Glossary

Understanding the terminology used in Xmind can help you navigate and utilize the app more effectively.

Xmind uses the following terms throughout the desktop, web, and mobile apps. They are grouped by purpose so you can find related concepts together.

Map and Topic Basics

Term	Meaning
Xmind File	A structured document created in Xmind and saved with the .xmind extension.
Sheet	An individual canvas in an Xmind file. One file can contain multiple sheets for different maps or themes.
Topic	The fundamental unit used to organize and represent an idea.
Branch	A topic and the connected topics extending from it. Branches show hierarchy and divide information into related parts.

Term	Meaning
Relationship	A connector between two topics that shows a special or directional relationship outside the map hierarchy.
Boundary	An outline placed around a topic and its branches to show that they belong together.
Summary	A bracket that groups selected topics and can include a Summary Topic.
Callout	A connected annotation used to add a brief explanation without creating another subtopic.

Term	Meaning
Label	A short text tag displayed below a topic. Labels help categorize and filter related topics.
Marker	An icon used to show an attribute such as priority, progress, status, or risk.
Sticker	A decorative graphic displayed directly on a topic to explain or enrich it visually.
Illustration	A visual element used to explain, decorate, or interpret text and concepts.
Note	Rich-text information stored with a topic, useful for details that do not need to appear on the canvas.
Audio Note	An audio recording attached to a topic for spoken explanations or supplementary information.
Link	A connection from a topic to a web address, local file, or folder.
Attachment	A local file inserted into a topic so supporting material stays with the relevant idea.
Map Shot	An image captured from part or all of a mind map for sharing or inserting into another document.
Task	Task information associated with a topic, such as dates, progress, or an assignee.
Numbering	Sequential numbers applied to topics to make their order and hierarchy easier to reference.
Equation	A LaTeX equation added to a topic and displayed in SVG format.

Term	Meaning
Skeleton	A ready-made combination of map structure, topic shapes, branch lines, and visual style.
Theme	A coordinated set of styles that controls the overall appearance of a map and can be reused.
Color Theme	A coordinated color scheme that changes the visual mood of the mind map.
Style	The visual properties of an element, including color, line thickness, font, font size, and shape.
Quick Style	A set of built-in topic styles used to apply a consistent visual role quickly.
Global Font	A font setting applied across the entire mind map for consistent text appearance.
CJK Font	A font setting optimized for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean text without changing the English font.

Term	Meaning
Pitch Mode	A presentation mode that generates layouts and transitions from the mind map structure.
ZEN Mode	A focused, full-screen workspace that hides most interface elements.
Outliner	A linear outline view of the map hierarchy for organizing lists, facts, ideas, and tasks.