X-Dia

Mind mapping is a casual method of preparing the steps required in the development of a project, or simply to help better understand what’s on your mind. Specialized computer applications like X-Dia make the whole design process pretty intuitive and accessible to individuals of all levels of experience.

You can take the application for a spin as soon as download is done, because there’s no setup involved to make it work. This is an edition of Dia you can use on the go, but it’s not the official Portable DIA, so you might want to keep an eye out for any updates.

The canvas is intuitive, and fitted with quite the variety of helpful tools, and enhancement options. For instance, it’s fitted with a grid by default, to which you can choose to snap objects for accurate placement. Rulers also help in this regard, but you can’t create markers, or additional guidelines.

The canvas occupies one window, while the toolbox comes as a separate one. An impressive variety of drawing tools are used to insert various shapes with easy methods to resize and move them on the spot. Layers help create multiple parts with more comfort, so you don’t accidentally handle other elements.

Apart from drawing tools, which also include a text box, the application comes with a rich library of predefined components. These too can be adjusted in terms of aesthetics, and are found in groups such as assorted, flowchart, UML, BPMN, chronogram, circuit, cisco, civil, cybernetics, database, electric, jigsaw, lights, logic, map, network, and a lot more.

Pictures play an important role here as well. They’re not mandatory, but surely help to better design the UML map. What’s more, export option supports multiple file types, such as EMF, PNG, PDF, PS, SVG, WMF, DIA, SHAPE, DXF, TEX, BMP, GIF, ICO, CUR, JPG, TIFF, and several more.

Bottom line is that you’re able to create complex diagrams with the help of X-Dia. Although not the official portable edition, it’s packed with the same set of features, rich libraries of components, and an incredibly intuitive design to help individuals of all levels of experience accommodate in a jiffy.