Overview
Sticky notes let you add information to a map without making it part of the main topic hierarchy. They are useful for reminders, comments, temporary ideas, and other information you want to keep visible without adding another branch.
You can add a sticky note to a topic, customize its appearance, move it independently, or detach it from the topic when you want it to stand on its own.
Add a sticky note to a topic
To add a sticky note:
- Select the topic where you want to add the sticky note.
- Click the Add sticky note icon in the topic menu.
- Enter the text for your sticky note.
The sticky note appears with the selected topic.
For faster access, select a topic and press Alt + N on Windows or Option + N on Mac.
You can also add a sticky note from the main menu. Click the Mindmup icon in the top-left corner of the editor, then select Insert › Sticky note.
Customize a sticky note
Click a sticky note to open its formatting options. You can customize its appearance using:
- Node style to change the overall appearance of the sticky note.
- Font to choose a font style.
- Font size to choose XS, S, M, L, XL, or a custom size.
- Text color to choose a color or enter a custom color.
- Text style to apply bold, italic, underline, or strikethrough.
- Text align to align the text left, center, or right.
Formatting can help you distinguish different types of sticky notes. For example, you might make reminders visually different from questions or ideas that still need review.
Detach a sticky note
A sticky note added to a topic can also be detached when you no longer want it associated with that topic.
- Righ-click the sticky note to open the Actions menu.
- Select Detach sticky note.
For faster access, select the sticky note and press D.
You can then use the sticky note independently on the map.
Connect a sticky note to another topic
You can create a connection from a sticky note when you want to show a relationship without making the note part of the topic hierarchy.
- Select the sticky note.
- Click the Add connection icon in the sticky note menu.
- Drag the connection to the topic you want to connect.
Connections are useful when a note relates to another part of the map but does not belong underneath that topic.
Example use cases
Sticky notes work well for information that should remain visible but separate from the main structure. You can use them to:
- Add reminders to a project map.
- Mark questions that need further research.
- Keep temporary ideas visible during brainstorming.
- Add comments or observations beside important topics.
- Highlight information that needs review or follow-up.
For example, when planning a project, you might use topics for tasks and sticky notes for reminders or questions that need to be resolved before each task is completed.
Tips
- Keep sticky notes short so they are easy to scan alongside your main topics.
- Use formatting to distinguish reminders, questions, and other types of information.
- Detach a sticky note when the information is no longer specific to one topic.
- Use connections when a sticky note relates to another part of the map.
- Use regular topics instead when the information belongs in the main hierarchy of your map.
Common questions
Are sticky notes the same as regular topics?
No. Regular topics form the main hierarchy of your mind map, while sticky notes are useful for information you want to keep visible without making it part of that structure.
When should I use a sticky note instead of a note?
Use a sticky note when you want the information to remain visible on the map. Use a regular note when you want to keep more detailed information with a topic without displaying it directly on the map.
Can I move a sticky note around the map?
Yes. You can reposition a sticky note to place it where it makes the most sense visually. Moving it lets you organize supporting information without changing the main topic hierarchy.
Related features
- How to Add Topics
- How to Add Notes
- How to Connect Topics
- How to Customize Text
- How to Customize Shapes and Lines
Keep extra information visible
Use sticky notes to keep reminders, questions, and supporting ideas visible without adding them to the main structure of your map. Add them where extra context would be helpful, and move or format them as your map develops.