Relationship line: definition and example
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.
What it means
Branches show what belongs to what. A relationship line shows everything else: cause and effect, dependency, contradiction, or just “these two go together”. It crosses the tree rather than following it.
When to use one
Use a few, for links that matter. If every topic is joined to every other, the map turns into a tangle and the structure is lost.
How it differs from nearby terms
A branch is the parent and child link that gives a mind map its shape. A relationship line is an extra link between any two topics. A concept map puts labelled links at the centre of the method, while a mind map uses them sparingly.
In MindmapPal
In the MindmapPal app for iPhone and iPad, select a topic, add a relationship, then tap the target topic. A line can have a label and arrowheads. The web editor on this site does not draw new relationship lines.
Example
In a map of causes for late deliveries, a line from "Supplier delays" to "Stock shortage" is labelled "leads to". The two topics sit on different branches, so the tree alone could not show it.
Related terms
- Floating topic: A floating topic is a topic placed freely on a mind map canvas, not connected to the central topic or to any branch.
- 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.
- Concept map: A concept map is a diagram of concepts joined by labelled links that read as statements, such as "plants make glucose", and it can be a network with no single centre.
- 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.