Mind map template

Use this mind map template to give your team space to brainstorm, collaborate, and visually structure your ideas in real time — no matter where everyone is located. This template includes handy tips as well as different examples of mind maps, so you can choose the layout that best fits your needs.

What is a mind map?

A mind map is a brainstorming tool designed to help you visually track, organize, and structure your thoughts and ideas. Mind maps are diagrams with ideas branching from one central concept or idea, and are designed to organize information and synthesize ideas.

Start by writing down the main question or topic you want to explore. From there, your team jots down any related thoughts, ideas, or images that come to mind. As the brainstorming continues, you group related concepts into sub-themes or categories with supporting ideas that branch out radially from your core topic.

The end result is a fully flexible, visual diagram of all the thoughts and ideas surrounding a particular topic. Participants can re-order their thoughts into a logical sequence, connect ideas, identify central themes, and see how each item relates back to the big picture. It’s an exercise that, quite literally, helps you map a plan of action.

Learn more about mind mapping

How to create a mind map in 5 steps:

1. Pick your main topic

Start by determining the main focus of your mind map. Once you’ve identified the primary focus, write it down in the center of your mind map. You’ll build on this topic for the rest of the exercise.

2. Do a quick brain dump 

Set aside five to 10 minutes for your team to brainstorm anything and everything related to your core topic. As ideas come to mind, add them to your mind map as words, phrases, or images. 

3. Organize your brain dump into categories

Once you’ve got everything written down, identify three to five main categories that directly relate to your central topic. Think of these as the core components of your mind map — the overarching subtopics that most of your ideas fall under.

4. Connect related concepts

Now that your core categories have emerged, it’s time to sort through the rest of your ideas! Use connectors to group each idea under the category that makes the most sense. You can remove any ideas that don’t fit within your primary categories or create additional categories to house them. 

5. Expand your mind map

Once you have your initial categories and supporting ideas organized, take time to explore each one individually and go deeper.

For each new idea, draw a line connecting it to the appropriate category, or create a new subcategory that branches off of one of your main ideas. Continue until you have a complex mind map that reveals the connections across all your topics and subtopics.

Features included in the mind map template

Mural’s Mind Map Template makes it easy for you and your team to brainstorm collaboratively, plan projects, troubleshoot challenges, and identify creative solutions. 

Easy, intuitive mind mapping without limits

Drag and drop sticky notes, text, images, GIFs, and videos on an infinite canvas to customize your mind map exactly how you want it.

Pre-formatted layouts to get you started

Build a mind map from scratch or use one of four pre-formatted layouts as the framework for your design. Each element can be customized to suit your team’s needs.

Create connections at the speed of thought

“Connectors” are the lines used to connect individual items to the larger categories within your mind map. They’re a critical component of any mind map – one that you need the flexibility to quickly adjust at will throughout the exercise.

You can click and drag your mouse to draw connectors free-form or use connector points to instantly attach new connectors and shapes to existing elements. 

Work collaboratively from anywhere

Whether you’re in the office together, mind mapping async, or collaborating remotely in real time, Mural makes it easy for teams to brainstorm as a group. Our facilitator features let you set the parameters of your mind mapping session and help everyone work better together.