Mind Map Diagram Generator

SkillDocs & knowledge

Create hierarchical mind maps using PlantUML @startmindmap syntax. Best for brainstorming, topic decomposition, study notes, and decision trees with automatic radial layout, left/right branches, and per-node styling.

Available today. Use it from your connected AI after setup.

Connect ahel once, and every AI you use reads what you have installed.

Then ask your AI: use the Mind Map Diagram Generator skill

What this skill tells your AI

The instructions your AI receives, as published by guoliang1114-boop/ariaai in skills/mindmap/SKILL.md and read by ahel’s review.

Quick Start: Start with @startmindmap -> define root and branches with * or +/- markers -> optionally set branch side, direction, and styles -> wrap in ```plantuml fence.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Always use ```plantuml or ```puml code fence. NEVER use ```text — it will NOT render as a diagram.

Critical Rules

  • Every diagram starts with @startmindmap and ends with @endmindmap
  • Each hierarchy level is represented by repeating markers:
    • * style: * (root), ** (level 1), *** (level 2)
    • +/- style: + grows left branch, - grows right branch
  • Keep one marker style consistent in the same local branch (do not randomly mix indentation styles)
  • Use left side to switch subsequent branches to the left side of the root
  • Use direction keywords when needed:
    • top to bottom direction
    • right to left direction
  • Multi-line node content must use block syntax:
    • **:Line 1\nLine 2;
  • For quick color coding, use inline node color:
    • *[#Orange] Root
    • **[#lightgreen] Child
  • For reusable themes, define <style> and apply stereotypes like <<green>>
  • Rich text/Creole and icon syntax are supported inside node text (see examples)

Node Syntax Cheat Sheet

PatternMeaningExample
* RootRoot node with star syntax* Product Strategy
** ChildFirst-level child** Goals
*** GrandchildDeeper hierarchy*** KPI
+ RootRoot node with +/- syntax+ Architecture
++ Left branchBranch expanding on one side++ Services
-- Right branchBranch expanding on opposite side-- Risks
***_ BoxlessBoxless/minimal child node***_ Notes
# RootAlternative root marker style# Topic
**:...;Multi-line block node**:Item A\nItem B;

Branch Side and Direction

ControlSyntaxUse Case
Left-side splitleft sideSplit map into left/right groups from root
Top-to-bottomtop to bottom directionTree-like vertical hierarchy
Right-to-leftright to left directionRTL reading flow or mirrored layouts

Styling Options

MethodSyntaxBest For
Inline node color**[#FFBBCC] IdeaFast per-node emphasis
Reusable class style<style> ... .green { ... } </style> + <<green>>Consistent visual themes
Depth-based style:depth(1) { ... }Global formatting by hierarchy depth
Node/arrow global stylenode { ... } / arrow { ... }Unified typography and connectors

Recommended Color Palettes

Pick a palette that matches the map's purpose. Use inline [#hex] for quick coloring or define <style> classes for reuse.

General-Purpose (Pastel)

RoleHexPreviewUsage
Root#2196F3🔵Central topic
Branch A#A5D6A7🟢Category / group 1
Branch B#90CAF9🔵Category / group 2
Branch C#CE93D8🟣Category / group 3
Branch D#FFE082🟡Category / group 4
Leaf#E0E0E0Detail nodes

Status / RAG

StatusHexUsage
Done / OK#C8E6C9Completed, healthy
In Progress#FFF9C4Active, warning
Blocked / Risk#FFCDD2Issue, danger
Not Started#E0E0E0Pending, neutral

Warm Corporate

RoleHex
Root#1565C0
Level 1#FFB74D
Level 2#4DB6AC
Level 3#E0E0E0

Cool Tech

RoleHex
Root#263238
Level 1#00BCD4
Level 2#80DEEA
Level 3#B2EBF2

Earth Tone

RoleHex
Root#5D4037
Level 1#A1887F
Level 2#C8E6C9
Level 3#FFF9C4

Tip: Avoid pure saturated colors (#FF0000, #00FF00) — they reduce readability. Prefer soft/muted tones for backgrounds and reserve bold colors for the root only.

Mind Map Patterns

PatternPurposeExample
Basic HierarchyTopic decomposition and study outlinesbasic-hierarchy.md
Bilateral LayoutPros/cons, options vs risks, two-side analysisbilateral-layout.md
Boxless BranchesLightweight secondary nodes and annotationsboxless-branches.md
Styled ThemeColor-coded branches and reusable classesstyled-theme.md
Direction ControlVertical or RTL reading directiondirection-control.md
Rich Text ContentDetailed notes with icons and formattingrich-text-content.md
Project PlanningWork breakdown and action mapproject-planning.md

Quick Example

@startmindmap
* Product Launch
** Goals
*** Revenue
*** User Growth

left side
** Risks
*** Timeline Slip
*** Budget Overrun

right to left direction
** Channels
*** Content
*** Ads
@endmindmap

Common Pitfalls

IssueSolution
Diagram not renderedUse ```plantuml fence + @startmindmap ... @endmindmap
Branch depth looks wrongCheck marker count (*, **, ***) and indentation consistency
Multi-line text breaks parserUse : ... ; block syntax, ensure trailing ; exists
Colors not appliedVerify hex format (#RRGGBB) or stereotype class names
Layout direction unexpectedAdd explicit top to bottom direction or right to left direction

Capability Upgrade

Mode Selection

  • Quick: 把主题拆成 2-3 层思维导图。
  • Standard: 形成结构清晰、左右平衡、带颜色层级的 PlantUML mindmap。
  • Deep: 结合项目目标、知识库内容、会议记录或战略框架,生成可用于研讨、培训或汇报的结构化导图。

Structure Logic

先确定导图目的:发散、归纳、决策、学习、路线图或问题拆解。目的不同,分支应分别按 MECE、时间、责任、因果或优先级组织。

Quality Gates

  • 一级分支 3-7 个,避免过宽或过窄。
  • 同层节点使用同一分类口径。
  • 分支深度不超过可读范围。
  • 颜色用于表达语义,不只是装饰。
  • 输出包含 PlantUML 和必要的结构解释。

Deliverable Catalog

DeliverableWhen to useMinimum contentFormat
Mind map主题拆解中心主题、一级分支、二级分支和结构说明PlantUML / Markdown
Issue tree咨询问题拆解核心问题、MECE 分支、假设和证据需求PlantUML / PPT
Knowledge map知识整理主题、概念、关系、引用和后续阅读PlantUML / Markdown
Decision tree路径选择判断条件、分支、结果、风险和建议PlantUML
Workshop map研讨会输出议题、观点、投票、行动项和责任人PlantUML / Markdown
Mindmap QA checklist发布前分支数量、层级、一致性、方向和颜色语义Checklist

Signals

GitHub stars
37
Forks
2
Last commit
Sep 2026
Advanced
Catalog kind
skill
Gateway key
mindmap
Source
github.com/guoliang1114-boop/ariaai