Is the PlainBench mind map tool free?

Yes. The PlainBench mind map maker is 100% free to use in your browser. There are no sign-ups, subscriptions, or hidden limits.

Do my mind maps get uploaded to a server?

No. The PlainBench mind map app runs entirely in your browser. Your maps are stored locally in your browser storage unless you choose to export them as a JSON file to your computer.

Can I export and import my mind maps?

Yes. You can export any mind map as a JSON file and download it for backup or sharing. You can later import that JSON file back into the tool to continue editing.

Can I export my mind map as an outline?

Yes. You can copy a clean text outline to your clipboard or download it as a .txt file, which is perfect for moving your map into documents, notes, or slide decks.

Can I use this mind map maker for work or school?

Absolutely. The PlainBench mind map tool is designed for brainstorming, outlining projects, planning essays, organizing study notes, and mapping out complex ideas for teams or solo work.

Mind Map Maker – Free Online Mind Mapping Tool

Use this free mind map maker from PlainBench to visually brainstorm ideas, map projects, and organize thoughts on a drag-and-drop canvas. Everything runs in your browser – no logins, no uploads, no trials.

Idea Task / Action Note / Detail Autosaves locally

Shortcuts: Enter = new sibling, Tab = new child, Delete = delete selected, Ctrl + S = save to browser.

What this mind map tool is built for

A distraction-free, visual way to think through problems, plan projects, and capture ideas. Designed for work, school, and personal planning.

• Brainstorming: capture ideas quickly, then drag them into clusters.
• Project planning: map goals, milestones, and tasks in a single view.
• Study & research: summarize books, classes, and complex topics visually.
• 1-on-1s & meetings: structure agendas and notes around a central theme.

Does this mind map upload my content?

No. Everything happens in your browser. Your map data is stored locally using browser storage until you export it as a JSON file.

Can I come back to the same map later?

Yes. The tool automatically saves your latest map to this browser. When you open this page again on the same device, your last mind map will be reloaded.

How do I share a mind map?

Export your map as a JSON file and send it to a teammate. They can import it into the same PlainBench mind map tool and keep editing.

How do I turn my map into an outline or document?

Use Copy outline to put a clean, indented outline on your clipboard or Download outline (.txt) to get a file you can drop into Word, Google Docs, Notion, or any notes app.

What if I want a more structured layout?

Combine this tool with the Checklist Generator, To-Do List, or Sticky Notes tool to turn mind map branches into actionable lists and tasks.

More PlainBench tools:

Try the Word Counter, Age Calculator, Image Compressor, and PDF Page Editor.

How to use this free online mind map maker

This PlainBench mind map app is built to be fast to start and easy to stick with. Instead of fighting complex software, you simply drop ideas onto a canvas and move them around.

Click Add central idea to create the main node for your topic.
Select any node and use + Child to add branches or + Sibling to add items at the same level.
Drag nodes anywhere on the canvas to organize related ideas into clusters.
Use the node tags to mark whether something is an idea, task, or supporting note.
Collapse or expand branches to keep large maps clean and focused.
Export your map as JSON for backup, or import it later to continue working.
When you are ready to document, click Copy outline or Download outline (.txt) to turn your visual map into a structured list.

Because this mind map runs entirely in your browser and stores data locally, it works well for confidential projects, personal planning, and internal company work. No content is sent to a server unless you manually upload or share your exported files somewhere else.

Popular ways people use this mind mapping tool

Project kickoffs: map stakeholders, milestones, risks, and tasks, then export an outline into your project management tool.
Content planning: outline blog posts, YouTube videos, or course modules visually before writing.
Exam prep: break down big subjects into smaller concepts, then copy the outline into your study notes.
Workshop facilitation: capture group ideas live on the canvas and share the exported outline with attendees afterward.