Does PowerPoint have a mind map template? Not one called that. There is no "mind map" layout in PowerPoint's SmartArt gallery, but its radial layouts do the same job, and you can build a freer map in a few minutes with shapes and connectors. If you would rather start from something designed, there are good free templates you can download and edit.
This guide covers both. We walk through the two ways to make a mind map in PowerPoint, checked against Microsoft's own help pages, then list five free mind map templates for PowerPoint and what to know before you download each one.
Kas ir domu karte?
A mind map is a diagram that puts one central topic in the middle and branches related ideas out from it. Main branches carry the big themes; smaller branches carry the details. The term was popularised by British author Tony Buzan, whose 1974 BBC television series and book Izmantojiet savu galvu brought the technique to a wide audience.
People use mind maps for:
- Note-taking and revision: condensing a lecture or chapter into one page you can scan.
- Prāta vētra: getting every idea out first, then seeing how they connect.
- Planning projects: breaking a goal into workstreams, tasks and owners.
- Pasniedzot: giving an audience the whole picture on one slide before you zoom into each branch.
Is there evidence it helps? Some. In a small study of 50 medical students, Farrand, Hussain and Hennessy (2002) found the mind map group recalled an estimated 10% more factual material a week later than students using their usual study methods (95% confidence interval -1% to 22%), a promising but not conclusive result. The mind map group was also less motivated to use the technique. Treat it as a useful tool, not a magic one. For more ideas on using the technique in class, see our domu karšu idejas skolēniem.
How to make a mind map in PowerPoint
Open PowerPoint, create a new presentation and add a blank slide (Sākums > Izkārtojums > Tukšs). Then pick one of two methods.
Method 1: Build it with shapes and connectors
This gives you the most control over the look. It takes longer on a big map, so it suits maps with up to around a dozen branches.
- Doties uz ielaidums > formas and pick a shape for your central topic, such as a rounded rectangle or an oval. Click and drag on the slide to draw it.
- Type your central topic straight into the shape.
- Select the shape and use the Formas formāts tab to change its fill, outline and effects.
- Copy the shape (Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V on Windows, Cmd + C and Cmd + V on a Mac) to make your first branch, and give branches a different colour or size from the centre.
- To link two shapes, go to ielaidums > formas and choose a connector under Līnijas. Hover over the first shape until connection dots appear, then drag to a dot on the second shape.
Using connectors rather than plain lines matters: according to Microsoft's guide to lines and connectors, connectors stay attached and move with the shapes when you rearrange them, so you can tidy the map without redrawing every line.
Method 2: Use a SmartArt radial layout
SmartArt is faster because PowerPoint handles the spacing for you. The steps below follow Microsoft's guide to creating a SmartArt graphic.
- Gada ielaidums cilnē atlasiet SmartArt (iekš Ilustrācijas group on Windows).
- On Windows, select radniecība in the left-hand list of the Choose a SmartArt Graphic box. On a Mac, SmartArt opens as a menu: point to radniecība.
- Choose a radial layout. Diverging Radial or Basic Radial gives you a central circle with ideas around it; Radial Cluster works for up to seven branches.
- Izvēlēties OK to insert it, then type into the Text pane. The first Level 1 line becomes the central shape and the Level 2 lines become the branches.
- To add a branch, select a shape and use Add Shape uz SmartArt Design Tab.
Microsoft descriptions of Relationship layouts explain which text goes where in each radial option, which is handy if the preview does not match what you typed.
The trade-off: radial layouts are built around one centre and a single ring of branches. For sub-branches, convert the graphic to ordinary shapes (on Windows, SmartArt Design > Pārvērst > Convert to Shapes) and carry on with Method 1.
