// free tool - mind map maker

Mind Map Maker Free mind map generator

Paste an indented list, Markdown headings or an outline from ChatGPT or Claude, and get a colored mind map with automatic layout. Collapse branches, pick balanced, right or radial, and export PNG or SVG with no watermark.

  • Free - no sign-up
  • Runs in your browser
  • Paste any outline
  • PNG + SVG export
Samples
# Topic Level Color Delete

You can paste several rows from a spreadsheet straight into any cell.

100%

Level 0 is the central topic, 1 a main branch, 2 and up are details. Click a topic to collapse its branch.

PNG and SVG are free with no watermark. Save, share links, PDF and PPTX come with All-Access Pro ($9) or Team ($29).

    Go past the map

    The map holds the ideas. Acting on them is the job.

    A mind map gets ideas out of your head. These AI skills and agents plug into Claude, ChatGPT or any AI chat and help you generate, sort and turn them into plans.

    AI Skill Brainstorming Facilitator Runs structured idea sessions and returns grouped ideas you can paste straight into a mind map. See the skill -> AI Skill AI Tutor and Learning Assistant Builds study outlines, explains topics and quizzes you on what you mapped. See the skill -> AI Agent AI Marketing Strategy Agent Turns a map of marketing ideas into a channel plan, messaging and a launch calendar. See the agent ->

    What is a mind map maker?

    A mind map puts one central topic in the middle and grows ideas out of it as branches, sub-branches and leaves. It is the quickest way to see a whole subject at once, which is why people use mind maps for brainstorming, study notes, essay plans and project kickoffs. This free mind map maker turns a plain indented list into a colored, auto-laid-out map. You write the outline; the tool does the drawing.

    It runs in your browser with no sign-up. Your draft is autosaved in this browser, and PNG and SVG export come with no watermark.

    How to make a mind map in four steps

    1. Write or paste an outline. The first line is the central topic. Or load a sample: Project kickoff, Essay plan or Marketing ideas.
    2. Pick a layout. Balanced spreads branches on both sides, Right sends everything to the right like a tree, and Radial arranges branches in a circle around the center.
    3. Focus the view. Click any topic to collapse or expand its branch, or use Expand all and Collapse all.
    4. Export. Download PNG for notes and chats or SVG for print and further editing.

    Mind map input format

    The text input reads an indented list. Indent with spaces or tabs, and use - or * bullets or Markdown headings (#, ##) if you like. Each level of indent becomes one level deeper in the map.

    Product launch
  Audience
    - Freelancers
    - Small agencies
  Channels
    - Newsletter
    - LinkedIn
  Timeline
    - Beta in May
    - Launch in June

    If you prefer a table, use three columns: Topic, Parent and Color. Leave Parent empty for the central topic and put the parent topic name on every other row. That format is handy when the ideas already live in a spreadsheet.

    Colors that make the map readable

    Each main branch gets its own color automatically, so you can tell the branches apart at a glance. To set a color yourself, fill the Color column with a name such as red, blue, green, orange, purple, teal, pink or gray, or a hex value like #2F80ED. Children inherit the color of their branch, so you only need to set it once at the top of each branch.

    Turn AI output into a mind map

    This is the fastest way to use a mind map generator: ask ChatGPT, Claude or any AI chat for an outline of a topic as a nested bullet list, then paste the answer straight in. Notes from a meeting or a lecture work the same way. If the outline is too deep, collapse the lower levels and export only what matters. For better outlines from the AI side, a brainstorming facilitator skill structures idea sessions, and an AI note taking skill turns raw notes into clean nested lists.

    Mind mapping tips

    • Keep topics short. One to four words per topic. A mind map is a map, not a document.
    • Aim for 4 to 7 main branches. Fewer looks thin, more gets hard to scan. Group extras under a new branch.
    • Go wide before deep. Fill the first level fully before adding detail, so the structure is right.
    • Use Radial for brainstorming, Right for plans. Radial shows ideas as equals; the Right layout reads like a tree and suits step-like content.
    • Collapse for presenting. Show the main branches first and expand one at a time while you talk.

    Mind map ideas and use cases

    • Students: revision maps, essay plans and reading notes. A study tutor skill can quiz you on the map afterwards.
    • Teams: project kickoffs, scope discussions and retrospectives.
    • Marketers: campaign ideas, content clusters and audience segments.
    • Writers: chapter outlines and character maps.

    Free version vs Pro

    Creating, editing and exporting PNG or SVG are free, with no account and no watermark. Your draft lives only in this browser. With the All-Access subscription (Pro $9 per month, Team $29 per month for 5 seats) you can save diagrams to your account, share a read-only link you can revoke at any time, and export PDF or PPTX for slide decks.

    More free diagram tools

    Same editor, same free exports, different diagram:

    Or browse all free AI tools and generators.

    FAQ

    Is this mind map maker free?

    Yes. Creating, editing and exporting PNG or SVG are free with no sign-up and no watermark. Saving to an account, share links, PDF and PPTX export are part of the paid All-Access subscription.

    What format does the mind map generator accept?

    An indented list where the first line is the central topic. Spaces, tabs, - or * bullets and Markdown # headings all work. You can also use a table with Topic, Parent and Color columns.

    Can I turn ChatGPT or Claude output into a mind map?

    Yes. Ask the AI for a nested bullet outline of your topic and paste the answer into the text input. The map is drawn automatically.

    Can I change branch colors?

    Each main branch gets its own color automatically. Put a color name such as red or teal, or a hex value like #2F80ED, in the Color column to override it, and child topics inherit it.

    Is my data private?

    The free tool runs fully in your browser and your draft is saved only in this browser. Nothing is stored in an account unless you are on Pro and choose to save the map.