Create mind maps from topic outlines with hierarchical structure and branches. Part of the DevTools Surf developer suite. Browse more tools in the Diagrams & Workflows collection.
Use Cases
Brainstorm features for a new product using a central topic with expanding idea branches.
Map out the structure of a technical article or documentation before writing.
Visualize a system architecture or dependency tree for team alignment.
Plan a study schedule by mapping topic → subtopics → specific concepts to review.
Tips
Start with the central topic as a single word or short phrase — the first expansion should be the 3-7 main branches, not details.
Use the horizontal vs. radial layout toggle to switch between a linear outline-style view (easier to read) and a radial view (better for presentations).
Export as SVG to paste directly into Figma or Miro for further refinement.
Fun Facts
Mind maps were popularized by Tony Buzan in the 1970s as a note-taking technique based on how he claimed the brain stores information in a radial, non-linear way. His 1974 book 'Use Your Head' introduced the technique to a mainstream audience.
Research published in the British Journal of Educational Technology (2002) found that students who used mind maps for note-taking retained 10% more information in long-term recall tests compared to linear note-takers.
The largest documented mind map, created by Paul Foreman in 2006, had 30,000+ individual nodes and required a 1.5-meter printout — demonstrating both the scalability and the practical limits of the format.
FAQ
What input format does it accept?
Indented text (outline format) or a structured JSON tree. Paste an indented bulleted list and it auto-generates the mind map hierarchy from the indentation levels.
Can I add colors and icons to branches?
Yes — each branch can have a custom color, icon (from the built-in icon set), and optional note text. Colors can be set per branch or inherited from the parent.
What export formats are available?
SVG, PNG, and FreeMind XML (.mm) for import into other mind-mapping tools like XMind or Miro. JSON export is available for re-importing into this tool.
