markmap

What it does

Write headings and bullet points in Markdown and see them rendered as a mindmap. There is a browser playground on the project site, so you can paste text in and check the result without installing anything, and extensions exist for VSCode, Vim and Emacs. It visualises the structure you already wrote rather than generating one for you - a messy outline produces a messy map.

Summary based on the project's own description. The Japanese page has a fuller beginner guide: setup difficulty, what to prepare, and a step-by-step start.

Screenshots & visuals

Before you start

• Setup difficultyEasy to start
• Command lineNot required
• API keyNot required
• Sends data onlineNo

Judged automatically from the project's own metadata. Always confirm on the official page.

markmap FAQ

Is markmap free?

Yes. It runs on your own machine, so there is no usage-based cost either.

Do I need to install anything or write code to use markmap?

You install it like a normal desktop app. No command line involved.

Does markmap work on a phone?

No. It needs a computer.

Can I use markmap commercially?

The licence is MIT, which permits commercial use. Conditions such as keeping the copyright notice still apply, so read the licence text before shipping it inside something.

How it compares

The conditions that decide whether you can actually use it, side by side.

"Sends data out" means your input is uploaded to someone's server. Pick "No" when the material cannot leave your organisation.

Other writing & notes tools