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Put the main idea at the center and branch out from your notes

Upload a PDF, DOCX, slide deck, or photo of a page, and get an editable mind map that places the main idea at the center with supporting details branching off.

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What a main idea mind map looks like

Reading a main idea mind map example is the quickest way to see how a central claim connects to the evidence beneath it. The main idea sits in the middle, and each branch holds a reason, detail, or example that supports it.

Write the main idea as one complete sentence in the center
Limit each branch to one supporting point or piece of evidence
Check that every sub-point connects back to the central idea
Redraw the map from memory to confirm you understood the structure

Example main idea mind map branches from common subjects

Main idea: The water cycle moves water continuously between land, sea, and airEvaporation turns liquid water into vapor · Condensation forms clouds · Precipitation returns water to land · Runoff collects in oceans and lakes

Main idea: Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energyChlorophyll absorbs light · Water is split and oxygen is released · Carbon dioxide is fixed into sugar

Main idea: The Industrial Revolution moved much work from homes into factoriesSteam power drove new machines · Textile mills centralized labor · Cities grew rapidly · Working conditions led to reform laws

Main idea: Higher prices usually lead producers to supply more goodsHigher prices raise profit potential · The supply curve slopes upward · Rising input costs can limit how much is produced

Main idea: Mitochondria produce most of a cell's usable energyCellular respiration takes place here · Oxygen is used in the electron transport chain · Energy is stored as ATP for cell work

Generate the full set

Main idea at the root

Every map starts with the central claim of your source, so the big idea is always the first thing you see.

Explorable branches

Expand or collapse supporting details to move from the main idea down to evidence and examples.

Editable from start to finish

Rename branches, move details under a different point, or add your own notes before you study.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, or a photo of a textbook page. Text recognition reads images.

Review the main idea

Check the generated central idea and confirm it matches what your teacher or reading emphasized.

Edit and explore

Adjust branches, then explore the map to test whether you can explain each supporting point.

When you make your own map, start by finding the one sentence that answers what the whole passage is about. Then list two to four points the author uses to back it up. Anything that does not support that sentence belongs outside the map, which helps separate main ideas from interesting but minor details.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I find the main idea before I map it?

Look for the sentence that the rest of the passage supports, often in the introduction, topic sentence, or conclusion. If several sentences seem central, ask which one the others would collapse into if you summarized the text in one line.

How many branches should a main idea mind map have?

Most passages work well with three to five main branches, each covering one supporting reason or example. Too many branches usually means some details are minor and can be left out.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and lets you study in the browser, and no credit card is needed to start. Exporting files is a paid feature on the Plus and Pro plans.

Can students get a discount?

Students get 40% off with a school email address.

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Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.