Free online EMMX to OPML converter

An OPML file is needed when a mind map must be imported into an outliner, RSS reader, note-taking app, or another tool that supports hierarchical outlines. Converting an EMMX document changes EdrawMind's native mind-map file into a portable outline format for sharing and editing.

What the EMMX format is

EMMX is the native document format used by EdrawMind for mind maps, flowcharts, organizational diagrams, and related visual outlines. EdrawMind creates EMMX files when you save an editable project, including its hierarchy, topic text, notes, relationships, boundaries, icons, colors, images, and layout settings.

You usually encounter EMMX files after receiving an EdrawMind project or when moving a mind map between EdrawMind installations. Because EMMX is primarily an application project format, programs that do not support EdrawMind files may not be able to open it directly.

What the OPML format is

OPML (Outline Processor Markup Language) is an XML-based format for nested outlines. In the mind-mapping context, each OPML outline element represents a topic, and nested elements represent child topics.

OPML is useful for transferring a map's logical structure to outliners, note-taking applications, feed readers, and writing tools. It is smaller and more interoperable than a visual mind-map project, but it normally stores hierarchy and text rather than the original canvas layout.

How to convert EMMX to OPML

EdrawMind desktop is the preferred method because it can interpret the native EMMX structure before exporting it:

1. Open the .emmx file in EdrawMind.
2. Check the map hierarchy and select the intended central topic or root branch.
3. Choose File → Export, then select OPML or Outline Processor Markup Language. The exact menu label varies by EdrawMind version.
4. Choose a destination, enter an .opml filename if EdrawMind does not add the extension automatically, and save the export.
5. Open the resulting OPML file in the destination application and verify that parent and child topics are nested correctly.

You can also convert the file on the 101convert.com website for free without installing software. Upload the EMMX file, select OPML as the output format, start the conversion, and download the generated .opml file. Use the desktop method instead when the map contains confidential information or when exact structure checking is required.

Compatibility and limitations

OPML generally preserves topic names and nesting, but it does not reproduce the visual arrangement of the EMMX canvas. Expect to lose floating topics, connector geometry, theme styling, images, icons, summaries, boundaries, and other EdrawMind-specific objects unless the converter maps them into supported outline metadata.

Before exporting, move essential information into topic titles or notes and remove duplicate or unattached branches. After conversion, inspect deep branches and special characters in the target application; different OPML readers vary in their handling of notes, custom attributes, HTML markup, and non-ASCII text.