MindManager

Plan projects and documents as a visual map, then export the structure to Word or a task list.

Last reviewed: 28 October 2026 · Applies to: MindManager Desktop (Windows & macOS)

These instructions were checked against official MindManager documentation on the review date. Word export options and shortcut defaults vary slightly between Windows and macOS editions.

Visual thinking, and the export that turns a map into a draft

MindManager helps you get ideas out of your head onto a single screen without worrying about paragraph order first. You can dump everything onto branches, drag them into a sensible sequence afterwards, and add notes under each branch.

Because a mind map is a visual canvas, its biggest value for report writing—and for accessibility—comes when you switch to Outline View or export the map into Microsoft Word, where your main branches and subtopics become real Heading 1 and Heading 2 sections.

Getting Started

  • Add main topics and subtopics with the keyboard (Windows): Select the central topic and press Insert (or Enter) to add the first main topic, type its label, and press Enter to finish editing. While a main topic is selected, press Enter to add a sibling main topic at the same level, or press Insert (or Ctrl + Enter on Windows; Tab if enabled in Options) to add a child subtopic underneath it. On macOS, check the Insert menu for your Mac keyboard's subtopic and sibling shortcuts.
  • Edit topic text (F2 or start typing): Select any topic and press F2 on Windows (or double-click / begin typing) to replace or edit its label.
  • Add detailed text in Topic Notes (Ctrl + T on Windows): Keep branch labels short (three to five words) and put your paragraphs inside the Topic Notes pane so the map stays readable and exports cleanly into Word paragraphs.
  • Switch between Map View and Outline View: Use the View tab to switch to Outline whenever you want a linear, indented list of your topics.
  • Export to Microsoft Word: Use File → Export → Export to Microsoft Word (where Microsoft Word is installed on your machine) to convert your map's hierarchy and Topic Notes into a headed Word document.

Building maps that stay readable and export cleanly

  • Nest topics properly as you go. First-level branches become Heading 1s and child subtopics become Heading 2s and Heading 3s when exported.
  • Collapse branches you are not working on. When a map grows large, collapsing completed branches keeps only the active section on screen so you are not overwhelmed by visual clutter.
  • Do not rely on colour alone for priority. If you colour-code urgent branches, also add a text label or priority icon (1, 2, 3) so the meaning survives in Outline View and Word exports.

Common problems, and what to do

  • The exported Word document is just a list of headings with no body text. Put your draft sentences inside Topic Notes rather than cramming whole paragraphs into the branch title.
  • Navigating the canvas with a screen reader is difficult. Switch to Outline View or export to Word when reviewing with speech; 2D mind-map canvases are built primarily for visual layout.
  • Colleagues cannot open a .mmap file. Export your map to Word, PDF or an HTML5 interactive map when sharing with people who do not have MindManager installed.

Short practice exercise

  1. Create a new blank map in MindManager for Windows (or use the equivalent Insert menu commands on Mac), select the central topic, type Project Plan, and press Enter to finish the label.
  2. With the central topic selected, press Insert to create the first main branch, type Goals, and press Enter. While Goals remains selected, press Enter to add a second main branch called Key Tasks (press Enter to save), and press Enter again to add a third main branch called Next Steps.
  3. Select the Goals branch, open Topic Notes (Ctrl + T on Windows), and type two sentences explaining the objective.
  4. Export the map to Microsoft Word and check that your three main branches appear as Heading 1 sections with your note underneath Goals.

Official MindManager help links

Need more detailed guidance?

This quick guide covers the basics. Get practical, one-to-one training for MindManager and other mind mapping tools.

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Using this as part of a dyslexia or ADHD toolkit? See our dyslexia & ADHD training.

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