FREE · DIAGRAM TOOLS
Mind Map Maker.
Create mind maps from an indented outline for brainstorming, study notes and project planning. Export SVG or PNG.
How to use Mind Map Maker
Write the central idea on the first line under mindmap, then indent each branch and sub-idea. Use round or cloud shapes for emphasis and export the mind map as an image.
How it works
Indentation defines the hierarchy: a deeper line is a child of the line above it. Branch placement is automatic. Rendering uses the open-source Mermaid library in your browser with its strict security level, so links, scripts and HTML in labels are disabled. Drafts are saved in this browser only; share links store the compressed code in the part of the URL after #, which browsers do not send to the web server. Exports contain only what you drew.
Example
root((New product)) with branches Customers, Features and Marketing, each with indented sub-ideas.
What is a mind map?
A mind map places one central idea in the middle and branches related ideas around it, from general to specific. It is useful for brainstorming, studying, planning a project, preparing a talk or summarising a meeting, because it shows how ideas connect rather than listing them.
This mind map maker turns an indented outline into a radial map. You type as fast as you think and the layout is done for you.
Write a mind map as an outline
mindmap
root((Trip to Japan))
Budget
Flights
Rail pass
Cities
Tokyo
Kyoto
Food
Ramen
SushiThe first line under mindmap is the central idea. Every line indented further than the line above it becomes its child. Lines at the same indentation are siblings. Keep the indentation consistent; the editor inserts four spaces with the Tab key.
Node shapes
| Shape | Code |
|---|---|
| Square | id[Text] |
| Rounded square | id(Text) |
| Circle | id((Text)) |
| Bang | id))Text(( |
| Cloud | id)Text( |
| Hexagon | id{{Text}} |
| Default (no shape) | Text |
Use one distinctive shape for the central idea and keep branches plain so the structure stays readable.
Tips for useful mind maps
- Use keywords, not sentences. Short labels make the map scannable.
- Aim for three to seven main branches; group extra ideas under them.
- Go from general to specific as you move outwards.
- For revision, write one map per chapter and review it from memory before looking.
- When a branch turns into a sequence of actions, continue it as a flowchart or schedule it in a Gantt chart.
A mind map has one centre and a tree structure. A concept map connects any idea to any other with labelled links; for that, use a flowchart with arrow text.
Download SVG for documents, websites and slides that need sharp lines at any size, or PNG at 1× to 4× resolution for chat apps, tickets and tools that do not accept SVG. The background can match the theme, be white or be transparent.
Rendering happens in your browser with the open-source Mermaid library. Your code is not uploaded, drafts are kept in this browser’s local storage, and a share link stores the compressed diagram after the # sign, which browsers do not send to the web server.
Questions about Mind Map Maker
How do I add a branch?
Add a new line indented one level deeper than its parent. The “+ Branch” and “+ Sub-idea” buttons insert correctly indented lines after the current line.
Can I move branches by dragging?
No. The structure comes from indentation and the layout is automatic. Cut and paste lines in the code to move a branch with all its children.
Can I print my mind map?
Yes. Download a 3× or 4× PNG or an SVG and print it from your image viewer or document editor.
Can I use it for school or study notes?
Yes. It is free, needs no account and stores drafts only in your browser, which suits shared or school computers when you clear the draft afterwards.
Do mind maps support other languages?
Yes. Labels can be written in any language and script that your browser font supports, including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi and Japanese.
Is Mind Map Maker free, and do I need an account?
Yes. This tool is free to use in your browser without an account. Processing takes place on your device.
What are the limits and what should I check?
Up to 50,000 characters of Mermaid code and 800 connections. PNG export up to 32 megapixels. Share links are limited to diagrams that compress to about 12,000 characters. Mermaid 11 syntax; no real-time collaboration or cloud storage. Review the result before using it in your work.
Is my input sent to a server?
Your input is processed in your browser and is not uploaded by this tool. Files and pasted text are cleared when the page is refreshed. Normal website requests are still required to load the page and its libraries. Read the privacy explanation.