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Writing tool

Mind Map Maker

A keyboard-first mind map maker with automatic layout, colour-coded branches, undo, Markdown outline import and PNG, SVG or Markdown export. Free, no sign-up.

Free, no sign-up. Runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.

Click the map, then: Tab child, Enter sibling, Delete remove, F2 or just type to edit, arrows to move, Space collapse, Ctrl+Z undo. Press Esc to let Tab move focus away.

27 ideas

Launch a podcastLaunch a podcastConceptConcept−Audience: new home cooksAudience: new home cooksFormatFormat−25 minute interviews25 minute interviewsWeekly episodesWeekly episodesShow name shortlistShow name shortlistEquipmentEquipment−USB microphoneUSB microphoneClosed-back headphonesClosed-back headphonesPop filter and boom armPop filter and boom armRecordingRecording−Quiet room setupQuiet room setupRemote guest toolRemote guest toolEditing and noise removalEditing and noise removalPublishingPublishing−Hosting providerHosting providerCover art 3000 pxCover art 3000 pxSubmit to directoriesSubmit to directoriesPromotionPromotion−Trailer episodeTrailer episodeShort audio clipsShort audio clipsNewsletter mentionNewsletter mentionScheduleSchedule−Week 1: plan and testWeek 1: plan and testWeek 2: record 3 episodesWeek 2: record 3 episodesWeek 3: launchWeek 3: launch

Download

Import and reset

Or paste an outline

How to use the mind map maker

Think on a map, not in a list

A mind map puts one idea in the middle and grows related ideas outward. It suits brainstorming, planning a project, revising a topic, outlining an article or breaking a goal into steps. This tool is built for speed: you can create a whole map without touching the mouse.

Build a map with the keyboard

  1. Click the map once so it has focus. The centre idea is selected.
  2. Type the name of your topic. Typing on a selected idea replaces its text; press Enter to confirm.
  3. Press Tab to add a child idea and type it. Press Tab again to go one level deeper.
  4. Press Enter to add a sibling at the same level.
  5. Use the arrow keys to move between ideas, F2 to change the wording, Space to hide or show a branch and Delete to remove one.

Every change can be undone with Ctrl or Cmd+Z, and redone with Shift added.

Automatic layout

The layout is automatic. Top-level branches are split between the left and right of the centre so the map stays balanced, and each branch is spaced so nothing overlaps. Each top-level branch has its own colour, which you can change with the swatches in the toolbar. Drag the background to pan and use the buttons or Ctrl with the mouse wheel to zoom.

Import and export

  • Markdown outline: nested bullets or # headings become branches. This is a quick way to turn meeting notes into a map.
  • Download a PNG for slides, an SVG for design tools, a Markdown outline for notes apps, or JSON to keep everything, including colours and collapsed branches.

Tips

  • Keep each idea to a few words. Detail belongs in your notes, not on the branch.
  • Aim for five to seven main branches. More than that usually means two of them should be merged.
  • Collapse finished branches so you can focus on what is still open.
  • When you want a map your whole team can edit together, with history and comments, DEV3 can build a collaborative planning tool for you.

Frequently asked questions

Is my mind map uploaded anywhere?

No. The map is drawn and saved in your own browser. Nothing is sent to a server, so there is no account and no sharing link. Export a file when you want a copy or want to move to another device.

Which keyboard shortcuts are there?

Tab adds a child idea, Enter adds a sibling, Delete removes the selected branch, F2 or simply typing edits the text, the arrow keys move around the map, Space collapses or expands a branch, and Ctrl or Cmd with Z undoes. Press Esc if you need Tab to move focus out of the map.

How do I turn an outline into a map?

Choose Import Markdown or JSON and pick a .md or .txt file, or open Paste an outline and paste it. Nested bullets (dash, asterisk or numbered) and # headings both work, and you can mix them. One top-level line becomes the centre; several are grouped under a centre called Mind map.

Can I get my map back out as text?

Yes. Markdown outline downloads the map as a heading plus nested bullets, which opens in any notes app and imports again here. JSON keeps colours and collapsed branches.

How are the colours chosen?

Each top-level branch gets its own colour, and everything below it shares that colour. Select any idea and pick a swatch to change the colour of its whole branch.

How big can a map be?

Up to 1000 ideas, each up to 200 characters. Long text is shortened on the map, and the full text shows when you hover or edit it.