Mind map
A free-association tool where ideas branch out from a single center. You never move the boxes yourself; the map re-arranges itself after every addition, so you stay focused on the content instead of the layout.
Register nowWhen to use it?
- Brainstorming, when you want ideas out fast and the hierarchy is not clear yet.
- Breaking a topic into sub-headings to see its full scope.
- Taking meeting, lecture or book notes without losing the thread.
- Collecting raw ideas before moving on to a work breakdown.
Step by step
- 1A project can hold several maps. Use the map menu at the top left to create a new map or switch between them.
- 2Select the root box in the middle and press F2 to rename it; put the topic here.
- 3Press Tab on the selected box to open a new branch beneath it. The new box opens ready for typing.
- 4Enter creates a sibling branch at the same level. It also works while typing: finish the text, press Enter, and the next box opens.
- 5Right-click a box to add a description, mark the branch as done, or collapse it when it gets crowded.
- 6The mini map at the bottom right shows where you are; drag on it to move around large maps.
Keyboard shortcuts (desktop)
Tips
- Boxes cannot be dragged; the layout is automatic. To move a branch elsewhere, delete it and recreate it in the right place.
- Branch colors follow the main branch coming off the root, so the same color means the same top-level heading.
- Delete and F2 do not fire while you are inside a text field; finish with Enter or Esc first.
Worked example
Example: planning an internal training programme
An HR team has to build onboarding training and has no idea where to start. Before deciding anything, they dump everything on their mind onto one map. Order and priority come later.
Who attends
- New joiners
- Team leads
- Remote staff
- Field engineers
What we teach
- Product knowledge
- Internal systems
- Talking to customers
- Security rules
How we deliver it
- In-person workshop
- Recorded video
- Short weekly session
- Pairing with a senior
How we measure it
- Quiz at the end
- Manager feedback after three months
- Time to first solo task
- Attendance rate
With four branches on the map the gap is obvious: the measurement branch is thin next to the others. The team goes back to it before writing a single slide. That is what a mind map is for — showing you which side is empty.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mind map?
A way of collecting ideas by putting one topic in the middle and branching outwards. The difference from a list is that a list forces you to think in order, while a map lets you drop each thought onto whichever branch it belongs to. That is why it works better for untangling messy thinking.
What is the difference between a mind map and a work breakdown structure?
A mind map collects ideas; there are no owners, dates or sequence. A work breakdown structure manages work; every box has a status, a due date and a duration. The usual order is mind map first, then WBS once the scope has settled.
Can I drag the boxes around?
No, the layout is automatic. To move a branch, delete it and add it again in the right place. This is deliberate: time spent aligning boxes is time taken away from thinking.
How many branches should a mind map have?
There is no limit, but more than seven or eight at the same level becomes unreadable. When you get there, group similar branches under a new parent and the map becomes legible again.
Is it free?
Yes. Klarsti is free and ad-free right now. You do not even need an account to try the mind map — you can start drawing straight from the trial screen.