You can create mind maps to visualize your ideas and gain useful insights into them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll show you how to make a mind map <\/a>in Excel<\/a>. We\u2019ll then highlight its drawbacks<\/a> and give you an excellent alternative for making interactive mind maps<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mind map<\/a> is a type of hierarchical diagram built around a central concept. Instead of feeding data in basic tables, it helps you visualize, analyze, and organize information in a non-linear way.<\/p>\n\n\n Excel mind maps are slow, lack task management, and limit integrations. Try ClickUp\u2019s free Simple Mind Map Template<\/a> for easy brainstorming, collaboration, and task tracking\u2014free! \ud83d\ude80<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out some awesome mind map examples here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sherlock creates a web of ideas in his mind and mind maps are something like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wish we all had a brain attic like his. \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now when you create this hierarchical diagram in Excel<\/a>, you get an Excel mind map<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, an Excel mind map will consist of a central idea with tons of related sub-ideas branching out from it. Each of those sub-ideas has sub-ideas of their own that branch out further sub-ideas\u2026 and it goes on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But don\u2019t get lost in the branches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s come out of Sherlock\u2019s impressive brain and break into an Excel mind map. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An Excel mind map has some common characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawing a mind map sounds fun, right? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s learn how to create a mind map in Excel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two ways to create a mind map in Excel: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow these steps to create a mind map in Microsoft Excel and visualize your central idea or concept. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Microsoft Office<\/a> offers a Shapes <\/strong>library to add boxes, circles, arrows, etc., that you can use to create a mind map in spreadsheets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say you want to create a mind map for \u201cProject X<\/strong>,\u201d which will include its scope, goals, budgeting, and so on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how you can use shapes to create this mind map in Excel: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Open Excel and select a blank workbook<\/strong> to start working on a new file. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also add a mind map to an existing file by adding a new sheet using the + <\/strong>icon present at the bottom of your excel sheet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To add a shape, click the Insert <\/strong>tab. You\u2019ll find it on the green ribbon, next to the Home<\/strong> tab. Then, select Shapes,<\/strong> and a drop-down menu will appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Select a shape you like, then click and drag to draw it anywhere on the sheet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, we have used a rounded rectangle, but you\u2019re free to select the shape of your choice! <\/p>\n\n\n\n The next step is to add shapes branching out of this central shape or the \u201ccentral idea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how to go about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow the same process as Step<\/strong> 2 <\/strong>to select and draw the branching shapes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, we\u2019ve created six new boxes, but you can add as many as you want. Place them around the central box the way you want them to branch out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can select the color of each shape to represent a distinct concept. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To do so, select the shape and click on the Format<\/strong> tab on the green ribbon at the top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Select the color of your choice from the Shape Styles<\/strong> section. You can also give shape effects or choose a shape outline from this section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve changed the colors, you can now connect these shapes to the central shape using lines. You\u2019ll find the Lines<\/strong> option under the Shapes<\/strong> tab. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply drag and draw each line the way you added the shapes earlier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do this for the rest of the shapes as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also make these lines colorful with the same Format<\/strong> tab on the green ribbon. Using colors will help you keep track of different branching paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of it, your map should look something like this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, you need to fill in these shapes with ideas. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can do that by double-clicking a shape to add or edit text. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since this mind map is for \u201cProject X,\u201d the central box will carry the project\u2019s name. The other boxes will contain ideas like scope, goals, risk analysis, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Continue using the Shapes <\/strong>menu to add more lines and shapes to expand your mind map. <\/strong>There\u2019s no limit to how big your mind map can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like there\u2019s no limit to possibilities when Sherlock is solving a case!<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that\u2019s how you successfully make a mind map in Excel using Shapes<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, let\u2019s explore the second option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use SmartArt <\/strong>to visualize your information and ideas by choosing a layout that fits your concept. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, these are rigid templates that are difficult to modify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like Sherlock\u2019s strange ways of solving cases that are difficult to modify no matter how much Watson tries. \ud83e\udd37\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nonetheless, here are the steps to create a mind map using SmartArt: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Open your Excel worksheet where you want to insert a mind map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Select Insert <\/strong>> SmartArt <\/strong>and select a suitable SmartArt graphic from the Hierarchy<\/strong> or Relationship <\/strong>menu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For this example, we\u2019ve chosen a radial list<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Click on the small arrow icon on the left of the graphic to open the Text panel<\/strong> and modify the text. You can also just double-click on [TEXT]<\/strong> to add data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To add more shapes to your map, select the graphic > click Enter on the Text pane<\/strong> to add more rows. SmartArt will automatically add a shape below the selected row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another option is to select the box that you want to add shapes around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To do this, click on Add Shape<\/strong> under the Design<\/strong> tab of SmartArt Tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s it! Your Excel mind map is ready to use. \ud83d\ude4c<\/p>\n\n\n\n But don\u2019t you think both approaches are pretty exhausting? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Guess what? <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can skip making a mind map from scratch in Microsoft Excel by installing some mind map plug-ins like Lucidchart Diagrams<\/a>, Diagram Master, and Big Picture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These add-ins can satiate your mind mapping requirements for a while, but you\u2019ll eventually find Excel severely falling short on several points. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Content \ud83d\udc49 How to Make a Mind Map in Word<\/a> <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Using Excel is like an old habit that dies hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After all, it\u2019s like a go-to solution for handling all kinds of data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, that doesn\u2019t make it the <\/em>tool to create elaborate mind maps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s why you need to consider Excel alternatives<\/a> for creating mind maps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Making mind maps from scratch in Excel may feel familiar to some old-school project managers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But in the corporate world, time equals money.