5 free mind map templates for PowerPoint
If you are short on time, a template gives you the layout, colours and icons so you only add content. We picked five from template sites and checked that each one is free to download in a PowerPoint-friendly format.
| Krāsains | Labākais, lai | Slaidi | formāti | Pirms lejupielādes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brainstorming Mind Maps (Slidesgo) | Team ideation | 35 | PowerPoint Google Slides, Canva | Free users keep the credits slide |
| Mind Maps for Studying (Slidesgo) | Revision and study notes | 34 | PowerPoint Google Slides, Canva | Free users keep the credits slide |
| Animated Mind Maps for Class (SlidesCarnival) | Lessons with movement | 25+ | Canva, exportable to PowerPoint | Built in Canva, so check animations after export |
| Mind Maps Boost (Slidesgo) | A softer, aesthetic look | 32 | PowerPoint Google Slides, Canva | Free users keep the credits slide |
| Mind Map Infographics for PowerPoint (PresentationGO) | Product and business plans | 2 | PowerPoint (16:9 and 4:3) | Free with attribution to PresentationGO |
1. Brainstorming mind map template
Slidesgo's Brainstorming Mind Maps template is built for team ideation sessions, with a range of diagram layouts for mapping ideas and how they connect. It comes as a 16:9 deck you can open in PowerPoint, Google Slides or Canva.
2. Study mind map template
Mind Maps for Studying, also from Slidesgo, has contrasting, energetic layouts that suit revision notes. Use it to teach the technique, or drop your own chapter summaries into the maps.
3. Animated mind map template
SlidesCarnival's Animated Mind Maps for Class has branches that animate in, which helps you reveal one idea at a time. It is made in Canva: open it there, edit, then download it as a PowerPoint file. Play the deck through in PowerPoint afterwards, because Canva animations may not all carry over exactly.
4. Aesthetic mind map template
For a less formal look, Slidesgo's Mind Maps Boost uses soft pink and orange gradients with clean mind map layouts. It works well for workshops and personal planning.
5. Product plan mind map template
PresentationGO's Mind Map Infographics for PowerPoint is a simple two-slide diagram of hexagons around a central idea, in light and dark versions. It suits a product plan: put the product in the centre and features, audiences or milestones around it. It is free with no sign-up, as long as you keep the "Design by PresentationGO" credit or a link to the site.
Template sites change their catalogues and terms, so check the licence on the download page before you use a template in client or commercial work. For dedicated software rather than slides, see our round-up of mind map makers.
Make your mind map a group effort
A mind map on a slide is still one person's thinking. In workshops and classes, we get better maps by collecting the branches from the room first and drawing the map second. Here is how we run it:
- Ask for the branches. Ielieciet a vārdu mākonis question on screen, such as "In one word, what does effective teamwork mean to you?" Everyone answers from their phone, and the most common answers appear largest. Those become your main branches.
- Collect the detail. Switch to a brainstorm slide and ask for ideas under one branch. People submit ideas, then vote, and the result stage ranks them.
- Draw the map. Add the top themes and ideas to your PowerPoint mind map, live or after the session.
If you present from PowerPoint, the AhaSlides pievienojumprogramma programmai PowerPoint lets you insert these interactive slides into your deck, and participants join by scanning a QR code. Browse ready-made brainstorming activities in the AhaSlides veidņu bibliotēka.
Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi
Is there a mind map template in PowerPoint?
There is no SmartArt layout named "mind map". The closest built-in option is a radial layout under ielaidums > SmartArt > radniecība, such as Diverging Radial or Radial Cluster. For multi-level maps, build one with shapes and connectors or download a free template.
How do you create a mind map for studying in PowerPoint?
Put the chapter or topic in a central shape, add one branch per main idea, then add short keywords (not sentences) on sub-branches. Use one colour per branch so each theme stands out, and test yourself by hiding branches and recalling them.
What is mind mapping in a presentation?
It is a way of showing how ideas relate to one central theme on a single slide. Presenters often show the full map first, then zoom into each branch in turn.
Can I use these templates in Google Slides?
The three Slidesgo templates also open in Google Slides, and the SlidesCarnival template can be exported from Canva to Google Slides. The PresentationGO template is a PowerPoint file, but you can upload a .pptx to Google Slides and it will convert, though some formatting may shift.
