Floating topic: definition and example
A floating topic is a topic placed freely on a mind map canvas, not connected to the central topic or to any branch.
What it means
Most topics in a map hang from a parent. A floating topic does not: it sits where you put it. Some tools call it a free topic.
What it is used for
- Capturing an idea before you know where it belongs.
- Holding a note, question or legend beside the main map.
- Starting a second cluster on the same canvas, then joining it with a relationship line.
How it differs from nearby terms
A subtopic belongs to a parent and moves with it. A floating topic does not move with any branch. If it has branches of its own, it works as a small map on the same canvas as the main one.
In MindmapPal
The MindmapPal app for iPhone and iPad adds floating topics and can join them to other topics with a relationship line. The web editor on this site does not add floating topics.
Example
While mapping a product launch, you jot "Ask legal about the name" as a floating topic in the corner. Later you drag it under the Risks branch, or leave it there as a loose reminder.
Related terms
- Subtopic: A subtopic is a topic placed under another topic in a mind map, holding one detail, example or part of the idea above it.
- Relationship line: A relationship line is a line, often with arrowheads and a label, drawn between any two topics in a mind map to show a connection that is not part of the branch structure.
- Central topic: The central topic is the single topic at the middle of a mind map, the subject that every branch and subtopic in the map belongs to.
- Boundary: A boundary is a closed shape drawn around a topic or a run of neighbouring sibling topics in a mind map to group them visually, with an optional title.