How to Make a Mind Map in Excel

Imagine that you are going to plan some complicated project, and all the information seems to be flying around in your head. You want to concentrate on how to visually structure these ideas and have them connect in a meaningful way. A mind map is the solution. They help to break down thoughts, structure them logically, and see the connections.

Many people create a mind map in Excel because it is easy to use, broadly available. It allows basic customization like changing shapes, colors, and connectors while keeping everything neat with its grid system.

This article will explain in detail how one can go about creating a mind map in Excel and a free alternative, Edraw.AI. This tutorial is great for beginners who want to get started with visual thinking or any new Excel user. You can follow through and make your mind map as you go.

How to Create a Mind Map in Excel

You can create a mind map in Excel using two easy methods. The users that frequently work with data or projects prefer it. We are going to explain two techniques.

The first one is by using Shapes, which means you make things with symbols. Then, SmartArt for an automated approach. Let's discuss each technique in detail so there’s no confusion left.

Using Shapes

Step 1

When you launch Excel, you will find a Blank Workbook button. This opens up a blank sheet, and you can begin to work on your mind map. This blank Excel sheet is your playground for mind map creation. You can start building your ideas and then structure them while creating the map with shapes and connectors.

Step 2

With your blank Excel sheet open, move to the top of the screen and click on the Insert tab. You can find the Shapes button when you enter the Insert section. Click on it to bring down a menu listing circles, rectangles, and arrows, among others. Click on those that you may want to use for your mind map.

Step 3

Select the shapes and drop them onto the Excel sheet in any position. Then move the shapes around, to form a visual according to your thinking. Size and position them. However, you should design a structure that best fits the flow of your mind map.

Step 4

To give your mind map a personal touch, adjust the color of each shape, outline, or theme to make various sections look appealing. To add text, simply double-click on the shape and start typing. This lets you label each part of your mind map clearly and meaningfully.

Step 5

While making your final touches, use connectors to connect your ideas in the right sequence. You can show relationships among different parts of your map if you drag a connector from one shape to another. This visually organizes the flow of information so that connections among main topics and subtopics are clear and traceable.

Using SmartArt

Step 1

If you do not want to go with the Shapes method, you can try Excel's SmartArt which is quicker. Enter the Insert section and choose SmartArt. Click Relationship, and here you will see many different layouts that you can use. Choose what best works for the mind map structure. This speeds up the process of creating it.

Step 2

Now that you have selected a layout, on the left-hand side of your screen, click on the text pane. In this bar, you simply type what you want your labels to be, and your mind map will automatically fill. This allows you to modify and arrange the content of the mind map.

Step 3

To add more branches to your mind map, go to the left-hand text pane. Click where you would like to add a new point and press Enter on your keyboard. This instantly creates a new branch, at which point you can expand your map as you see fit. That way, it is really easy to add more ideas.

Step 4

When you are done with your mind map, you'll want to save your work. Under the File tab at the top left-hand side of Excel, click Save As in the drop-down menu. Then select a place on your system to which you'd like to save the file, title it, and click Save.

Limitations of Using Excel for Mind Mapping

Excel provides some useful ways to present information. However, it is not exactly designed with mind mapping in mind. In practice, most users find themselves having to work around limitations ranging from inflexible layouts to sparse options for personalization. Let's take a closer look at what makes creating a mind map on an Excel spreadsheet a bit challenging.

Restricted Flexibility for Free-Flowing Ideas

Does SmartArt in Excel let your ideas flow as they want? Unlike dedicated mind-mapping software, the stiff grid and limited number of shapes within Excel make it hard to build a flexible map. Too often, one is forced to tinker with an arrangement before it turns out the way one wants, which slows down the process.

Confined by Structure

The grid in Excel is great for keeping everything in order, but it is highly restrictive when it comes to visual brainstorming. The rows and columns will keep everything aligned, but you don't get the natural open structure often needed when mind mapping. This again makes your mind map too uniform, not allowing organic connections.

Limited Design Choices

Excel has very basic customization compared to dedicated mind mapping tools, like Edraw.AI. Because there are only basic color palettes, shape styles, and fonts, it is quite difficult to make your mind map striking. This might make your ideas look uninventive, at least for those elaborate topics where visuals are required to keep interest.

