Mind Map Maker
Brainstorm at the speed of typing: Tab adds a child idea, Enter adds a sibling, and the map lays itself out on both sides with colored branches. Your map is saved in this browser only, never uploaded.
Tab child · Enter sibling · F2/type to edit · Del delete · arrows move · Space collapse · Ctrl+Z undo · drag to pan · Ctrl+wheel zoom
Paste outline (indented list → mind map)
How to use the Mind Map Maker
- Click the central topic (or the map) and type to rename it. Press Enter to confirm.
- Press Tab to add a child idea and Enter to add a sibling. Type the text and press Enter.
- Move around with the arrow keys, press F2 or double-click to edit, Delete to remove and Space to collapse a branch.
- Color a branch by selecting it and picking a color. Drag the background to pan and use Fit to see the whole map.
- Download PNG or SVG to share it, or Export JSON to back it up and continue later on another device.
Keyboard shortcuts
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Tab | Add a child idea to the selected idea and start typing |
| Enter | Add a sibling below the selected idea (on the central topic: add a main branch). While editing: confirm |
| F2, double-click or any letter | Edit the selected idea (typing a letter replaces the text) |
| Delete / Backspace | Delete the selected idea and everything below it |
| ← → ↑ ↓ | Move to the parent, a child or the previous/next sibling |
| Space | Collapse or expand the selected branch |
| Home | Jump back to the central topic |
| Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y | Undo / redo (Cmd on Mac) |
| Esc | Cancel editing (a new empty idea is removed) |
| Ctrl + mouse wheel, Ctrl + / − | Zoom in and out; drag the background to pan |
How to make a good mind map
- Start in the center with a short topic: a project, a problem, a book or an exam subject.
- Add main branches for the big themes. Four to seven branches keep the map scannable; the layout spreads them evenly to the left and right.
- Use keywords, not sentences. One to four words per idea are easier to scan and remember.
- Go one level deeper where it matters: tasks, examples, facts, questions. Collapse branches you are not working on.
- Color with purpose: one color per theme, or red for risks and green for done.
- Review and reorganize. Export the outline to turn the map into a document, task list or presentation structure.
Popular uses
- Brainstorming: capture ideas as fast as you can type, without thinking about layout.
- Study notes and revision: summarize a chapter on one page and print the PNG.
- Project planning: break goals into workstreams and tasks, then move them into a printable planner.
- Writing: outline essays, blog posts and talks, then copy the outline into your editor.
- Meetings: map the agenda and decisions live while sharing your screen.
The JSON export keeps the full structure, colors and collapsed branches, so you can back up a map and import it again later or on another device.
Frequently asked questions
What keyboard shortcuts does the mind map maker support?
Tab adds a child, Enter adds a sibling (or a child of the central topic), Delete or Backspace removes the selected idea and its children, arrow keys move the selection, F2 or any letter starts editing, Space collapses or expands, Ctrl+Z undoes and Ctrl+Y or Ctrl+Shift+Z redoes. Esc cancels editing.
Is my mind map saved?
Yes, automatically in your browser's local storage after every change, so it is still there when you come back on the same device and browser. Use Export JSON for a backup file or to move the map to another computer.
How does the automatic layout work?
Main branches are placed on the right and left of the central topic, each new main branch going to the side with less content so the map stays balanced. Sub-ideas are stacked next to their parent and the whole map rearranges as you type.
Can I turn a list or outline into a mind map?
Yes. Open Paste outline, enter one idea per line and indent sub-ideas with spaces or tabs (bullets like - or * are ignored), then press Build map. The first line becomes the central topic. Copy outline does the reverse.
What is the best way to make a mind map?
Start with one clear central topic, add 4 to 7 main branches, and use short keywords rather than sentences. Give each main branch its own color, go deeper only where it helps, and collapse finished branches to keep the view focused.
How large can the exported PNG be?
The PNG is exported at twice the map's size for crisp text, with a white background and 40 px margin. Very large maps are scaled down automatically to stay within browser canvas limits; use SVG for unlimited sharpness.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The editor, layout and exports run entirely in your browser. There is no account and no server storage.