Overview
Images can add useful visual context to a mind map. You can add an image to a topic to illustrate an idea, provide a reference, or make important information easier to recognize.
In Mindmup, you can upload an image to a topic or paste an image you have copied. After adding it, you can change its position and size, replace it with another image, download it, or remove it from the topic.
Add an image to a topic
To upload an image:
- Select the topic where you want to add the image.
- Click the Add image icon in the topic menu.
- Choose the image you want to upload from your device.
The image appears with the selected topic.
For faster access, select a topic and press I to add an image or change the image already associated with the topic.
Copy and paste an image
You can also copy an image and paste it into your map.
- Copy the image you want to use.
- Select the topic where you want to add the image.
- Press Ctrl + V on Windows or Cmd + V on Mac.
This can be a convenient alternative when you already have an image copied to your clipboard and do not need to upload it from a saved file.
Change the image position
After adding an image, click it to open the image options.
Choose where the image appears in relation to the topic text:
- Above text places the image above the topic text.
- Below text places the image below the topic text.
- Left of text places the image to the left of the text.
- Right of text places the image to the right of the text.
- Background uses the image as the topic background.
Try different positions depending on how you want the image and topic text to work together. For example, a small image beside the text can act as a visual reference, while an image above or below the text can give it more prominence.
Change the image size
Click the image to open its options, then choose one of the available sizes:
- Icon: 16 pixels wide
- S: 240 pixels wide
- M: 320 pixels wide
- L: 480 pixels wide
- Full: full width
- Custom: set a custom image size
Use a smaller size when the image is mainly a visual marker. Choose a larger or custom size when you need more control over how the image fits with the topic and surrounding content.
Replace an image
You can change an image without removing its topic:
- Click the image.
- Select the Replace image icon.
- Choose the new image.
The new image replaces the image associated with the topic.
Download or delete an image
Click an image to open its options.
Select the Download image icon to save a copy of the image to your device.
Select the Delete icon to remove the image from the topic. Deleting an image does not delete the topic itself.
Example use cases
Images can be useful in many types of maps. You can use them to:
- Add diagrams or illustrations to study maps.
- Include visual references in research maps.
- Add examples to lesson plans.
- Use icons or images to make important topics easier to recognize.
- Keep product, design, or other visual references with planning topics.
- Add photos to topics about people, places, events, or other subjects.
For example, a student creating a biology study map could add diagrams to key topics. The topic text identifies the concept, while the image provides a visual reference for studying and review.
Tips
- Use Icon or S when the image should support the topic without taking up too much space.
- Choose M, L, or Full when users need to see more detail.
- Try different image positions to find the clearest combination of text and visuals.
- Use Background when an image works better behind the topic content.
- If you already have an image copied, paste it instead of saving and uploading it first.
- Press I after selecting a topic for quick access to adding or changing its image.
Common questions
Can I add more than one image to the same topic?
A topic can have one associated image. If you use Replace image, the new image replaces the image currently associated with that topic.
What happens to an image if I move the topic?
The image remains associated with the topic, so it moves with the topic as you reorganize your map.
Can I add an image as its own topic?
Yes. Mindmup lets you add an image as its own node instead of attaching it to an existing topic. Click the Mindmup icon, then select Insert › Image node.
For faster access, press Alt + I on Windows or Option + I on Mac to add an image node.
Related features
- How to Attach Files
- How to Add Topics
- How to Customize Map Layout
- How to Export a Map as an Image
- Creating Study Guides
Add visual context to your map
Add an image when a visual can explain, identify, or reinforce an idea more clearly than text alone. Try adding one to a topic in a map you are already working on, or start with a blank map and combine images with topics as you organize your ideas.