Mind maps are powerful visual tools for organizing information, brainstorming ideas, and planning projects. They start with a central concept and branch outward into related topics and subtopics. This Mind Map Maker goes beyond basic mapping with AI-powered brainstorming, multiple session tabs, three distinct node types, and eight ready-made templates.
A mind map is a radial diagram that starts with a single central idea and expands outward through branches representing related topics, subtopics, and supporting details. Unlike linear outlines, mind maps mirror the way the brain naturally associates concepts, making them one of the most effective tools for brainstorming, learning, and planning. This free online Mind Map Maker is a full-featured canvas application with AI brainstorming, multiple session tabs, three node types, eight templates, and seven export formats, all running directly in your browser with no signup or data leaving your device.
The full-viewport canvas supports three distinct node types: Topic nodes for core ideas, Section nodes for visual grouping, and Note nodes for sticky-note-style annotations. Each node can be color-coded with six colors, and branches can be collapsed to focus on specific areas. The built-in AI assistant can expand any topic with subtopics, brainstorm related ideas, restructure your map, or generate pros and cons, all while understanding the full context of your map. Multiple tabs let you work on separate mind maps simultaneously, with each session saving automatically.
Three auto-layout algorithms, horizontal tree, vertical tree, and radial, keep your map organized as it grows. Full undo and redo history tracks every change. Keyboard shortcuts (Tab for children, Enter for siblings, Delete to remove, Cmd+Z to undo) let you build maps without touching the toolbar. Export to PNG, SVG, JSON, Markdown, plain text, Mermaid, or clipboard. Import from JSON, Markdown, or text files to bring in existing outlines. Share your entire map via URL with one click.
If you need to make structured decisions based on your brainstorm, try the Decision Tree Builder to turn ideas into yes-or-no decision paths. For multi-step processes, the Workflow Builder helps you convert brainstormed steps into sequential flowcharts. Combined with visual tools like the ER Diagram Designer for database planning or the UML Diagram Editor for software modeling, you can move from high-level brainstorming to detailed technical design without switching platforms.
Traditional mind mapping software like XMind and MindMeister offers real-time collaboration and cloud storage, but they require paid subscriptions starting at eight to ten dollars per month and mandatory account creation. This free Mind Map Maker matches or exceeds their core feature set: three node types, AI-powered brainstorming, multiple session tabs, seven export formats, three auto-layout algorithms, keyboard shortcuts, and undo/redo history. All processing happens client-side in your browser with no data ever uploaded to a server and no usage limits.
Compared to drawing mind maps in generic tools like Figma or Google Drawings, this purpose-built tool gives you automatic parent-child connections, one-click branch creation, collapsible subtrees, and tree layout algorithms that save significant manual positioning time. The AI assistant can expand topics, restructure branches, and brainstorm ideas directly on the canvas. Export to Markdown and Mermaid integrates with developer workflows and documentation tools. If your brainstorming session evolves into a formal diagram, move to the UML Diagram Editor for software modeling or the Workflow Builder for process flows without starting from scratch.
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