A free mind map maker that keeps up with your thinking
If you want something like MindMeister without an account or a cap on how many maps you can keep, open Mind Map. You type, press Tab and Enter, and the map lays itself out as you go. Colours, icons and notes are one click away, and you can export the result as a picture, a PDF or a plain outline. Maps are saved in your browser on your own device.
Step by step
- Open Mind Map. The first time, it shows a small brainstorm template. Press New (the + button) to start a blank map or pick the Exam revision or Project plan template.
- Select the central topic and just start typing to replace its text. Press Enter when you are done.
- Press Tab to add a subtopic and type its name, then Enter to add the next topic beside it. Keep going: Enter, type, Enter. Press Enter on an empty topic to stop.
- Move around with the arrow keys. Space folds or unfolds a branch, Alt + arrows move a topic up or down, and Delete removes it.
- Drag a topic onto another one to move it there. Drag a main branch across the centre to put it on the other side.
- Use Colour, Icon and Note to mark up a topic, and Style to switch between light, dark and colourful maps.
- Press Export for a PNG image, an SVG, a PDF or a Markdown outline, or the save button to keep the map as a file you can open again.
Who it helps
- Students. Turn a chapter into a revision map, then copy the outline into your notes or flashcards.
- Writers and creators. Brainstorm an article, a video script or a course and export the outline as Markdown to start writing.
- Teams and freelancers. Sketch a project plan or meeting agenda and drop the PNG or PDF into a chat or a slide.
- Anyone thinking something through. A decision, a trip, a move: get it out of your head and see it in one picture.
Why it's private
Mind Map is a static page. Your maps are stored in your browser's own storage on this device and are never uploaded. The page's security policy blocks it from sending data to other websites, files you open are read on your device, and it works offline after the first visit. Clearing your browser's site data deletes your maps, so save the important ones as files.
Tips and limits
- Paste an outline: open a .md or .txt file with one topic per line (indented, or with - bullets or # headings) and it becomes a map.
- Find a topic with Ctrl+F; it unfolds the branch it is in.
- Zoom with Ctrl + scroll, the + and − keys or a pinch; press F to fit the whole map on screen.
- Arabic and other right-to-left text works in topics and notes.
- Not included yet: free-floating topics, lines linking far-apart topics, pictures inside topics, live collaboration, or sync between devices.
- Press F1 or the ? button for all keyboard shortcuts.
FAQ
How many mind maps can I make?
As many as you like. There is no map or topic limit in the tool; maps are kept in your browser's storage, which holds thousands of ordinary maps.
Can I open maps from other mind map apps?
Yes, if the app can export a FreeMind (.mm) file or a text outline. Open the file with Open a file. Topics, notes and folded branches come across; styling and pictures do not.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes. Tap a topic to select it, double-tap to edit, use the + Subtopic and + Topic buttons, drag a topic onto another to move it, and pinch to zoom.
Can I share a map or work on it with others?
There is no live sharing or collaboration because nothing is stored on a server. Save the map as a file and send it, or export a PNG or PDF for people who only need to look at it.
Does it work offline?
Yes. After the first visit the page works without an internet connection, and your maps are saved in the browser as you type.
Related tools
- Diagrams: flowcharts and org charts when you need boxes and arrows in any shape.
- Whiteboard: free drawing for quick sketches.
- Flashcards: turn your revision map into cards to study.
- Study Planner: plan when you revise each branch.
- All guides