mindmap-mcp-server

Purpose

mindmap-mcp-server is a server that follows the Model Context Protocol (MCP 1.0 specification), and its main purpose is to convert Markdown-formatted content into interactive mind maps. It uses the markmap-cli library to generate HTML-format mind maps, thereby helping users organize information visually.

Main capabilities

• Convert Markdown content into interactive HTML mind maps.
• Support two return types:html Return the complete HTML content, which can be previewed in the AI client's artifact;filePath Save the mind map as a file and return the file path to save tokens, and users can open it in a browser.
• Provide two MCP tools:
  • markdown-to-mindmap-content: Convert Markdown to an HTML mind map and return the complete HTML content. Parameters include markdown(required, string),toolbar(optional, boolean, default true). Suitable for simple mind maps where the HTML content size is not an issue.
  • markdown-to-mindmap-file: Convert Markdown to an HTML mind map and save it to a file in the mounted directory. Parameters include markdown(required, string),filename(optional, string, defaults to an automatically generated timestamp name),toolbar(optional, boolean, default true). Suitable for complex mind maps or situations where you want to save tokens for later use.
• Optionally hide the toolbar.
• Support offline use of mind maps.

Usage

Installation and configuration

This server requires Node.js to be installed. Three installation methods are provided, which have been successfully tested on macOS and Linux. Windows users who encounter problems using npx may consider using the Docker method, or using the Visual Studio Code "Markmap" extension as a simpler alternative.

Use with Claude Desktop or other MCP clients: Add this server in claude_desktop_config.json . Use --return-type to specify the return type of the mind map content, which can be html or filePath.

Use uvx (specific Python file): Also use --return-type to specify the return type.

Use Docker:

1. Pull the image.
2. Set up the server. Note to replace /path/to/output/folder with the actual path (for example, macOS's /Users/username/Downloads, Windows's C:\\Users\\username\\Downloads).

Usage Examples in Claude

• "Use the mind map tool to generate a mind map for the following Markdown code:"
• "Use the mind map tool to generate a mind map for the following Markdown input, then use iTerm to open the generated HTML file. Input code:"
• "Think about the process of putting an elephant into a refrigerator, and provide a mind map. Open it with the terminal."

Troubleshooting

• File not found: Check whether the Docker volume is mounted correctly; ensure the path format matches the operating system; ensure Docker has permission to access the directory.
• Docker command not found: Verify that Docker is installed and in PATH; try using Docker's absolute path.
• Server does not appear in Claude: Restart Claude for Desktop after configuration changes; check the Claude logs for connection errors; verify that Docker is running.

Applicable Scenarios

• Need to quickly convert Markdown notes, outlines, or documents into visualized mind maps.
• Integrate with MCP-compatible AI clients (such as Claude Desktop) to generate mind maps through natural language instructions.
• View or save mind maps in the browser for later use.
• Suitable for developers, students, knowledge managers, and other users who need to organize and present information.

Limitations

• When using Python or uvx to run the server, Node.js needs to be installed.
• If formulas or symbols display incorrectly, it is recommended to download the HTML file and open it in a browser.
• Windows users may encounter npx issues and need to use Docker or an alternative solution.
• This server only supports converting Markdown to mind maps and does not provide other functions.
• The project uses the MIT License.

Other Information

• This server implements the MCP 1.0 specification and can work with any MCP-compatible client, not limited to Claude for Desktop.
• If the project is helpful, the author encourages giving it a Star.