mindmap

name mindmap description Create hierarchical mind maps using PlantUML @startmindmap syntax. Best for brainstorming, topic decomposition, study notes, and decision trees with automatic radial layout, left/right branches, and per-node styling. metadata {"author":"Mindmap diagrams are powered by Markdown Viewer — the best multi-platform Markdown extension (Chrome/Edge/Firefox/VS Code) with diagrams, formulas, and one-click Word export. Learn more at https://docu.md"} Mind Map Diagram Generator Quick Start: Start with @startmindmap -> define root and branches with * or +/- markers -> optionally set branch side, direction, and styles -> wrap in ```plantuml fence. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Always use ```plantuml or ```puml code fence. NEVER use ```text — it will NOT render as a diagram. Critical Rules Every diagram starts with @startmindmap and ends with @endmindmap Each hierarchy level is represented by repeating markers: * style: * (root), ** (level 1), *** (level 2) +/- style: + grows left branch, - grows right branch Keep one marker style consistent in the same local branch (do not randomly mix indentation styles) Use left side to switch subsequent branches to the left side of the root Use direction keywords when needed: top to bottom direction right to left direction Multi-line node content must use block syntax: **:Line 1\nLine 2; For quick color coding, use inline node color: *[#Orange] Root **[#lightgreen] Child For reusable themes, define <style> and apply stereotypes like <<green>> Rich text/Creole and icon syntax are supported inside node text (see examples) Node Syntax Cheat Sheet Pattern Meaning Example * Root Root node with star syntax * Product Strategy ** Child First-level child ** Goals *** Grandchild Deeper hierarchy *** KPI + Root Root node with +/- syntax + Architecture ++ Left branch Branch expanding on one side ++ Services -- Right branch Branch expanding on opposite side -- Risks ***_ Boxless Boxless/minimal child node ***_ Notes # Root Alternative root marker style # Topic **:...; Multi-line block node **:Item A\nItem B; Branch Side and Direction Control Syntax Use Case Left-side split left side Split map into left/right groups from root Top-to-bottom top to bottom direction Tree-like vertical hierarchy Right-to-left right to left direction RTL reading flow or mirrored layouts Styling Options Method Syntax Best For Inline node color **[#FFBBCC] Idea Fast per-node emphasis Reusable class style <style> ... .green { ... } </style> + <<green>> Consistent visual themes Depth-based style :depth(1) { ... } Global formatting by hierarchy depth Node/arrow global style node { ... } / arrow { ... } Unified typography and connectors Recommended Color Palettes Pick a palette that matches the map's purpose. Use inline [#hex] for quick coloring or define <style> classes for reuse. General-Purpose (Pastel) Role Hex Preview Usage Root #2196F3 🔵 Central topic Branch A #A5D6A7 🟢 Category / group 1 Branch B #90CAF9 🔵 Category / group 2 Branch C #CE93D8 🟣 Category / group 3 Branch D #FFE082 🟡 Category / group 4 Leaf #E0E0E0 ⚪ Detail nodes Status / RAG Status Hex Usage Done / OK #C8E6C9 Completed, healthy In Progress #FFF9C4 Active, warning Blocked / Risk #FFCDD2 Issue, danger Not Started #E0E0E0 Pending, neutral Warm Corporate Role Hex Root #1565C0 Level 1 #FFB74D Level 2 #4DB6AC Level 3 #E0E0E0 Cool Tech Role Hex Root #263238 Level 1 #00BCD4 Level 2 #80DEEA Level 3 #B2EBF2 Earth Tone Role Hex Root #5D4037 Level 1 #A1887F Level 2 #C8E6C9 Level 3 #FFF9C4 Tip: Avoid pure saturated colors ( #FF0000 , #00FF00 ) — they reduce readability. Prefer soft/muted tones for backgrounds and reserve bold colors for the root only. Mind Map Patterns Pattern Purpose Example Basic Hierarchy Topic decomposition and study outlines basic-hierarchy.md Bilateral Layout Pros/cons, options vs risks, two-side analysis bilateral-layout.md Boxless Branches Lightweight secondary nodes and annotations boxless-branches.md Styled Theme Color-coded branches and reusable classes styled-theme.md Direction Control Vertical or RTL reading direction direction-control.md Rich Text Content Detailed notes with icons and formatting rich-text-content.md Project Planning Work breakdown and action map project-planning.md Quick Example @startmindmap * Product Launch ** Goals *** Revenue *** User Growth left side ** Risks *** Timeline Slip *** Budget Overrun right to left direction ** Channels *** Content *** Ads @endmindmap Common Pitfalls Issue Solution Diagram not rendered Use ```plantuml fence + @startmindmap ... @endmindmap Branch depth looks wrong Check marker count ( * , ** , *** ) and indentation consistency Multi-line text breaks parser Use : ... ; block syntax, ensure trailing ; exists Colors not applied Verify hex format ( #RRGGBB ) or stereotype class names Layout direction unexpected Add explicit top to bottom direction or right to left direction