Overview
Mindmup helps you organize ideas and information visually. You can create maps, connect related ideas, add notes and images, organize large maps, customize their appearance, and share your work with others.
This guide walks you through the basics of creating and working with a Mindmup map, from adding your first node to sharing or exporting your finished map.
Create a new map
Start by creating a map from the Mindmup Home dashboard.
- Click the drop-down arrow next to + New map.
- Choose Standard Mindmup, Org Chart, or Argument Visualization.
- Mindmup creates a new map using the selected map type.
You can also create a new map from the editor through File › New.
Choose the right map type
The best map type depends on how your information is structured.
Standard Mindmup is best for general mind mapping, such as brainstorming, studying, planning, and organizing ideas.
Org Chart is designed for information with a clear hierarchy, such as teams, roles, and reporting structures.
Argument Visualization is designed for building and examining arguments using claims, reasons, objections, and inferences.
You can switch between Standard Mindmup and Org Chart while working on an existing map. Argument Visualization can only be created as a new map from the + New map menu on the Mindmup Home dashboard.
Start with a root node
A new map starts with a root node. Use it for the main idea, topic, question, or subject you want to organize.
From there, build the map by adding related nodes.
For a Standard Mindmup map, you can develop ideas into branches. For an Org Chart, you can build a hierarchy of roles or groups. For Argument Visualization, you can develop a claim with supporting reasons and objections.
Add and edit nodes
The quickest way to build a map is to add nodes as you develop your ideas.
Select a node and use Add child or Add sibling to continue building the structure.
You can also use:
- Space to edit node text.
- Tab or Enter to add nodes, depending on the map layout.
- Backspace to delete a node.
- Shift + Enter to add a sibling above or insert a line break while editing node text.
- Shift + Tab to insert a parent.
You can also add connections, images, and sticky notes when your map needs more than a simple hierarchy.
Organize your map
As your map grows, you can reorganize its structure instead of starting over.
You can:
- Move nodes up or down.
- Detach a node from its current position.
- Insert a parent node.
- Add a connection between nodes.
- Fold and unfold branches.
- Select individual nodes, siblings, children, or entire subtrees.
For large maps, folding branches you are not currently working on can make the rest of the map easier to follow.
Find information in a large map
You do not need to scan every branch to find a particular node.
Use Find node to search for part of a node title and quickly locate the information you need.
Search for a distinctive word or phrase from the node title to find the relevant node in a large map.
Navigate around your map
You can change how much of the map is visible as you work.
Use the view controls to:
- Zoom in when you need more detail.
- Zoom out to see more of the map.
- Zoom to fit to bring the map into view.
- Recenter view to return the map to the center of the workspace.
- Full screen to give the map more room on your screen.
You can also pan by dragging the canvas.
For a large map, zoom in when working on a specific branch and use Zoom to fit when you want to step back and see the overall structure.
Customize your map
Once your content is in place, you can adjust the map's appearance to make its structure easier to understand.
Use Customize layout & style to change the available layout, color, text, shape, and line settings.
Depending on the map type, you can customize options such as:
- Map type, direction, style, and density.
- Canvas background and colors.
- Text font, size, color, style, and alignment.
- Node shape, border thickness, corner radius, and padding.
- Line thickness and style.
The available options depend on the map type. Argument Visualization also provides separate styling for supporting points and objections.
Add notes, images, and attachments
Nodes can contain more than their titles.
You can add:
- Notes for additional information.
- Images to provide visual context.
- Attachments for related files.
- Sticky notes for additional information on the canvas.
These are useful when the node title alone does not contain everything you want to keep with an idea.
Keep large maps manageable
You do not need to display every part of a large map at once.
Use Fold/unfold to temporarily hide branches you are not working on. You can fold or unfold a subtree, one level, or the entire map.
You can also turn Auto layout on or off and use the grid when you need additional visual guidance while arranging nodes.
Save, share, and export your work
When your map is ready, you can share it with other people or export it for use outside Mindmup.
From the File menu, you can export your map as:
- Image — PNG, JPG, or SVG
- Outline — including Microsoft Word, Markdown, HTML, OPML, and other formats
- Notes — Microsoft Word, Text/Markdown, or HTML
- Mindmup file
- Save local copy
To collaborate with others, use Share/Publish. You can invite people by email and give them view or edit access. You can also manage general access or publish the map.
Continue learning
Once you are comfortable with the basics, explore the features that fit the way you work:
- How to Customize Map Layout
- How to Use View Options
- How to Zoom and Navigate
- How to Customize Map Colors
- How to Customize Text
- How to Customize Shapes and Lines
- How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts
- How to Use Argument Visualization
Start building your first map
Start with one main idea and build out the information around it. As your map grows, use Mindmup's organization, navigation, and styling tools to make the structure easier to understand.
Create your first map and start organizing your ideas.