MindMap diagram
A semantic network, an intellect card, a thought card, or an associative card is a method of structuring concepts using a graphical record in the form of a tree diagram that depicts words, ideas, tasks, or other concepts connected by branches extending from a central concept or idea.
The technology is widely used for many purposes, here are some of them:
- Information visualization. Mind Maps are a convenient form of data recording, allowing even with a large volume to present it in a compact form.
- Memorization of information. When you record something in a convenient light form, it is automatically put off in the head.
- Easy access to information. The data recorded in the form of mindmaps is easy to remember, even giving them only one glance.
- Analysis of information. The mind map is constructed in such a way that it allows you to see previously unnoticed connections between its parts, small unaccounted details, which is very valuable when making decisions. Also, with its help, you can throw out all the information in general, in a comprehensive manner, which in general helps to understand the topic and better understand this data.
1. Syntax
In PlantUML, the Mind Map is presented in the form of blocks connected in series from a central position. The syntax of a Mind Map diagram is a definition of objects and their hierarchy.
To start the Mind Map diagram in PlantUML you need to use @startmindmap
, to complete — @endmindmap
Object Definition
The *
or +
sign is preceded by the name of the central object, depending on what you like more or more conveniently. These two types of syntax can be mixed in any proportions.
The objects following it in the hierarchy already receive the **
or ++
icon. The next branch is ***
or +++
:
- @startmindmap
- * quarantine
- ** to watch a movie
- *** “12 monkeys”
- *** “Contegion”
- *** “Seventh seal”
- ** do the cleaning
- *** balcony
- *** garage
- *** drawer
- ** to complete a dissertation
- *** I hope the quarantine is over
- @endmindmap

The diagram will look the same, where instead of
*
,+
is used
If any element needs to be freed from the frame, and underscore must be placed after the *
or +
icon. This technique is used to show the «completeness» of the branch.
- @startmindmap
- * quarantine
- ** to watch a movie
- ***_ “12 monkeys”
- ***_ “Contegion”
- ***_ “Seventh seal”
- ** do the cleaning
- *** balcony
- *** garage
- *** drawer
- ** to complete a dissertation
- *** I hope the quarantine is over
- @endmindmap

By default, the Mind Map diagram in PlantUML is left to right. If you need to change the direction of branching, you can use two methods:
The left side
keyword, after which we build a hierarchy according to the usual scheme:
- @startmindmap
- * quarantine
- ** to watch a movie
- *** “12 monkeys”
- *** “Contegion”
- *** “Seventh seal”
- ** do the cleaning
- *** balcony
- *** garage
- *** drawer
- left side
- ** Work
- *** work from home
- ** the shops
- *** delivery
- ** pharmacies
- *** delivery
- @endmindmap

Or, which is sometimes more convenient, you can use the -
sign to change the direction of branching the diagram:
Syntax *
is compatible with OrgMode