How to Make a Mindmap on PowerPoint in 60 Seconds

Mind maps are a tool that can really help you organize your thoughts when you're developing an idea. And they're easy enough to create in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Before we dive into our tutorial on mind mapping, we also have a helpful compliment to this tutorial. Download our FREE eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations. Grab it now before you read on.

1. Open a New Slide

Here's an example of what a mind map can look like.

This is an example of a completed mind map graphic.

A mind map graphic like this one that we're looking at here is a great way to organize your thoughts. Let's start off from a new slide and go to Insert > SmartArt on PowerPoint's ribbon.

Click on Insert SmartArt to add a SmartArt shape. 

2. Use SmartArt to Add Shapes 

There are a variety of SmartArt styles you can use, but I'm going to go to the Hierarchy options and choose Horizontal Hierarchy. Next, I'm going to press OK. 

You can use PowerPoint SmartArt to create a mind map graphic.

3. Create Mind Map Branches

Use this mind map template to generate ideas. For example, I can start off with simple goal like: Get New Clients.

Start your mind map graphic with a goal in mind.

Then, I'll branch off into two different strategies like Online Marketing and In-Person Advertising. If I wanted to add a third option, I could press Enter on my keyboard, and add that point new point.

Your PowerPoint mind map graphic now has several branches.

Continue adding branches and shapes to your PowerPoint mind map graphic until it's complete.

Finishing Up!

Using SmartArt in PowerPoint is easier to use than many other tools for when you're constantly changing the idea behind your mind map. SmartArt is flexible enough to adapt as we think of and revise ideas. 

Basically, all that you're doing to create mind maps on PowerPoint is kind of letting your mind wander and rapidly building out ideas using the mind mapping feature in PowerPoint's SmartArt.