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
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 |
