Overview
Topics are the building blocks of a Mindmup map. Each topic, also called a node, can represent an idea, task, question, category, or any other piece of information you want to organize.
As you build your map, you can add child and sibling topics to create a hierarchy of related ideas. You can also add a new root node when you need a separate starting point within the same map. Mindmup provides keyboard shortcuts to make adding topics faster.
Add child and sibling topics
- Select a topic in your map.
- Click the + button next to the topic to add a child or sibling topic.
- To work faster, use Tab or Enter. The shortcut depends on your map layout.
- For horizontal layouts: Tab = child, Enter = sibling.
- For vertical layouts: Tab = sibling, Enter = child.
- Type the text for your new topic, then continue building your map.
Add a sibling topic above
If you want to add a sibling above the currently selected topic, press Shift + Enter.
Add a parent topic
To insert a new parent above the selected topic, press Shift + Tab. The selected topic becomes a child of the new parent.
Add a new root node
A root node does not need to be connected as a child or sibling of an existing topic.
Click the + icon in the center menu to add another root node to your map. You can also press Ctrl + D to add a new root node using the keyboard.
Example use cases
You can add topics to:
- Break a main idea into smaller related ideas.
- Add tasks under different stages of a project.
- Organize study material into subjects and subtopics.
- Build an outline for an article, report, or presentation.
- Add categories and supporting information during brainstorming.
- Create separate starting points using additional root nodes.
Tips
- Start with your main idea, then add child topics for the major categories or sections.
- Use sibling topics for ideas that belong at the same level of the map.
- Add child topics when you want to break an idea into more specific details.
- Use Shift + Enter when you need to insert a sibling above an existing topic instead of rearranging topics afterward.
- Learn Tab and Enter if you add topics frequently. They let you build a map without repeatedly switching between the keyboard and mouse.
- Remember that Tab and Enter behave differently in horizontal and vertical layouts.
Common questions
What's the difference between a child and a sibling topic?
A child topic sits one level below another topic and is useful for adding supporting details or breaking an idea into smaller parts. Sibling topics sit at the same level and are useful for related ideas of equal importance.
Can I have more than one root node in a map?
Yes. You can add multiple root nodes when you need separate starting points or groups of ideas within the same map.
Can I change the position or hierarchy of a topic after adding it?
Yes. Drag a topic to move it to a different position. You can also drag it onto another topic to make it a child of that topic. See How to Move, Rearrange, Nest, Copy and Paste Topics for more information.
Related features
- How to Edit Topic Text
- How to Move, Rearrange, Nest, Copy and Paste Topics
- How to Select Topics
- How to Fold and Unfold Topics
- How to Use Auto Layout
- How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Start building your map
Open a map you're already working on and add a few topics to develop your ideas. Use child topics for details and sibling topics for related ideas at the same level.
You can also start with a new map and build its structure one topic at a time.