How to Build Coggle-Style Mind Maps in ClickUp

ClickUp can replace Coggle and other mind mapping tools by combining visual whiteboards, task management, and documentation in a single workspace. This how-to guide walks you step by step through setting up mind maps that help plan ideas, projects, and workflows.

Using the features inspired by Coggle alternatives, you will learn how to turn a simple idea into an interactive, collaborative map in ClickUp.

Why Use ClickUp Instead of Coggle?

Traditional mind mapping apps are great for quick diagrams, but they often stop there. ClickUp goes further by connecting your mind maps directly to tasks, docs, and workflows.

Benefits of managing mind maps in ClickUp include:

• One platform for brainstorming, planning, and execution
• Customizable views for ideas, tasks, and documentation
• Built-in collaboration with comments and real-time editing
• Templates that standardize how you map complex projects

The original comparison of Coggle alternatives in the ClickUp blog post about Coggle alternatives highlights how a complete work hub can replace single-purpose apps. This tutorial shows you how to apply that thinking in practice.

Prepare Your Workspace in ClickUp

Before building your first mind map, you need a clear structure inside ClickUp so your ideas do not get lost.

Step 1: Create a Space for Brainstorming in ClickUp

1. Log into your ClickUp account.

2. From the sidebar, select + Space.

3. Name the Space something like Ideation & Mind Maps.

4. Choose the features you want to enable, such as Docs, Whiteboards, and Tasks.

5. Set privacy and sharing options so your team can collaborate.

This dedicated Space keeps all brainstorming assets together and makes it easy to reuse your best mind maps.

Step 2: Add a List for Each Mapping Topic

Within your Space in ClickUp, organize ideas by topic using Lists.

1. Open the Space you just created.

2. Click + New List.

3. Name the List based on your main theme, such as Product Roadmap Mind Map or Marketing Strategy Map.

4. Choose a time frame or owner in the description to clarify its purpose.

Each List will host related Docs, Whiteboards, and tasks that branch out from your core idea.

Create a Visual Mind Map in ClickUp

Coggle-style diagrams are easy to recreate with whiteboards and connected tasks. ClickUp lets you use shapes, connectors, and relationships to build your tree of ideas.

Step 3: Start a Whiteboard Mind Map in ClickUp

1. Inside your chosen List, click + View.

2. Select Whiteboard as the view type.

3. Name the view, for example, Feature Brainstorm Mind Map.

4. Make it visible to your team, and pin it if you want fast access.

The Whiteboard view becomes your digital canvas, similar to a classic Coggle mind map but fully integrated with your workspace.

Step 4: Add Your Central Idea Node

1. On the Whiteboard, insert a shape (such as a circle or rectangle).

2. Type your primary concept, like New App Launch or Q3 Marketing Plan.

3. Adjust colors and borders to make the central idea visually stand out.

This central node acts as the trunk of your mind map tree.

Step 5: Branch Ideas Out with Connected Tasks in ClickUp

Instead of drawing disconnected text bubbles, you can turn each branch into a task that your team can execute later.

1. Add new shapes for major branches such as Research, Design, Content, or Launch.

2. Use connectors to link each branch back to the central idea.

3. Right-click a shape and convert it to a task, or create a task and place it on the Whiteboard.

4. Assign owners, due dates, and priorities inside each task.

By doing this, your mind map remains visual while every node is also a real, trackable item in ClickUp.

Structure Details and Notes in ClickUp Docs

Mind maps are great for big-picture thinking, but you still need a place for detailed notes, outlines, and decisions. Docs inside ClickUp help bridge that gap.

Step 6: Create a Supporting Doc for Your Mind Map

1. From your List, click + Doc or open the Docs section.

2. Name it to match your Whiteboard, such as New App Launch – Mind Map Notes.

3. Add headings that mirror your main branches: Research, Design, Content, Launch, and so on.

4. Use bullet points to record ideas captured in the visual map.

Because the Doc and Whiteboard live in the same List in ClickUp, you can jump between structured notes and the visual overview without losing context.

Step 7: Link Tasks and Docs Back to the Mind Map

To keep everything connected:

• Attach the Whiteboard link inside your Doc for quick reference
• Add Doc links in task descriptions
• Use task relationships to show dependencies between nodes

These cross-links turn your ClickUp mind map into a true knowledge hub.

Collaborate and Iterate on Mind Maps in ClickUp

Once your initial map is built, the real value comes from ongoing collaboration and iteration.

Step 8: Invite Your Team to the Mind Map

1. Share the Space or List with teammates who need access.

2. Use @mentions in tasks and Docs to draw attention to specific ideas.

3. Allow comments on the Whiteboard and Docs so collaborators can suggest branches or changes.

This approach is especially useful for remote teams that previously relied on standalone tools like Coggle for brainstorming sessions.

Step 9: Turn a Brainstorm into an Executable Plan

Once your ClickUp mind map stabilizes, convert the best ideas into action steps.

• Review each branch and decide which nodes become active tasks
• Add estimates, assignees, and custom fields for priority or effort
• Switch from Whiteboard to List or Board view to manage execution
• Use statuses to track progress from idea to completion

Because all of this happens inside one platform, you do not need to re-create work from a separate mind mapping app.

Optimize Your ClickUp Mind Maps with Templates

After you refine a few successful maps, standardize them so every new brainstorm starts fast and consistently.

Step 10: Save a Mind Map Layout as a Template

1. Open a Whiteboard that represents your ideal structure in ClickUp.

2. Clean up any one-off notes, and keep only the structure and labels.

3. Use the template options (where available) to save this Whiteboard, or duplicate it for recurring use.

4. Document how and when your team should use the template inside a reference Doc.

Over time, you can build a library of ClickUp mind map templates for product planning, content strategy, retrospectives, and more.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

By following the steps above, you can replicate and improve on traditional Coggle workflows inside ClickUp, gaining a connected system for ideas, tasks, and documentation.

For additional process and automation strategies that complement your ClickUp setup, you can explore resources from consulting partners such as Consultevo.

As you iterate, keep refining your Whiteboards, Docs, and templates. Over time, your ClickUp workspace will evolve into a flexible alternative to single-purpose mind mapping tools, giving your team one place to think, plan, and execute.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

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