show the meaning attributed o colors in the map (which can be subjective: emotions to objective: numeric values can be set, added, or deleted by an interactive tool for each element and relationship.
Merge Map. Import and combine previously created maps into current map.
Cut
Copy
Paste
Select All
Zoom In
Zoom Out
About MindDraw
Playback. This will "replay" all the actions taken from the beginning to the current point in building the map.
Playback Speed. Moving it right will fasten the speed of playback and vice versa.
Inbound Relations Probe. This shows the relationships flowing into each element in the map or of the selected element.
Outbound Relations Probe. This shows the relationships flowing out of each element in the map or of the selected element.
Vicious Cycles Probe. This shows the relationships and elements that form cycles in the map or of the selected element.
Display Previous Cycle or Inbound or Outbound Relationship based on which function is currently being used.
Display Previous Cycle or Inbound or Outbound Relationship based on which function is currently being used.
Stop displaying Cycles or Inbound or Outbound Relationships based on which function is currently being used.
Pointer Tool. Default tool to create, move, and carryout most property functions in the map.
Text Tool. Selecting this provides a textbox or entering narrative.
Desire Tool. This depicts the goal or desire of the map-maker. Similar to element.
Relationship Tool. Click and drag from one element to another (or desire) to show the relationship. By pressing the Shift key the user can draw multiple relationships without having to specify the properties for each.
Element Tool. An element denotes a measurable (even qualitatively) quantity of an item. By pressing the Shift key the user can draw multiple elements without having to specify the properties for each.