Connector Challenges

Lining up ideas is one of the most important things in mind mapping. However, Excel makes it surprisingly tricky. Sometimes it's just a pain to align connectors, especially if you have many branches. Misaligned or crossing over of connectors results in visual clutter that disrupts clarity and flow. This often means a confusing-looking map that is harder to read.

How to Create a Mind Map Online for Free

Having gone through how mind mapping in Excel works and the limitations involved, you might ask yourself whether there is a simpler way to do things. The answer is Edraw AI. It is a sturdy AI diagramming tool that offers an easier approach to a perfect mind map creation.

It introduces a specialized set of AI technologies for speeding up diagramming, such as AI MindMap, AI File Analysis, and AI Flowchart. It provides real-time collaboration in which team members can work instantly on the same projects.

Going beyond Excel, Edraw.AI provides an ever-better alternative. For quick and automated maps, the AI Mind Map Generator can create a well-structured layout in only mere seconds. Or go ahead and use a template for easily making a mind map. With the help of these tools, mind mapping will become easier and far more efficient.

Method 1. Using AI Mind Map Generator

Step 1

To work on a mind map with Edraw.AI, click the Login button present at the top right position of the screen. It will take you to a page where you can enter your credentials. Moreover, you can use accounts like Google, Apple, or another for quick sign-in.

Step 2

After logging in, go for the AI Mind Map option on the left side of the screen. Insert your prompt in the given space. Make sure to mention all key details in your prompt, to get a more accurate mind map. Be as specific as possible with keywords or topics to get the best results from the AI.

Step 3

When you press the Start button, you will get your mind map ready in seconds. Then you can edit the details using the floating toolbar above the map. This bar allows text changes, line colors, and the use of different themes according to your liking. These personalizations make it so easy to mold the mind map just right for you.

Method 2. Using Templates

Step 1

Click the Templates icon on the Edraw.AI main screen. In the Mind Map category, or if you have a certain style in mind, check it out at the search bar. Once you have chosen the desired template, hit it, and then click Create with Template to begin the editing.

Step 2

After selecting your template, you can make further changes according to your preference. You can adjust the theme to change the overall look, change text styles to highlight important branches and insert markers or clipart to make your work look attractive. This allows you to align your template with your creative thoughts.

Step 3

Click the Export option in the toolbar to save your mind map. This opens a menu that displays file format options such as PDF, Word, Excel, and image formats. You can optionally configure export options by changing the export settings. Click Export to download this file to your device.

Common Errors to Avoid When Making a Mind Map

Overloading with Information

It's always better to keep your mind map simple. Do not fill it up with too much information. When there is too much information, it looks messy and less appealing; one might get confused following through. Keep your branches concise, just with keywords, so that your mind map is clear and easy to follow.

Ignoring Visual Structure

A good mind map has a consistent visual structure. This structure helps convey relationships in a better way. A jumbled mess of branches can easily confuse a viewer. Make each branch logically connect, using clear, organized patterns that make the map easy to read and comprehend.

Neglecting Color and Style

Having the same color or style throughout will make your mind map seem plain and uninteresting. Colors and styles are also part of the show. They help you distinguish between various ideas and categories. Vary colors and styles to help create visual interest and bring attention to key sections without over-designing them.

Using Long Labels

Mind maps work best with short, punchy labels. The more description that is added to the branches, the cluttered the map can become, and the more difficult it is to grasp. Labels should be short; a keyword or two will give the essence of an idea.

Forgetting to Group Related Ideas

The mind map becomes confusing if ideas are placed randomly without grouping similar concepts. Group close ideas into clusters so that relationships can be both easily and seen. This will provide an intuitive, easy-to-follow mind map.

Conclusion

When you start mind mapping you expect it to go as smoothly as brainstorming. This is possible in Excel but even easier with Edraw.AI. You can make a mind map in Excel using the Shapes and SmartArt methods. At the same time, Edraw.AI goes a step ahead and offers AI features that make mind mapping faster. If you are stepping in the world of mind mapping, Edraw.AI could be a game changer for you. It presents top-notch AI features, beginner-friendly templates, and collaboration options. These traits make mind mapping truly faster and more effective.

Whether alone or with your team, Edraw AI brings simplicity and style to your ideas. Why not give Edraw AI a try and then see how it would enhance your mind-mapping process?