I once had a lengthy Excel marketing report for analysis, but staring at rows and columns can feel overwhelming. Without proper aid to extract key information, it’s difficult to understand the connections.
I realized a visual approach like mind maps was the answer. However, manually transferring data takes too long. The easiest solution is to use an Excel mind map converter.
EdrawMind can do this online, saving time and keeping everything organized in just a few clicks. This article will show you how to convert Excel to a mind map for free.
In this article
Benefits of Converting Excel to Mind Map
Excel makes it easy to collect information, but it is not always easy to understand. However, converting from Excel to a mind map helps you see the bigger picture instantly. Here’s why this works:
Help You Remember More
Visuals are easier to recall than rows of numbers and text. A mind map connects ideas naturally, making details stick. Students can turn their study notes into diagrams, while businesses can map out customer feedback for better insights.
Faster Idea Generation
Lists keep things neat, but they don’t inspire new ideas. A mind map does. Project teams can turn tasks into workflows with an Excel-to-mindmap maker. Also, researchers can organize findings. And marketers can map out campaign strategies without getting buried in spreadsheets.

Easier to Understand
An Excel spreadsheet is just a long list of details. A mind map gives structure, turning scattered data into something you can follow. For example, instead of reading through a long business report in Excel, a team can see goals, strategies, and tasks in a connected diagram.
How To Convert Excel to Mind Map With EdrawMind
Easily turn Excel content into a mind map with the Wondershare EdrawMind AI File Analysis tool. There’s no need to copy and paste each row. Also, you can submit various file types like Excel, Word, PDF, PPT, and images with text. Log in to an account or sign up for free to start now.

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Follow these to convert Excel to a mind map online for free in a few steps:
Step 1
Click New File on the top left menu and select File Analysis below the AI Function options.

Step 2
Click Browse File on the pop-up window and upload your Excel file.

Step 3
Click Start parsing and let the AI process the data. EdrawMind AI will automatically convert the Excel data into a mind map.

How To Customize the Mind Map With EdrawMind?
Converting your Excel file into a mind map is only the first step. You’ll want to customize the layout, colors, and structure to attract your audience's attention so the content is more appealing.
Here’s how you can customize the mind map from the converted Excel file:

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Step 1
Change the Mind Map Layout and Topic Spacing
- Open the right panel to start. Then, go to the Canvas tab.
- Go to the Layout section and choose a layout to apply to the mind map on the canvas.

- Select or clear the checkboxes for Branch Free Positioning and Alignment With Sibling Topic. Do the same for Flexible Floating Topic and Topic Overlap to adjust the layout.

Step 2
Apply a Theme
- Navigate to the Theme section on the left panel. Then, browse and select a theme from the Light and Dark options that suit the mind map.

- Adjust Theme Color and style if needed. You can also select the Hand-Drawn Style checkbox or make a customized theme.

Step 3
Customize Font and Branch Styles
Select an item from the mind map, then go to the Style tab on the right panel. From here, you can:
- Choose a font type and size, then apply bold, italic, or underline for emphasis. You can also add a text background to make key points stand out.
- Change the style of topic shapes in the mind map. Customize the size, fill color, and style to match your design.

- Add a shadow or adjust the Border Color for a more polished look.
- Select the entire mind map or a specific part and change the branch Connector Style, Line, Weight, Style, and more.

Step 4
Add Icons, Images, and Files
Enhance your mind map by including visuals and extra details. Select a topic on the canvas to start.
- Icons: Go to the Mark tab on the right panel, then choose an icon to show Priority, Progress, and more.

- Images/Tag/Hyperlink/Attachment/Note: Click Insert on the upper navigation pane, then select an option from the dropdown menu.

Step 5
Switch Between Different Modes
EdrawMind provides various modes for different use cases:
- Outliner Mode: View your mind map as a list or outline.
- Presentation Mode: Convert the mind map into a slideshow.
- Mind Map Mode: View text as a mind map for brainstorming.

Step 6
Export and Share
After editing the content and style, save or share your mind map in different ways:
- Click Export in the upper right corner, then download the file in various formats such as image, Excel, PDF, Word, PPT, or SVG.
- Share online with a link or via email.

What Is EdrawMind Mind Map Maker?
EdrawMind is an easy-to-use mind-mapping tool that helps you convert Excel to mindmap online or on a PC. If you’re dealing with long spreadsheets full of data, this platform can turn them into visually engaging mind maps in seconds. It’s available in free and professional versions, so you can start working immediately.

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- AI Tools: Upload a file, and the AI instantly generates a mind map. It can also summarize content, create diagrams, and build presentations, so you don’t have to start from scratch.
- Extensive Template Gallery: Access 15,000+ ready-made templates for different fields, including business, education, and medical. This speeds up the process of structuring your ideas.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Edit mind maps with your team simultaneously to be efficient in project planning and brainstorming.
- Customization Options: Choose from 22 layouts, 47 themes, 100+ clipart, and even hand-drawn effects to personalize the mind maps to match your workflow and style.

Why Use EdrawMind for Converting Excel to Mind Map
Not sure which mind-mapping tool fits your needs? EdrawMind alternatives like XMind, MindManager, and Miro all offer great features. But they serve different purposes. Here’s a comparison:
EdrawMind vs. XMind
XMind has an intuitive interface and AI tool for idea generation. But EdrawMind AI features can do more. It helps you generate a mind map from text prompts or files like Excel. Aside from that, EdrawMind can convert mind maps to other diagrams, such as fishbones or timelines, in one click.
EdrawMind vs. MindManager
MindManager provides a 30-day fully functional free trial for its desktop software. If you need an online version, MindManager Web is available with a paid plan.
On the other hand, EdrawMind offers free online access. You can create a mind map without downloading anything and use features like layouts, pre-set themes, and built-in templates. While the free version has some limitations, it still provides a solid range of tools for organizing your ideas.

EdrawMind vs. Miro
Miro offers advanced collaboration features like Talktrack and video call. These can help with interactive teamwork. Meanwhile, EdrawMind provides real-time collaboration for brainstorming, planning, and mind mapping. While it doesn’t have tools for built-in video calls, it lets you share maps via link or email and set access permissions for viewing or editing, keeping teamwork efficient.
Conclusion
Turning an Excel file into a mind map changed everything. The cluttered rows finally made sense, and I could see connections easily.
Do you do it manually? That takes too much time. EdrawMind makes it easy to convert Excel to a mind map for free online. Plus, with AI tools, templates, and customization options, it’s one of the best tools out there.
If you’re tired of staring at endless spreadsheets, try EdrawMind. Your ideas deserve more than just rows and columns.
FAQs
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Can I Edit the Mind Map After Converting It from Excel?
Yes, once you convert an Excel file to a mind map, you can fully customize it in EdrawMind. You can edit text, rearrange branches, change layouts, apply themes, and add visuals like icons or images to refine your mind map. -
What Types of Excels Can Be Converted Using EdrawMind?
EdrawMind supports various Excel formats, including .xls and .xlsx files. You can import spreadsheets containing text, tables, and structured data. The AI will analyze them to create a mind map within seconds. -
Is There a Limit on the Size of the Excel File That Can Be Converted?
EdrawMind can handle large Excel files, but performance may vary based on file complexity. If your spreadsheet contains extensive data, multiple sheets, or complex structures, it is recommended to simplify the content before conversion for faster processing.
