Xmind Basics

There are 3 ways to create a new Xmind map: "New Blank Map", "New From Template", and "New From Library". Navigate to the Menu Bar > File to select.

Whether you are using Xmind on desktop or mobile platforms, you have full control over where your data is stored, enhancing both convenience and security.

In Xmind, a single .xmind file has the capacity to generate multiple sheets for various mind maps. If a single mind map becomes crowded with information, compromising its readability, you have the option to create additional sheets. This allows you to distribute the contents of the mind map and showcase it across different sheets, thereby improving clarity and comprehension.

Xmind offers a variety of mind map structures to choose from.

In a mind map, a "Topic" refers to the central idea or concept around which the mind map is organized and developed. In Xmind, there are Central Topic, Main Topic, Subtopic, Floating Topic and Summary Topic.

In Xmind, elements that can contain Text include all except Labels (in the Matrix structure, Rows are also Labels, hence not considered as Text). All Types of Topics, Relationship, Callout, and Boundary are considered as Text.

In Xmind, a Branch refers to a part of a mind map that extends from a central idea or theme. Mind maps in Xmind are visual diagrams that organize information around a central concept, typically depicted at the center of the map. From this central idea, main branches or nodes extend, which represent primary thoughts, tasks, or themes related to the central concept. These main branches can further divide into smaller sub-branches, which detail more specific ideas, data, or tasks.

Relationship is a customized connecting line between any two topics in a mind map used to show a special relationship. If there is a correlation between two topics, you can use Relationship to correlate the two and add a text description to define the relationship. The connection can be customized with styles such as lines, colors, arrows, text, etc.

Boundaries serve as defined frames around subject matter. They are utilized to underscore and spotlight the content within specific areas or to introduce unique concepts to the reader. By encasing these subjects within such 'bounding boxes', you can effectively annotate and emphasize them.

In mind maps, Summary are used to add summary text to selected topics. Summary can be utilized to condense multiple topics and ensure a more detailed description. Similar to other topics, these summary subjects can be presented in various styles and can encompass their own corresponding subtopics.

Callouts are effective for incorporating supplementary text and annotating a topic in Xmind. More than just a shape, a callout serves as a helpful addendum to the topic.

Labels are excellent for categorization, allowing you to classify topics for explanation and organization. Labels can classify everything with common characteristics, making everything orderly.

Mind mapping is a visual way of thinking that facilitates the organization of our thoughts and logic. And images help us stimulate visual perception, which in turn inspires more ideas. Inserting local images can make your mind map more distinctive.

Smart Alignment Guide helps you precisely align topics while editing your mind map. It ensures a cleaner layout and keeps your mind map visually organized.

A Floating Topic is an independent topic that you can place anywhere on a sheet without attaching it to the central topic or an existing branch.