Mind Map Generator

Create professional mind maps, flowcharts, and org charts directly in your browser. 100% free, private (nothing uploaded to servers by default), with Markdown and JSON import/export. The best XMind alternative.

A mind map generator creates visual mind maps from text outlines or markdown lists. Mind maps are diagrams that radiate from a central concept, with branches representing related topics and subtopics. They're used for brainstorming, note-taking, project planning, and studying. This tool renders interactive mind maps in your browser using SVG -- no data is transmitted.

Create mind maps without uploading your ideas

Multiple layouts, Markdown notes, keyboard shortcuts, and JSON export. Everything runs locally in your browser — no sign-up, no limits.

Multiple layouts

100% private

Free unlimited

How to use

1
Initialize
Open the tool. A root node 'Central Idea' is created automatically.
2
Brainstorm
Press 'Tab' to create child branches and 'Enter' to create sibling branches. Double-click any node to edit text.
3
Customize
Use the toolbar to insert images, notes (Markdown supported), links, or change the layout structure.
4
Export
Click the export icon to save your work as a PNG image for presentations or a JSON file for future editing.

Powerful Productivity Features

Markdown Notes

Add rich notes to any node using Markdown syntax (Bold, Italic, Code blocks).

Keyboard Shortcuts

Keep your hands on the keyboard. Use Tab for child nodes and Enter for siblings.

Multiple Layouts

Switch instantly between Logical Structure, Fishbone Diagrams, Organization Charts, and Timelines.

Import & Export Flexibility

Support standard JSON import/export. Save project locally and restore anytime. Export high-quality PNG images.

Understanding Mind Mapping

What are mind maps and why use them?

Mind maps are visual thinking tools that organize information hierarchically around a central concept. Developed by Tony Buzan in the 1970s, they leverage the brain's natural tendency to associate ideas and think radially rather than linearly. A mind map starts with a central topic in the middle, with major branches radiating outward representing main themes, and sub-branches representing details. This structure mirrors how neural networks work -- ideas connect to related ideas in a web of associations.

Mind maps are effective because they engage both hemispheres of the brain: the left hemisphere processes the words and logical structure, while the right hemisphere processes the spatial layout, colors, and visual relationships. Studies have shown that mind mapping improves memory retention by 10-15% compared to linear note-taking, and enhances creative problem-solving by making connections between disparate ideas visible. They're widely used in education (for study notes and essay planning), business (for meeting agendas and project planning), and personal development (for goal setting and decision-making).

Digital mind mapping offers advantages over paper: unlimited canvas size, easy editing and rearranging, export to multiple formats, and the ability to handle large maps without running out of space. Our tool generates mind maps from indented text or Markdown lists -- you type the outline, and the tool automatically calculates the layout, positioning branches at equal angles around the center and sub-branches along their parent branch. The result is an interactive SVG that can be zoomed, panned, and exported.

How automated mind map layout works

Automatic mind map layout is a graph layout problem. The tool uses a radial tree layout algorithm: the root node is placed at the center, first-level children are arranged in a circle around the root at a fixed radius, and each child's subtree is allocated an angular slice proportional to the number of leaf nodes in that subtree. Within each slice, child nodes are positioned recursively, with each level adding another radius increment. This produces a balanced, symmetric layout that minimizes overlapping branches.

The SVG rendering uses Bezier curves for branch connections, creating smooth, organic lines that are more visually appealing than straight lines. Node sizes are proportional to their text length, with font sizes decreasing at deeper levels to maintain visual hierarchy. Colors can be assigned per branch to visually distinguish themes. The SVG is interactive -- nodes can be collapsed/expanded, and the map can be zoomed and panned using standard mouse/touch gestures. Export to SVG or PNG preserves the full map at any zoom level.

Why Choose Our Mind Map Generator?

100% Privacy-First

Unlike other online tools, our tool runs entirely in your browser. Your data never leaves your device unless you choose to export it.

No Sign-up Required

Start brainstorming immediately. No accounts, no subscriptions, no tracking.

Zen Mode

Toggle fullscreen to remove all distractions and focus purely on your ideas.

Developer-Friendly

JSON import/export makes it easy to integrate with other tools, scripts, or custom workflows.

How does this compare to other mind map tools?

A side-by-side comparison of popular mind mapping tools.

Feature	NovaTools	MindMeister	Coggle
Privacy (no server)	100% local	Server-side	Server-side
No registration		Required	Required
Text-to-mind-map	From outline	Manual drawing	Manual drawing
SVG export		(paid)	(paid)
Free unlimited maps		3 maps (free)	3 diagrams (free)
Works offline

Server-based mind mapping tools store your ideas on their servers and require registration. Our tool generates mind maps entirely in your browser from your text input -- your ideas and notes never leave your device.

