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How to Create a Mind Map in Microsoft Word

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1. What is a Mind Map?

Ideas and concepts should be described in depth to someone who is unfamiliar with them. People have written books and elaborate papers to convey an idea or concept to others. Although such documentation is required, the material that is provided in extensive chapters must be condensed after some time to make it common and accessible to everyone.

This is where mind maps play a role, since a mind map is an informative diagram that gives its readers insight into a complicated topic or concept portrayed by a simple figure. It not only gives an in-depth explanation of the core idea, but it also includes any related concepts that are pertinent to the concept.

2. 3 Steps to Create a Mind Map Using Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is equipped with creation and drawing tools that are easy to use and navigate. It is also easy for beginners to create simple mind maps with basic shapes and lines.

Now, all you have to do is follow the steps below so that you can effortlessly create a mind map in Microsoft Word in minutes.

Step 1: Open MS Word and Select Available Shapes

In a new Word document, you can find most of the tools that you will use in the Illustration group on the Insert tab. Click Shapes to open the collapsed menu that has the basic shapes for making a mind map. You can use rectangles or circles to represent the central topic and subtopics, and label the shapes with text boxes.

Step 2: Start to Draft out a Mind Map

Now, you can start to create your mind maps by using the shapes in Word. When you draft out the map and place all the topics, connect them with straight lines or arrow lines to represent relationships between different topics.

Step 3: Format Your Mind Map

When the mind map is finished, click on the selected shape (topic or line), and then the Format tab will show on the Ribbon, where you can change the properties of the shape. Alternatively, right-click on the shape and select Format Shape on the context menu to open the right Format Shape pane.

3. Easier Way to Create a Mind Map in EdrawMind

As one can see, it’s certainly possible to make a mind map in Word, but it may be difficult to create more complex diagrams due to the limitations of the program.

Try EdrawMind — specially-designed for making mind maps. EdrawMind runs on all avaliable operating systems, including PC, tablet, mobile, and web. The powerful export features will help you to create a mind map and effortlessly insert it into a word document.

How to Create a Mind Map in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, gathering thoughts, or working through concepts, a mind map is a fantastic visual tool. It allows you to see the big picture clearly to make adjustments or add more to it.

Using the built-in features in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, you can create a mind map in any of the three applications with ease.

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Note: While there are ways to use Microsoft Word for free, should you not have access to Microsoft Office, you can try one of these dedicated mind map apps instead.

Make a Mind Map Using SmartArt

One of the easiest ways to create a mind map in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is using Microsoft’s SmartArt feature. With it, you can pick one of the preset diagrams and use the SmartArt features to make a mind map in just minutes.

SmartArt works the same way in all three applications. Choose the spot in your document, slideshow, or spreadsheet where you want to insert the mind map.

1. Go to the “Insert” tab and select “SmartArt” in the Illustrations group.

1. On Windows, you’ll see a separate window open.

1. On Mac, you’ll see a pop-out menu of options.

1. Select the diagram you want to use. While you can choose any SmartArt diagram you like, there are two that work particularly well for a mind map. This includes the «Horizontal Hierarchy» and «Diverging Radial.» Let’s look at each one.

Horizontal Hierarchy

This diagram starts with a single idea on the left and branches out to the right. It’s a good option if you plan to have many topics and subtopics.

1. Select “Hierarchy” and then choose “Horizontal Hierarchy.”

1. When the diagram appears, you can enter your text one of two ways. First, you can select a box and type your own text where you see the «Text» placeholders. Second, you can click the arrow on the left side of the diagram and use the Text Pane which works like an outline.

1. If you use the diagram, you can add boxes and levels using the «Create Graphic» section of the ribbon on the “SmartArt Design” tab. Select a shape to add a related one and open the «Add Shape» drop-down menu. You can add a shape after, before, above, or below the current shape depending on the level you want.

1. If you use the Text Pane, you can add boxes by pressing Enter or Return after each entry. Then, use your Tab key to indent one or more levels. Alternatively, you can go to the «SmartArt Design» tab and use the «Promote» and «Demote» buttons in the «Create Graphic» section of the ribbon. As you type your text, you’ll see it display in the diagram.

Diverging Radial

This diagram has its central idea in the middle with branches circling around it. This one works well if you only want one layer of topics that include details.

1. Select «Relationship» and then choose «Diverging Radial.»

1. When the diagram appears, you can add your text the same two ways as the above diagram. Either enter your text in the circles or open the Text Pane and type your text there.

1. The difference with this diagram is that when you indent your levels using the Text Pane, you’ll see bullet lists appear beneath the topics inside the circles. This is handy for detailed topics with lists or itemized ideas.

Customize the SmartArt Diagram

You can use a different color scheme or choose a style for your SmartArt mind map. Select the diagram and head to the “SmartArt Design” tab.

