Mind Maps are a powerful way to visualize information and build hierarchies between datasets. They help organize information in a clear, structured manner, making it easier to process complex data and reduce unnecessary clutter. In Excel, you can create mind maps to represent information in a non-linear hierarchy. It typically starts with a central topic, and related ideas branch out from there. Each branch represents a sub-topic or concept and can further branch out into more specific details.
How to create a Mind Map in Excel
You can create a mind map in Excel using two different methods:
- Using SmartArt
- Using the Shapes library
Let’s explore each of these methods in detail.
A] Create a Mind Map using SmartArt in Excel
SmartArt allows you to quickly create structured mind maps.
Step 1: Open Excel and create a new blank workbook.
Step 2: Go to the Insert tab.
Step 3: Click SmartArt in the Illustrations group.
Step 4: In the Choose a SmartArt Graphic window, select Hierarchy from the left panel.
Step 5: Choose Organizational Chart or Horizontal Hierarchy for a better mind map layout.
Step 6: Click OK to insert the SmartArt diagram into the worksheet.
Step 7: Insert data into the SmartArt. Click on the SmartArt diagram to select it.
Step 8: On the left side of the SmartArt, click the small left-facing arrow to open the Text Pane.
Step 9: Click inside the Text Pane and start typing the hierarchy.
Step 10: Type ‘Employee Details’ (this will be the central topic). Press Enter to add a new line. Press Tab before typing to create a sub-level (branch). As you type, SmartArt will automatically adjust and format the hierarchy.
Step 11: Customize the mind map to give it the desired look. Resize the SmartArt by selecting it and dragging its edges.
Step 12: Go to the SmartArt Design tab and choose a different layout to modify the structure.
Step 13: Select a color scheme to improve visual clarity and distinguish between different branches.
Step 14: Click on any shape within the SmartArt to access the Shape Format tab, then customize the colors, fonts, and borders to make the mind map visually appealing and easy to read.
B] Create a Mind Map using Shapes library
Let’s assume we need to create a mind map for Employee Details. The information could be organized hierarchically as follows:
Employee Details
- Demographics
- Name
- Gender
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Job Details
- Job Title
- Department
- Business Unit
- Hire Date
- Annual Salary
- Key Performance Indicator
- Sales
- Revenue generated
- Number of deals closed
- Customer Support
- Response time
- Customer satisfaction rating
- HR
- Employee retention rate
- Hiring speed
- Sales
For the above data, ‘Employee Details‘ becomes our central topic, ‘Demographics‘ becomes the main branch, and ‘Name, Gender, Age, and Ethnicity‘ becomes sub-branches. Similarly, the rest of the data can be visualized in the same way. Let us now create the mind map.
Step 1: Open Excel and start a new blank workbook.
Step 2: Go to the Insert tab and click Shapes.
Step 3: A dropdown will appear. Select a shape (we are using a rectangle here, but you may choose an oval or any shape of your choice).
Step 4: Click anywhere on the sheet and draw the shape.
Step 5: Double-click the shape and name it Employee Details.
Step 6: Format the shape. Select the shape and go to the Shape Format tab in the top ribbon. Use shape fill, shape outline, and other available options to style the shape.
Step 7: Once this is done, resize & center it on the worksheet.
Step 8: Go back to the Insert tab and select another shape. It can be the same shape or a different shape.
Step 9: Draw the shape on the sheet, name it Demographics, and style it using the Shape Format menu. Now we have our first main branch.
Step 10: Reposition it on the sheet as needed.
Step 11: Connect this shape to the central shape using the Line tool. Go to the Insert tab and select Shapes > Line.
Step 12: Draw a line connecting these shapes.
Step 13: Create 4 sub-branches for Name, Gender, Age, and Ethnicity. Style and reposition them as required.
Step 14: Connect these sub-branches with the main branch Demographics.
Tip: You may click on the View tab and uncheck Gridlines for a cleaner workspace/view.
How to convert Excel to MindMap?
You may use free online tools to convert your Excel data into a mind map. These tools offer intuitive features, like drag-and-drop functionality and automatic layout generation, allowing you to create visually appealing mind maps with minimal effort. Some of the tools are even backed by AI, which helps automate the process by analyzing and organizing the data for you.
Can I create a mind map in Excel?
Yes, you can create a mind map in Excel using Shapes, Text Boxes, and Connectors. Start by inserting a central shape for the main topic, then add branches around it for subtopics. Connect the branches using lines or arrows to show relationships. You can also use SmartArt for a more structured approach, selecting a hierarchy layout to organize your ideas.
These methods provide ways to effectively visualize your data using mind maps directly within Microsoft Excel.