How to Create a New Mind Map

Jul 8Guides

Overview

Creating a new mind map is the first step to organizing your ideas in Mindmup. Whether you're brainstorming, planning a project, taking notes, or mapping out an argument, you can start with a blank map and customize it to fit your needs.

Every new map can be configured as one of three map types:

  • Standard Mindmup for general mind mapping and idea organization.
  • Org Chart for creating organizational structures and hierarchies.
  • Argument Visualization for mapping claims, reasons, and objections.

How to use it

Create a new map from the Home page

  1. Open the Home page.
  2. Click + New map.
  3. A new map opens in the editor with a root node, ready for you to start adding ideas.
  4. To set your map's layout, click the Customize layout & style icon in the top-left menu.
  5. Under Map type, choose: Standard Mindmup, Org Chart, or Argument Visualization
  6. Select the map direction and style that best fits your diagram.

Create a new map while editing another map

  1. Click the Mindmup icon in the top-left corner.
  2. Select File › New.
  3. Choose the type of map you want to create: Standard Mindmup, Org Chart, or Argument Visualization
  4. A new map opens in the editor with a root node.
  5. To customize your map further, click the Customize layout & style icon in the top-left menu. Here, you can change the map type, direction, and style at any time.

Choosing the right map type

Standard Mindmup

Standard Mindmup is the best choice for most situations. Use it to:

  • Brainstorm ideas
  • Plan projects
  • Take meeting notes
  • Organize research
  • Create study guides

Org Chart

Org Chart is designed for visualizing hierarchical relationships, such as:

  • Company organizational charts
  • Team structures
  • Family trees
  • Department hierarchies

Argument Visualization

Argument Visualization helps you build structured arguments by connecting claims with supporting reasons and objections. It's ideal for:

  • Debate preparation
  • Critical thinking
  • Legal analysis
  • Research and decision-making

Example use cases

You can create a new mind map to:

  • Brainstorm ideas for a new project.
  • Plan tasks and milestones.
  • Take notes during a meeting or lecture.
  • Organize research for a report.
  • Design an organizational chart.
  • Compare different options before making a decision.

Tips

  • Start with your main idea in the center, then add related topics as your map grows.
  • Choose the map type that best matches your goal before you begin adding content.
  • You can customize your map's layout, direction, colors, and styling at any time.

Common questions

Can I create more than one mind map?

Yes. You can create as many maps as you need and manage them from the Home page.

Which map type should I choose?

For most projects, choose Standard Mindmup. Use Org Chart for hierarchical diagrams and Argument Visualization when you need to map claims, reasons, and objections.

Can I rename my map later?

Yes. You can rename your map at any time by clicking the map title.

Related features

  • Getting Started with Mindmup
  • Dashboard Overview
  • Editor Overview
  • Choosing the Right Map Type
  • How to Customize Map Layout
  • How to Rename a Map

Ready to create your first map?

Open Mindmup and create a new map to start organizing your ideas. You can begin with a blank map for a new project or use one to expand on an idea you're already working on.