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 useplantuml
or
puml
code fence. NEVER usetext
— 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
<>
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>
+
<>
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