Mind Map Maker
Turn an indented outline into a branching mind map.
To make a mind map, type a plain indented outline: the top line becomes the central idea, lines at the left margin become main branches, and each further level of indentation nests a sub-point beneath. The map redraws as you type, colour-coded by branch — ideal for essay plans, revision, and brainstorming.
How to build the map
Type a plain indented outline and the map draws itself, colour-coded by main branch. Indentation sets the depth: each two spaces (or one tab) nests a line one level deeper under the line above it. A line at the left margin is a main branch; indent it twice and it becomes a sub-point of the branch before it.
If your outline has a single top line, that becomes the centre of the map. If several lines sit at the left margin, the tool groups them all under one “Mind Map” hub — so start with a single title line when you want one clear central idea.
- 1 Start with the central topic. Write the subject in the middle of the page and circle it so every other idea has a clear anchor to branch from.
- 2 Draw the main branches. Radiate a line out from the centre for each key theme or subtopic, spacing them so the map has room to grow.
- 3 Add sub-branches for detail. Off each main branch, draw smaller sub-branches for the supporting points, facts, or examples that belong to that theme.
- 4 Label with keywords, not sentences. Use one or two short words per branch and add colour or a small image — the brevity and visuals make the map far easier to recall.
- 5 Link related ideas. Draw connecting lines between branches on different arms of the map to show how separate ideas relate to each other.
Outline → branch
Two spaces (or one tab) per level of indentation.
| You type | Indentation | Becomes |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | none | Centre of the map |
| Introduction | 2 spaces | A main branch |
| Hook | 4 spaces | A sub-point of Introduction |
| Body | 2 spaces | Another main branch |
Where a mind map helps most
Planning an essay. Make the thesis your centre, the main arguments your branches, and the evidence the leaves. Seeing the whole shape at once makes weak or unbalanced sections obvious before you write a word.
Condensing a topic for revision. Rebuilding a chapter as a map from memory is active recall — and the gaps where you stall are exactly what to study next.
Brainstorming. Dump ideas as a flat list first, then drag them into structure by adjusting indentation. Because it’s text-driven, reorganising the whole map is as easy as editing a list — no boxes to drag.
For a linear record of a lecture, pair it with the Cornell notes template, then turn the map’s leaves into a flashcards deck for active recall.