Getting Started

What is StitchGraph?

StitchGraph is a visual mind-mapping tool that helps you organize ideas as a tree of connected nodes. Each map starts with a central topic and branches out into subtopics, letting you capture structure at a glance.

Maps are auto-laid-out — you focus on the content and StitchGraph arranges the nodes for you. You can also use AI to generate an entire map from a short description.

Creating Your First Map

From the signed-in dashboard you have three ways to create a new map:

• AI generation — describe your idea in the prompt and choose Generate. StitchGraph opens a new map and builds a structured starting point from your description.
• Blank map — choose Start blank to open an empty canvas and build your map from scratch.
• Template — choose Templates and pick a pre-built starting structure.

When you first start using StitchGraph, the dashboard shows a prominent hero area with the AI prompt and creation options. As you create more maps, the dashboard switches to a compact creation bar so your map library takes center stage.

Using Templates

StitchGraph includes built-in templates such as Brainstorm, Project Plan, and Meeting Notes to help you start quickly. Choose Templates on the dashboard to browse them.

For details on all templates and saving your own, see Folders & Templates.

Navigating the Editor

When you open a map, you enter the editor. Here's a quick orientation:

• Top navigation — a back-to-dashboard link (the StitchGraph logo and chevron) on the left, and an editable map title in the center.
• Left sidebar — AI Chat, Search, Bookmarks, Outline, Share & Export, and Settings. A Keyboard Shortcuts button is pinned to the bottom of the rail.
• Canvas — the central area where your map lives. Pan by dragging the background, and zoom with scroll or pinch.
• Minimap — a small overview in the bottom-right corner that shows your full map and current viewport.

For a detailed walkthrough of editor features, see the Map Editor & Shortcuts guide.

Saving & Syncing

StitchGraph auto-saves your changes as you work. You can also press Cmd/Ctrl+S to save manually at any time.

A sync status indicator in the top bar shows the current state:

• Saving — a spinner indicates changes are being written.
• Saved — a green check confirms everything is synced.
• Error — a red indicator means the save failed. You can click it to retry.

What's Next?

Now that you've created your first map, here are some next steps:

• Dashboard & Workspaces — learn how to find, search, sort, and organize your maps.
• Map Editor & Shortcuts — dive deeper into editing, AI features, the command palette, and keyboard shortcuts.
• Child Maps — turn large branches into linked maps when a topic needs its own canvas.
• Organizations — set up a shared workspace for your team.