Markmap Mindmaps

VMark supports Markmap for creating interactive mindmap trees directly in your Markdown documents. Unlike Mermaid's static mindmap diagram type, Markmap uses plain Markdown headings as input and provides interactive pan/zoom/collapse.

Inserting a Mindmap

Using Menu

Menu: Insert > Mindmap

Keyboard shortcut: Alt + Shift + Cmd + K (macOS) / Alt + Shift + Ctrl + K (Windows/Linux)

Using a Code Block

Type a fenced code block with the markmap language identifier:

```markmap
# Mindmap

## Branch A
### Topic 1
### Topic 2

## Branch B
### Topic 3
### Topic 4
```text

From an AI Assistant

There is no dedicated mind-map tool. An AI client connected through VMark's MCP server inserts a mindmap the same way it inserts any other Markdown — by writing a ```markmap code block into the document with the document or selection tool.

Editing Modes

Rich Text Mode (WYSIWYG)

In WYSIWYG mode, Markmap mindmaps are rendered as interactive SVG trees. You can:

• Pan by clicking and dragging (a plain scroll scrolls the document, not the mindmap)
• Zoom by holding Ctrl and scrolling
• Collapse/expand nodes by clicking the circle at each branch
• Fit the view using the fit button (top-right corner on hover)
• Double-click the mindmap to edit the source

Source Mode with Live Preview

In Source mode, a floating preview panel shows the mindmap while your cursor is inside a markmap code block, updating as you type. The preview is off by default — turn it on with View → Toggle Diagram Preview (Alt + Mod + P) or the command palette.

Input Format

Markmap uses standard Markdown as input. Headings define the tree hierarchy:

Markdown	Role
# Heading 1	Root node
## Heading 2	First-level branch
### Heading 3	Second-level branch
#### Heading 4+	Deeper branches

Rich Content in Nodes

Nodes can contain inline Markdown:

```markmap
# Project Plan

## Research
### Read **important** papers
### Review [existing tools](https://example.com)

## Implementation
### Write `core` module
### Add tests
- Unit tests
- Integration tests

## Documentation
### API reference
### User guide
```text

List items under a heading become child nodes of that heading.

Live Demo

Here is an interactive markmap rendered directly on this page — try panning, zooming, and collapsing nodes:

Interactive Features

Action	How
Pan	Click and drag
Zoom	Ctrl + scroll
Collapse node	Click the circle at a branch point
Expand node	Click the circle again
Fit to view	Click the fit button (top-right on hover)

Theme Integration

Markmap mindmaps automatically adapt to VMark's current theme (White, Paper, Mint, Sepia, or Night). Branch colors adjust for readability in every theme.

Export as PNG

Hover over a rendered mindmap in WYSIWYG mode to reveal an export button. Click it to choose a theme:

Theme	Background
Light	White background
Dark	Dark background

The mindmap is exported as a 2x resolution PNG via the system save dialog.

Tips

Markmap vs Mermaid Mindmap

VMark supports both Markmap and Mermaid's mindmap diagram type:

Feature	Markmap	Mermaid Mindmap
Input format	Standard Markdown	Mermaid DSL
Interactivity	Pan, zoom, collapse	Static image
Rich content	Links, bold, code, lists	Text only
Best for	Large, interactive trees	Simple static diagrams

Use Markmap when you want interactivity or already have Markdown content. Use Mermaid mindmap when you need it alongside other Mermaid diagrams.

Learning More

• Markmap Documentation — Official reference
• Markmap Playground — Interactive playground to test mindmaps