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 directionright to left direction
- Multi-line node content must use block syntax:
- 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
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 |
By