How to make a mind map
- Click the central topic and type your main idea in the box above the map.
- Press + Child (or Tab) to branch out, and + Sibling (or Enter) to add another idea at the same level. Main branches are placed left and right of the centre automatically and get their own colours.
- Select any topic to rename it, delete it, or fold it to hide its sub-topics. Drag the background to move around; scroll, pinch or use ＋/－ to zoom, and ⤢ to fit everything on screen.
- Export the map as a PNG image or SVG, as an indented text outline, or as a JSON backup you can import later.
Why mind maps work
A mind map puts one central idea in the middle and arranges related thoughts around it as branches. Because the structure mirrors how we associate ideas, it is a quick way to brainstorm, plan projects, outline essays and presentations, take lecture notes, revise for exams or organise a complex decision. Keep each topic short, ideally a word or a few words, and let the hierarchy show how ideas relate.
This mind map maker needs no account. The map is saved automatically in your browser on this device and works offline once loaded, which keeps your notes private. Paste or import an indented outline (one topic per line, indented with spaces or tabs) to turn existing notes into a map, and export the outline back to use in documents or other mind-mapping apps.
Is my mind map saved?
Yes, automatically in this browser. Export a JSON backup to move it to another device.
Can I use it on a phone or tablet?
Yes. Tap topics to select them, drag to pan and pinch to zoom.
Can I import from other apps?
Import any indented text outline, which most mind-mapping and outlining apps can export.