Mind map syntax and indentation rules

Mind maps have their own page at /mindmap with an example loaded. The syntax is short:

mindmap
  root((Central topic))
    First-level branch
      Second-level branch
      Second-level branch
    First-level branch
      [Square node]
      (Rounded node)
      ((Circle node))

Rules

• mindmap on the first line; the second line is the only root, usually root((Topic)).
• Levels come from indentation: two more spaces per level, and the same indentation within a level.
• Write node text as plain words. - and * list markers become part of the text.
• Nodes can have shapes: [square], (rounded), ((circle)), {{hexagon}}.
• Each top-level branch gets its own colour, with a palette per theme.

Getting mindmap code from an assistant

Say “use Mermaid's mindmap syntax” explicitly; without it, assistants often reply with a markdown list. The “No code yet?” link in the editor's status line has a ready-made prompt. Pick “Mind map” and copy it.

The one error you will see

“A mind map can have only one root node.” It is always indentation: a second top-level node, a root indented deeper than its branches, or a stray end line. The error bar names the node and the line; “AI fix” can straighten out the indentation for you.