<\/em> \u23f1\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawing shapes and feeding data requires a lot of manual effort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The process is also not intuitive enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can\u2019t quickly update or make additions to your map, and the shapes don\u2019t stay aligned when you move them around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, neither shapes nor SmartArt can link spreadsheet data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line: you end up wasting time connecting lines and shapes instead of brainstorming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though Excel has SmartArt, is it smart enough? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Excel mind maps lack project management functionalities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t get advanced features like adding tasks directly to your mind maps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That isn\u2019t all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to share your mind maps easily?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re going to have a tough time since Excel\u2019s shared workbooks come with tons of restrictions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As Sherlock would say, \u201calone is what I have, alone protects me,<\/em>\u201d you don\u2019t want to admire your creation alone, <\/em>do you? \ud83e\udd14<\/p>\n\n\n\n Integrating your mind maps with other apps can help you plan and execute your ideas better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It also saves you from toggling between different windows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you can\u2019t do this on Excel. Blame it on its limited native integration abilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The only way out is to take the help of third-party apps like Zapier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, how do you make up for all these Excel drawbacks and put your mind (maps) to good use?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enter ClickUp<\/strong><\/a>. \ud83d\udc4b \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus: Mind Maps vs Concept Maps<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ClickUp is one of the world\u2019s highest-rated productivity tools<\/a> that comes with a host of mind-<\/strong> It\u2019s a versatile project management software<\/a> used by teams to boost productivity, and better manage their ideas and projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With ClickUp\u2019s Mind Maps<\/strong><\/a>, you can effortlessly convert your thoughts and ideas into beautiful Mind Maps. \ud83e\udde0\u2728\ud83c\udf08<\/p>\n\n\n\n How? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ClickUp gives you two modes for mind mapping:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want your ideas to flow freely? No problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ClickUp gives you a Blank mode <\/strong>to create free-form mind maps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With the Blank mode, you can create mind maps from scratch that don\u2019t have to connect to any conventional task structure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We know the unconventional Sherlock in you wants to rise and shine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this mode, you can create as many nodes (branches) as you want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you want, you can also convert them to tasks on any list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Creating a new Mind Map, adding branches, and customizing colors in ClickUp<\/p>\n<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In the Blank mode, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use the Public Sharing<\/strong><\/a> option to share your Mind Maps with anyone outside your Workspace<\/strong><\/a>. This helps stakeholders view and stay updated on project progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Adjusting Public Sharing options in ClickUp\u2019s Mind Maps<\/p>\n<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Want to follow a more structured approach? <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Tasks mode<\/strong>, you can map out the structure of your workspace by organizing projects into logical paths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can create, edit, rearrange, or filter out tasks in the mind map itself. This will give you a good idea of how your projects and tasks<\/a> are connected to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how you can customize your mind map in this mode: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also move your tasks from one place to another:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using Tasks mode in ClickUp\u2019 Mind Maps to structure and organize projects into logical paths<\/p>\n<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n However, creating mind maps isn\u2019t the only thing you can do with ClickUp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the other fantastic features that this powerful and intuitive mind mapping tool<\/a> offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
What Is a Mind Map in Excel? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2b50 Featured Template<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Simple](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/image4.png\")
![\"Sherlock](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image7.gif\")
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How To Create a Mind Map in Excel? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A. Using Shapes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: open a new Excel sheet<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Blank](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image20-1400x788.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 2: open the Shapes menu <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Shapes](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image3-1400x788.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 3: draw the shapes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Drawing](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image11.gif\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Boxes](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image9-1400x788.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 4: format the shapes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Formatting](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image19-1400x788.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 5: connect shapes using lines<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Connecting](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image2.gif\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Mind](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image4-1400x788.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 6: add the text<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Adding](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image17.gif\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 7: expand your mind map<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Adding](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image5-1400x788.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nB. Using SmartArt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: open an Excel worksheet<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: add SmartArt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Using](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image6.gif\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 3: add text<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Adding](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image18.gif\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 4<\/strong>: expand the map<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Expanding](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image12.gif\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Adding](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image14-1400x788.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3 Major Drawbacks of an Excel Mind Map <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Time-consuming <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sherlock](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image15.gif\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. Lacks task management and collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Limited integrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Create Effortless Mind Maps with ClickUp<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Download](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image13-1400x667.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nmapping<\/s><\/strong> blowing<\/em><\/strong> features you\u2019ll love. \ud83e\udd2f<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Blank mode <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Blank](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image16.gif\")
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![\"Public](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image10.gif\")
\n2. Tasks mode<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"task](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image1.png\")
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