FAQ

Is this tool truly free?

Yes, it is completely free. There are no paywalls, no node limits, and no watermark on exported images. You can create mind maps of any size, with unlimited nodes, branches, and notes. The tool is sustained by non-intrusive advertising rather than premium subscriptions. There is no sign-up required — you can start creating mind maps immediately without providing an email address or creating an account. The exported PNG images and JSON files are yours to use for any purpose, including commercial use, with no attribution required. The tool will remain free indefinitely.

Can I edit my mind map later?

Yes, but exporting is still the safest option. The current version keeps a local browser draft for recovery in case of accidental page refresh, but this draft is stored in the browser's session storage and may be cleared if you clear your browser data. For durable backup, use the Export JSON feature — this saves your entire mind map structure (including all node text, notes, links, and layout settings) as a JSON file on your device. When you return, use Import JSON to load the file back and continue editing exactly where you left off. You can also import JSON files created by other mind mapping tools if they use a compatible format.

Does it support Markdown?

Yes. You can add rich notes to any node using full Markdown syntax. This includes support for bold, italics, strikethrough, inline code, code blocks with syntax highlighting, ordered and unordered lists, task lists (checkboxes), tables, blockquotes, links, and images. The notes are rendered as formatted HTML in the node's note panel, giving you a rich text editing experience within the mind map structure. This is particularly useful for adding detailed descriptions, code snippets, or reference links to mind map nodes without cluttering the visual diagram.

What layouts are supported?

The tool supports four layout types: Logical Structure (the classic mind map layout with a central topic and radiating branches), Fishbone Diagram (also known as Ishikawa diagram, used for cause-and-effect analysis), Organization Chart (hierarchical tree layout used for org structures and family trees), and Timeline (linear layout for chronological events and project plans). You can switch between layouts at any time without losing your content — the tool automatically rearranges the nodes to fit the new layout. Each layout type has its own arrangement algorithm that optimizes spacing and minimizes overlapping connections.

Can I add images and links to nodes?

Yes. Each node can contain an optional image (uploaded from your device) and an optional hyperlink. Images are displayed as thumbnails within the node, and clicking a link opens the URL in a new browser tab. This is useful for creating mind maps that reference external resources — for example, linking a project node to a GitHub repository, a meeting node to a calendar event, or a research node to a paper. Images are stored as base64 data within the mind map's JSON export, so they are preserved when you save and reload your work.

What keyboard shortcuts are available?

The tool provides a comprehensive set of keyboard shortcuts for efficient mind mapping: Tab to create a child node (add a sub-branch), Enter to create a sibling node (same level), Delete/Backspace to delete the selected node and all its children, F2 or double-click to edit the selected node's text, Ctrl/Cmd+Z for undo, Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+Z for redo, Ctrl/Cmd+C/V for copy/paste nodes, and arrow keys to navigate between nodes. These shortcuts follow standard mind mapping conventions used by XMind, MindNode, and other popular tools, so you can transition seamlessly.

How do I export my mind map?

The tool offers two export formats. Export as PNG generates a high-resolution image of your mind map (at 2x device pixel ratio for crisp rendering on Retina displays) that you can embed in presentations, documents, or social media. Export as JSON saves the complete mind map structure (all nodes, text, notes, links, images, and layout settings) as a JSON file that you can import back into the tool for future editing. The JSON format is also human-readable, making it easy to integrate with other tools or scripts. There is no watermark on exported images.

Is my mind map data private?

Yes. By default, all mind map data is stored in your browser's local storage and session storage — it is never transmitted to our servers unless you explicitly choose to share it. The tool does not use analytics scripts to track your mind map content, does not send your data to third-party APIs for processing, and does not require an account. When you export your mind map as JSON or PNG, the files are generated locally in your browser and saved directly to your device. If you clear your browser data, your local drafts will be deleted — so always export important mind maps to JSON files for safekeeping.

Your Privacy is Our Priority

This tool runs entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript libraries for mind map rendering, layout calculation, and image export.

By default, all mind map data is stored in your browser's local storage and session storage — it is never transmitted to our servers, stored in a database, or accessible to anyone but you.
The tool does not use analytics scripts to track your mind map content, does not send your data to third-party APIs for processing, and does not require an account.
When you export your mind map as JSON or PNG, the files are generated locally in your browser's JavaScript engine and saved directly to your device's file system.
There are no server-side logs capturing your mind map structure or node contents, no analytics tracking your brainstorming patterns, and no persistent cloud storage.
If you clear your browser data, your local drafts will be deleted — so always export important mind maps to JSON files for safekeeping.

This makes the tool safe to use for confidential business strategy planning, proprietary product roadmaps, legal case analysis, and any scenario where idea data should not be exposed to third-party servers.

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