# Mindmaps

### What are Mind Maps?

Mermaid's mind maps help you visually organize ideas into hierarchical structures. For data teams, they're excellent for brainstorming project requirements, planning data models, documenting processes, and organizing complex concepts. Each mind map starts with a central idea, with related concepts branching out in a hierarchical structure.

### Creating Your First Mindmap

1. **Launch DinoAI:** From Code IDE, access [DinoAI](https://docs.paradime.io/app-help/documentation/dino-ai) to start creating diagrams.
2. **Use a Simple Prompt:** Tell DinoAI what kind of Mindmap Diagram you want to create. For example:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```
- "Create a mermaid mindmap showing my data project requirements and dependencies"

- "Generate a mermaid mindmap for my data warehouse architecture with all components and relationships"

- "Build a mermaid mindmap showing my dbt™ project structure with models, tests, and documentation"
```

{% endcode %}

3. **Get Your Diagram:** DinoAI will generate a complete `.mmd` file with proper Mermaid syntax.
4. **Preview Your Work:** Click the eye icon (👁️) to preview your diagram in real-time as you edit.
5. **Iterate and Refine:** Modify the generated `.mmd` file directly, or ask DinoAI to make specific changes.

#### Example: 

```mermaid
mindmap
  root((mindmap))
    Origins
      Long history
      ::icon(fa fa-book)
      Popularisation
        British popular psychology author Tony Buzan
    Research
      On effectiveness<br/>and features
      On Automatic creation
        Uses
            Creative techniques
            Strategic planning
            Argument mapping
    Tools
      Pen and paper
      Mermaid
```

<figure><img src="https://2337193041-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHET0AD04uHMgdeLAjptq%2Fuploads%2FjN9ZMNfQ6IDLDrVkmPBe%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=996cc517-d442-456b-afcf-755df67b83cd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Reusable Mindmaps prompts for you and your team

You can create custom, standardized [.dinoprompts](https://docs.paradime.io/app-help/documentation/dino-ai/dino-prompts) for Mermaid's Mindmaps that ensure consistency across your data team. See [step-by-step guide.](https://docs.paradime.io/app-help/documentation/integrations/code-ide/mermaid-js/..#creating-mermaid-diagrams-with-.dinoprompts)
{% endhint %}

***

### Diagram Syntax Guide

#### Basic Structure

Mind maps use indentation to create hierarchy:

```mermaid
mindmap
    Root Topic
        Subtopic 1
            Detail A
            Detail B
        Subtopic 2
            Detail C
```

#### Node Shapes

You can use different shapes for nodes:

* Square: `id[text]`
* Rounded Square: `id(text)`
* Circle: `id((text))`
* Cloud: `id)text(`
* Bang: `id))text((`
* Hexagon: `id{{text}}`
* Default: Just text

#### Text Formatting

Use Markdown syntax for text formatting:

```mermaid
mindmap
    root["`**Bold Text**
    With *italic* words
    🔍 Emojis work too!`"]
```

### Data Team Examples

#### Project Planning

```mermaid
mindmap
    Data Warehouse((Data Warehouse Project))
        Requirements
            Business Needs
            Technical Specs
            Timeline
        Architecture
            Source Systems
            ETL Pipeline
            Storage Layer
        Implementation
            Phase 1
            Phase 2
            Phase 3
```

#### Data Model Documentation

```mermaid
mindmap
    Sales Model((Sales Analytics))
        Fact Tables
            Transactions
            Orders
            Returns
        Dimensions
            Customer
            Product
            Time
        Metrics
            Revenue
            Profit
            Units Sold
```

### Best Practices

1. Start with a clear central concept
2. Use consistent indentation
3. Group related ideas together
4. Limit hierarchy depth for clarity
5. Use shapes to differentiate concept types
6. Keep node text concise

### Advanced Features

#### Icons

Add icons to nodes (when configured):

```mermaid
mindmap
    Root
        Node A
        ::icon(fa fa-database)
        Node B
        ::icon(fa fa-chart-bar)
```

#### CSS Classes

Apply custom styling:

```mermaid
mindmap
    Root
        Important Topic
        :::urgent
        Regular Topic
```

***

{% hint style="info" %}

### Additional Resources

For more syntax options and advanced features, visit the [official Mermaid documentation](https://mermaid.js.org/syntax/mindmap.html)
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Mind Maps are an experimental feature in Mermaid. While the basic syntax is stable, some features like icon integration may change in future releases.
{% endhint %}