• Open the “Change Colors” drop-down menu to pick a color scheme from primary theme colors, varying colors, or accent colors.

• Open the “SmartArt Styles” box to pick a design like an outline, subtle effect, or 3D option.

• If you want to change the font style, size, or color, select the text within a shape. Then, use the floating toolbar (Windows only) or the «Font» section of the ribbon on the “Home” tab.

Good to know: A professional tool for creating diagrams is Microsoft Visio. We have compiled free alternatives to Microsoft Visio. You can use most of these for creating mind maps.

Make a Mind Map Using Shapes

If you’d like more control over the design of your mind map, you can opt for using the Shapes feature rather than SmartArt.

This lets you insert and customize shapes, add connector lines, and easily copy and paste the elements to make the process faster and simpler. You can also decide the layout you want to use as it’s a freeform option.

1. Select a place where you want the mind map, go to the «Insert» tab, and open the «Shapes» drop-down box.

1. Choose the shape you want for the central idea of the mind map like a rectangle or circle. When your cursor changes to a crosshair symbol, draw the shape in the size you want.

1. To add text, either double-click the shape and type or right-click it and pick “Edit Text” in the context menu.

1. You can then insert a shape for a first-level topic the same way. You can use an identical shape or choose a different one to make it stand out.

1. When you’re ready to connect the first two shapes, return to the «Shapes» drop-down menu and pick the «Line» connector. You can also choose one of the other options if you prefer.

1. Draw the line from the central shape to the topic shape. You should see circles on the borders of the shapes, making it easier to connect them.

1. You can follow this same process to create the rest of the first-level shapes and connect them. However, there is a handy shortcut you can use if you’d like to simply copy and paste them. Select the topic shape and optionally the connector.

1. Hold Ctrl on Windows or Command on Mac and place your cursor over the shape. You’ll see your cursor display a box and plus sign.

1. Drag away from the original shape, release your mouse and then the Ctrl or Command key. You should then see an exact copy of the shape or the shape and connector.

1. You can copy and paste additional shapes and connectors this way to save time. Then simply drag the shapes to arrange them as you like and move the lines to connect them to the central idea.

1. Continue with the processes here to add more topics and lines. If you want to customize the colors of the shapes or lines, select one, go to the “Shapes Format” tab, and use the options in the «Shape Styles» section of the ribbon.

Mac users: Have you tried these drawing apps for macOS, yet?

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between SmartArt and WordArt in Office?

SmartArt is a feature that provides graphics. Like you see here, you can create diagrams, lists, matrices, and pyramids. WordArt differs in that it provides decorative font. You can choose from styles with effects like shadow or reflections.

Where can I find mind map templates for Microsoft Office?

There are a few websites that offer free and paid mind map templates for the Microsoft Office applications.

for Microsoft Word in addition to Photoshop. for Word and PowerPoint along with Google Docs and Slides. The templates are topic-specific which is a good option if you want one for education, photography, or business. for PowerPoint with options like six-item, concept, and sticky note mind maps.

Are there apps specifically for making mind maps?

You can find a nice selection of mind map apps available for Windows, Mac, mobile devices, and the web with both free and paid options. If you plan to work with mind maps often or for a variety of different purposes, this is a good way to go.

All screenshots by Sandy Writtenhouse.

With her BS in Information Technology, Sandy worked for many years in the IT industry as a Project Manager, Department Manager, and PMO Lead. She wanted to help others learn how technology can enrich business and personal lives and has shared her suggestions and how-tos across thousands of articles.

Comprehensive Guide: How to Make Mind Map in Word (2023)

Mind map is an illustration of a main idea/process and all its relationships in a graphical way. Organizations across the world use mind maps to have a structured view of their ideas and processes for effective decision-making. In fact, mind maps are even used in the education sector to create and present visual views of notes, lectures, research, etc. Considering the importance of mind maps, there are multiple tools that can be used to make mind maps. In this article, we will specifically discuss how to make a mind map in Word through three different methods. In the end, the article also presents the best alternative to make appealing mind maps easily and instantly.

Part 1. How to Make a Mind Map in Microsoft Word — 3 Methods

Microsoft Word is a globally known word-processing software for creating, viewing, and sharing documents. Due to its many integrated features, it can also be used to make mind maps. So, let’s explore the three ways to make a mind map in Word. As an example, we will discuss how to make a product promotion mind map in Word.

#1 Create a Mind Map in Microsoft Word Using Basic Shapes

Microsoft Word provides tons of different shapes that you can use to design mind maps. So, follow the below steps to create a mind map in Word using basic shapes:

Step 1. Launch Microsoft Word and click «Blank document«.

Step 2. Under the «Insert» tab from the top menu bar, click «Shapes» and select the rectangle or rounded rectangle shape from there. Afterward, drag the mouse on the sheet to paste the shape with the desired size. Also, double-click the shape to rename it. Continue adding shapes to the document until all are added.

