hUMLa

hUMLa is a cool tool that helps you create a visual plan for your projects. When you're in the early stages of development, it’s super helpful to see all your steps laid out. This method, called mind mapping, makes everything way easier because you can set up a timeline for your ideas and see how they should grow.

Easy to Use and Portable

The best part? You don’t need to install anything to use hUMLa! That means you can carry the app around on a thumb drive and work on your projects wherever you go. Plus, it won’t mess with the computer’s settings since it doesn’t change any registry files. Just make sure you have Java Runtime Environment installed so everything runs smoothly.

A Blank Canvas Awaits

When you start hUMLa, you'll see a blank canvas. Most of the controls are at the top toolbar, while specific features pop up in their own windows for quick access. To add something new to your mind map, just click anywhere on the canvas with your mouse!

Organizing Your Ideas

There’s no strict order when adding items, so be sure to arrange them neatly so others can follow along easily. If you want to connect two objects, simply select from a drop-down menu that lets you choose how they relate—whether it's generalization or direct association.

Switching Between Modes

You can quickly switch between creating a general lineup of ideas or an actual mind map with just one button press. In mind map mode, relationships look the same visually; however, objects won’t show methods or attributes.

Exporting Your Work

If you've got a printer handy, you can print out your project right away! Alternatively, hUMLa allows you to save your work as a PNG file in the source directory under any name you choose.

Simplifying Your Thoughts

Overall, hUMLa is an easy way to jot down thoughts and plans clearly so you know what needs doing next. But keep in mind that its simplicity might confuse some users due to limited customization options and its straightforward feel.