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