Step 3. Once the shapes are added, now you have to connect them. To do that, click «Shapes» under the «Insert» tab and then select «Elbow connector» under the «Lines» section. Now drag your mouse between two shapes to connect them. Continue adding lines until all shapes are connected.

Step 4. To enhance the visual aspects of the mind map, you can change the color of the shapes. To do that, select any one of the shapes. Afterward, under the «Shape Format» tab, click «Shape Fill» and then choose the color of your choice. This way, you can customize the mind map to make it look more appealing.

Step 5. Once you have finalized the mind map, click File > Save as and then provide the location on your PC where you want to save it.

This way, you can easily create a mind map in Word using basic shapes.

#2 Create a Mind Map in Microsoft Word Using Text-based Format

Instead of using shapes as discussed above, you can also create a mind map in Word in a text-based format. In this format, the mind map will look the same as above but without using any shapes. Follow the below steps to create a text-based mind map in Word:

Step 1. Launch Microsoft Word and click «Blank document«.

Step 2. Double-click the mouse at the center or anywhere in the document and type the name (or main block title) of the mind map.

Step 3. Double-click the mouse slightly above the previous position and type the text representing the next element of the mind map. Continue adding text in various positions in the document until all texts are added.

Step 4. Click «Shapes» under the «Insert» tab and select «Line» under the «Lines» section. Now drag your mouse between two texts to make a connection between them. Afterward, you can even change the style of the line to «Dash» style or any other you like under the «Shape Styles» section. Continue adding lines until all texts are connected.

Step 5. You can highlight the text to enhance the visualization. To do that, click the «Highlight» icon under the «Home» tab and then choose the color of your choice.

Once you have finalized the mind map, click File > Save as and then provide the location on your PC where you want to save it. This way, you can create a mind map in Word using texts and lines.

#3 Create a Mind Map in Microsoft Word Using SmartArt

SmartArt is an integrated feature in Microsoft Word that provides a set of different graphics that you can customize to present your information in a graphical way. Therefore, the SmartArt feature can be used to create a mind map in Word. Follow the below steps to use SmartArt to create a mind map in Word:

Step 1. Launch Microsoft Word and click «Blank document«.

Step 2. Under the «Insert» tab from the top menu bar, click «SmartArt«. Choose «Horizontal Hierarchy» under the «Hierarchy» tab. It will paste the Horizontal Hierarchy template into the document.

Step 3. Double-click the boxes to rename them. If you want to add additional boxes, right-click a box, click «Add Shape«, and pick the appropriate option. Complete your mind map with all the boxes and texts you want to input.

Step 4. To enhance the visualization, SmartArt also provides different color combinations for different stages. To access it, select any box and then click «Change Colors«. Now pick the color structure that you like.

Once you have finalized the mind map, click File > Save as and then provide the location on your PC where you want to save it. This way, you can create a mind map in Word using the SmartArt feature.

Part 2. How to Make a Mind Map in WPS Word

Other than Microsoft Word, if you are using WPS Word for creating documents, you can also use it to make a mind map. Just like MS Word, it also allows you to create diagrams using different shapes, lines, etc. So, follow the below steps to make a mind map in WPS Word:

Step 1. Launch WPS Word, click «Document«, and then click «Blank«.

Step 2. Under the «Insert» tab from the top menu bar, click «Shapes» and select the rectangle or rounded rectangle shape from there. Afterward, drag the mouse on the sheet to paste the shape with the desired size. Also, double-click the shape to rename it. Continue adding shapes to the document until all are added.

Step 3. Once the shapes are added, now you have to connect them. To do that, click «Shapes» under the «Insert» tab and then select «Elbow connector» under the «Lines» section. Now drag your mouse between two shapes to connect them. Continue adding lines until all shapes are connected.

Step 4. To enhance the visual aspects of the mind map, you can change the color of the shapes. To do that, select any one of the shapes. Under the «Drawing Tools» tab, click «Fill» and then choose the color of your choice. This way, you can customize the mind map to make it look more appealing.

Once you have finalized the mind map, click Menu > Save as and select the format in which you want to save the file on your PC. This way, you can create a mind map in WPS Word.

Part 3. Collaborative Mind Map Maker with Free Templates

Until now, we have discussed how to make mind maps in Microsoft Word and WPS Word. However, you might have noticed that both MS Word and WPS Word are not ideally meant to create mind maps. That’s why their capabilities are also limited and require more manual efforts to create a mind map. But what if I tell you that you can create a mind map easily and collaboratively for free with access to advanced features and much more? Yes, that’s exactly what Boardmix has to offer.

Boardmix is an online collaborative mind map maker tool that provides a one-stop solution to easily create simple to complex mind maps with many free templates. It offers a click-based user-friendly interface with a rich set of shapes, icons, and other features.

