Xmind

You can generate structured XMind mind maps from natural language prompts using an MCP server that runs with Node.js. This server translates your ideas into hierarchical topics, notes, labels, and markers, and saves the resulting mind maps to local files for easy editing and sharing.

How to use

Interact with an MCP client to request a mind map generation. You describe the desired structure and content, and the server returns a generated XMind file that matches the hierarchical topics, notes, labels, and markers you specify. You can then open the file in Xmind Desktop to refine formatting or add additional details. To control where the mind maps are saved and whether files auto-open after creation, configure the environment variables as needed.

How to install

Prerequisites you need before installing the MCP server are Node.js version 18 or higher, Xmind desktop installed on your machine to open and edit mind maps, and Claude Desktop if you plan to use Claude as your MCP client.

Option 1: Using npx (Recommended) — configure Claude Desktop to use this MCP server.

[Claude Desktop config JSON]
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "xmind-generator": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["xmind-generator-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "outputPath": "/path/to/save/xmind/files",
        "autoOpenFile": "false"
      }
    }
  }
}

Restart Claude Desktop after updating the config, then start using the Xmind generator in your conversations.

Option 2: Local installation — run the MCP server from your machine.

git clone https://github.com/BangyiZhang/xmind-generator-mcp.git
cd xmind-generator-mcp
npm install
npm run build

[Claude Desktop config JSON]
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "xmind-generator": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["path/to/xmind-generator-mcp/dist/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "outputPath": "/path/to/save/xmind/files",
        "autoOpenFile": "false"
      }
    }
  }
}

Replace path/to/xmind-generator-mcp with the actual path to your cloned project. Restart Claude Desktop, then start using the Xmind generator in your conversations.

Note: The env section is optional. It lets you set environment variables for the server: `outputPath` defines where Xmind files are saved (can be overridden by the tool call), and `autoOpenFile` controls whether a generated file opens automatically after creation (default is true).

## Configuration and usage notes

There are two MCP connection options you can use to run the server locally or via npx. Each option runs as a standard input/output (stdio) MCP server and shares the same environment controls for output location and auto-opening behavior.

If you are using Claude Desktop, ensure the configuration JSON is accessible to the application and that the paths you provide exist on your system. The `outputPath` should be a valid directory path where you want the mind map files saved. If you prefer not to automatically open files after creation, set `autoOpenFile` to `false`.

## Troubleshooting notes

If mind maps are not being saved to the expected location, double-check the `outputPath` in your MCP configuration and ensure the directory exists. Check file permissions for the target folder and whether your MCP process has write access.

If Claude Desktop cannot connect to the MCP server, verify that the MCP command and arguments are correctly configured in the Claude Desktop config file, and that the server process starts without errors. Review the environment variables to ensure `outputPath` and `autoOpenFile` are correct and that there are no syntax mistakes in JSON.

## Available tools

### generate-mind-map

Generates an Xmind mind map from a hierarchical structure of topics including notes, labels, markers, and child topics, with an optional relationships section and a custom output path.