StitchGraph/Help — Getting Started
Last updated: 2026-03-20

Getting Started

Everything you need to create your first mind map and start exploring StitchGraph.

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.

Note: Your maps are organized into workspaces. Your Personal workspace holds maps only you can see. If you join or create an Organization, you get a shared workspace where team members can access maps together.

Creating Your First Map

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

  • AI generation — describe your idea in the "What's on your mind?" prompt and click Generate. StitchGraph creates a structured map from your description.
  • Blank map — click Start blank to open an empty canvas and build your map from scratch.
  • Template — click the Templates button and choose a pre-built starting structure.
Tip: AI generation uses your full prompt to produce the map structure. Be as specific as you like — the more detail you provide, the richer the result. If AI is available on your plan, you can also generate maps from the editor's AI Chat panel later.

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 (Brainstorm, Project Plan, Meeting Notes) to help you start quickly. Click the Templates button 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 — an icon rail with six sections: AI Chat, Search, Bookmarks, Outline, Share & Export, and Settings. A Keyboard Shortcuts button is pinned to the bottom of the rail. Click any icon to expand or collapse its panel.
  • 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: