Docs to Mind Map
Drop a Word document, a Google Docs export, a Notion-exported Markdown file, or any text document onto SpawnGraph and get an editable mind map in seconds. The document stays on your device — parsing runs in your browser using the File API.
How it works
- 1Export your document. Save as .docx, .md, .rtf, .odt, or plain .txt. Most word processors export to .docx by default.
- 2Drop it onto SpawnGraph. The browser File API reads the document locally — no upload.
- 3NLP structures it. Headings become branches, sub-headings become twigs, lists become leaves. Edit on the canvas from there.
What document formats does SpawnGraph accept?
The supported set covers practically every workflow: Microsoft Word (.docx), OpenDocument Text (.odt), Rich Text Format (.rtf), Markdown (.md), plain text (.txt), and HTML. Google Docs integrates via its Download menu — pick Word (.docx) or Markdown (.md) and drop the resulting file onto SpawnGraph. Notion exports to Markdown directly. Apple Pages exports to .docx via Pages → File → Export. The full file-import surface extends to 93+ formats — see the broader File to Mind Map page for the complete list.
Why convert a document to a mind map?
Documents are linear; mind maps are navigable. A 20-page strategy memo forces you to scroll. A mind map of the same memo fits on one screen with every heading as a branch, every section collapsible, every key argument addressable in one click. Teams use this for technical specs (skim the API section without reading the rationale), product briefs (jump to constraints without re-reading the why), and meeting docs (find decisions without re-reading discussion). The underlying document remains the source of truth — the map is a navigation layer that compresses a long read into a one-screen scan.
From Google Docs to mind map: step by step
Google Docs is the most common starting point. Open the doc. Choose File → Download → Microsoft Word (.docx) — or Markdown (.md) if you prefer a lighter export with simpler formatting. The download saves to your local Downloads folder. Drag that file directly onto the SpawnGraph canvas, or use the import button. The .docx parser reads the Google Docs heading hierarchy (Heading 1 → branch, Heading 2 → sub-branch), bullet lists become leaf nodes, and numbered lists become ordered branches. SpawnGraph uses client-side NLP — you can verify zero network calls during generation by opening DevTools → Network. The whole flow takes 30 seconds from "click Download" to "navigable mind map open in tab".
Editing and sharing after conversion
The imported map is a starting point. Rename nodes, recolor by section theme, drag to rearrange, add new branches the original document didn't have, and collapse the parts that are not currently useful. When you are ready to share, the board can go out as a live link (view or edit permission), as a PNG for slides, as a Markdown outline for further writing, or as a CSV for task trackers like Linear or Notion. Real-time collaboration is included on the free tier — invite teammates to refine the map together with live cursors.
In short: SpawnGraph converts Word, Google Docs exports, Markdown, RTF, and plain-text documents into editable mind maps using browser-native NLP. The document stays on your device — no upload, no signup required.