Overview
File attachments let you keep supporting documents and other files connected to the topics they relate to. Instead of storing all the information directly in your map, you can attach a file to a topic and access it when you need it.
After attaching a file, Mindmup displays a file attachment icon on the topic. You can use this icon to access the attachment and replace, download, or delete the file.
Attach a file to a topic
To attach a file:
- Select the topic where you want to add the file.
- Click the Attach file icon in the topic menu.
- Choose the file you want to attach from your device.
The file is attached to the selected topic, and a file attachment icon appears on the topic.
For faster access, select a topic and press A to view or edit its attachment.
Access an attached file
When a topic has an attachment, a file attachment icon appears on the topic.
Click the file attachment icon to open the available attachment options. From there, you can replace, download, or delete the attached file.
This gives you quick access to supporting material without adding the file's contents directly to the map.
Replace an attached file
If you need to update the file associated with a topic, you can replace the existing attachment:
- Click the file attachment icon on the topic.
- Select the Replace file icon.
- Choose the new file you want to attach.
The new file replaces the existing attachment on that topic.
Download an attached file
To save a copy of an attached file to your device:
- Click the file attachment icon on the topic.
- Select the Download file icon.
Your browser will download the attached file to your device.
Delete an attached file
To remove a file from a topic:
- Click the file attachment icon on the topic.
- Select the Delete icon.
Deleting an attachment removes the file from the topic. It does not delete the topic itself.
Example use cases
File attachments are useful when a topic needs supporting material that would not fit naturally into the map itself.
You can use attachments to:
- Keep supporting documents with project tasks.
- Add reference materials to research topics.
- Attach worksheets or other resources to a study map.
- Keep relevant documents with meeting or planning topics.
- Store supporting files alongside the ideas or information they relate to.
For example, a project map might contain a topic for each major task. You can attach the relevant supporting file to each task, keeping the map focused on the project structure while making related materials easy to access.
Tips
- Attach files to the most relevant topic so they are easier to find later.
- Keep topic titles descriptive so users can understand what an attachment relates to without opening it first.
- Press A on Windows or Mac after selecting a topic for quick access to its attachment.
- Replace an existing attachment when you want to keep the file connected to the same topic while updating its contents.
- Use notes when you need to store written details directly in Mindmup, and attachments when you need to keep a separate file with the topic.
Common questions
How do I know if a topic has an attached file?
A file attachment icon appears on topics that have an attachment. Click the icon to access the attached file and its available options.
Can I attach more than one file to the same topic?
No. You can attach one file to a topic at a time. If you need to keep several files in the same map, attach them to separate topics so each file stays connected to the relevant information.
What happens to an attachment if I move the topic?
The attachment remains associated with its topic as you reorganize the map.
Related features
- How to Add Notes
- How to Add Links
- How to Add Images
- How to Move, Rearrange, Nest, Copy and Paste Topics
- Project Planning in Mindmup
Keep supporting files with the right ideas
Attach a file when you want supporting material to stay connected to a specific topic without adding its contents directly to your map. Try attaching a file to a topic in an existing map, or start with a blank map and add files as you organize your ideas and resources.