Moreover, its intelligent design automates most of the mind map creation stages to help create appealing mind maps. Some of the other key features of Boardmix are as follows:

• Provides infinite canvas for creating multiple mind maps
• Drag-and-drop interface
• Version control management
• Real-time collaboration with unlimited participants
• Dedicated chat box for effective interaction between collaborators
• Free for individuals and small teams
• Demo mode to demonstrate the diagram
• Timer to control conference length
• Multiple export formats, such as PNG, JPG, PDF, and bdx

In short, Boardmix is a best-in-class web-based collaborative tool for creating mind maps.

Conclusion

Mind maps make it a lot easier to present ideas and processes. You can easily create mind maps in Word by following the methods discussed in this article. However, the only issue with creating a mind map in Word is the lack of advanced and automated features for easy creation of mind maps. Therefore, if you are looking for instant and quick designing of mind maps in a collaborative environment, then Boardmix is the best choice for you. Its drag-and-drop interface, dozens of shapes/icons, and plenty of advanced features all make it an ideal choice for creating mind maps.

Create a mind map in Microsoft Word – in three easy steps

Our project is just getting started and there are hundreds of things to consider. Especially at the beginning of a process, there is often a confusing tangle of ideas, thoughts, and concepts. A mind map organizes this chaos. Simply and quickly, a mind map helps you summarize ideas, develop concept clusters, and create an overview. A mind map also pleases the brain, which likes to think in categories.

Typically, many people use whiteboards, pinboards, or pen and paper to create a mind map, but a digital mind map is space-efficient, simple to send, and easy to redesign. You can create a mind map in Microsoft Word in just a few steps – we will show you how.

Create a mind map in Microsoft Word

1. The core is in the center

At the core of a mind map is the central concept that identifies the purpose of the project or idea. This can be the project name, the final goal, the subject of the project, or an area of work. The term should be short, concise, and catchy. Ideally, it should be broad enough to encompass all the project’s topics and make associations easy.

1.1 To create the mind map, open your document and click on the «Insert» tab then on «Shapes».

Here you have a choice of possible center shapes. For the classic mind map, an oval is recommended. Choose your shape.

1.2 Now format the center of the mind map as you wish and label it with the core concept.

You can edit the text properties and use the points of the rectangle around the oval to change size and shape. Make sure that there is enough space on all sides for the concept clusters.

Color highlighting adds to the aesthetics and structure of the mind map. You can adjust color under «Shape format».

2. Create subcategories

In the second step, the mind map branches out. In terms of content, you should roughly break down the main topic. Since all thoughts and ideas will find their place here, short formulations instead of long sentences or complex representations are best.

2.1 You can create a new term by again selecting the oval or your preferred shape under «Shapes» and placing it in the document. It is a good idea to choose a different color for this second layer of the mind map. This contributes to a better overview.

2.2. Then select a «Line» under «Insert — Shapes». Arrows or straight lines are often used here.

2.3. Click on the edge of the center and draw a connection between category and center.

For some projects, it may be useful to work with different line colors to express priorities, responsibilities, or preferences. You can easily change and adjust these later by double-clicking on the line under «Shape Format».

Repeat the process, for all subcategories.

3.Expand the cluster

Details can now be connected to the categories. Bring in all ideas and associations here briefly and succinctly. Keywords, adjectives, and names are helpful here as well as small images, emojis, symbols, or links.

3.1 Select smaller shapes to use the space efficiently and connect them to the corresponding subcategory. For this, use «Insert» and «Shapes» again. A third color for the subcategories is a good idea. Alternatively, you can assign a separate color to all categories.

For all text elements, repeat the procedure for the parent categories.

3.2 The «Illustrations» group in the tab «Insert» contains options to extend your mind map. For example, you can insert an icon into a created shape and search for emojis, symbols, or other picture elements.

Click on an unlabeled shape and select «Icons».

The Icon picker will open. In the search bar, you can enter a search word. Alternatively, preset categories are available. Select the desired icon in the picker so that a small checkmark appears in the image and confirm with “Insert” in the bottom right corner.

The mind map in Word grows until all thoughts have found their place.

Advantages of a digital mind map in Word

• Ideas, suggestions, and basis for discussion for the duration of the project
• Structure for initial brainstorms
• Easy to expand and adapt as needed for the whole team at any time
• Easy to keep track of complicated issues
• Easy to share and duplicate

Even more efficient in Microsoft Word with empower ®

With empower ® for Word , you can access numerous templates thanks to a central template library . You can add mind map templates for your team that facilitate the brainstorming process and are immediately available to everyone. Predefined building blocks that can be inserted with just a few clicks allow you to assemble your Word documents more quickly and efficiently. Creating a mind map in Word using empower ® frees you from unnecessary formatting steps.

For more information visit empower ® for Word or feel free to contact us directly.