Xmind launches AI agent for mind maps and connects with ChatGPT and Claude

From lists to visual maps

Xmind, a brainstorming platform used by over 100 million people, is launching Xmind Agent to help users manage information overload. The company noted that while AI can quickly generate summaries or research lists, humans still face the difficult task of deciding what to do with that data. Xmind Agent aims to bridge this gap by organizing material into visual mind maps during the conversation.

Users can start by providing an idea, a specific file, or a Notion document to generate a new map. The agent can also analyze an existing map to help develop it further. It reads the current content, pulls in research from the web, and answers follow-up questions as the user's thinking evolves. This allows the map to change dynamically as the user explores different options.

The tool is designed to sort information based on specific tasks. For example, it can organize meeting notes into distinct categories like decisions and to-dos. It can also create comparison sets that highlight the strengths and limitations of various choices. This helps users weigh trade-offs more clearly than a standard text list would allow.

Connecting to Claude and ChatGPT

Xmind is opening its platform to external AI assistants through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This is an open standard that allows AI assistants to link with other software. By using Xmind MCP, assistants like Claude can create, read, and update Xmind maps directly. A specific plugin is also available for users who prefer to work within the ChatGPT interface.

These connections allow an AI assistant to save a research conversation as an editable map. Conversely, an assistant can read the goals and requirements already inside a map before it starts drafting a document or writing code. It can also add new findings to an existing map or place them on a new sheet within the same file. This creates a loop where the AI and the user can interact with the same visual data.

For teams, these integrations mean that the logic behind a project can stay in one location accessible by coworkers and AI software. This prevents information from being spread across separate, isolated chat histories. Xmind also ensures that any edits made through the MCP are kept in a version history, allowing users to restore earlier versions of their maps if needed.

User controls and availability

While the AI handles much of the organization, Xmind emphasizes that human judgment remains central to the process. Users can still edit the maps by hand at any point during the conversation. The platform is designed to give people and AI a shared visual context to explore possibilities together. As Mango Du, Co-founder of Xmind, stated, "We want Xmind to give people and AI a shared visual context."

Hardware and future updates

Xmind is also expanding its reach into new hardware categories, specifically targeting Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo. The company released a version of Xmind optimized for this device, featuring layouts designed for a folding screen. One specific layout shows an outline on one half of the screen and the full map on the other half.

The company recently showcased this work during a meeting in Guangzhou with Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook. During the meeting, the team demonstrated how the software can be used for everyday planning, such as finding places to eat in a city. This highlights the company's goal of making mind mapping a more versatile tool for both professional and personal use cases.

Moving forward, Xmind aims to continue integrating visual tools with AI to support clearer thinking and better planning. By providing a way to turn complex research into structured maps, they are positioning themselves as a hub for collaborative thinking. The platform will continue to evolve as it supports more AI assistants and handles more complex types of documents and data inputs.