Free online XMAP to OPML converter

What the XMAP format is

XMAP is the XML-based mind-map format associated with older versions of XMind. It stores a map's topic hierarchy and may also contain visual information such as relationships, markers, notes, boundaries, and formatting. You typically encounter it when receiving a map created with an older XMind release or when recovering files from an older mind-mapping project.

XMAP is not the same as the current .xmind package format. Compatibility depends on the XMind version that created the file, so a current application may not open every legacy XMAP file.

What the OPML format is

OPML, or Outline Processor Markup Language, is an XML format for nested outlines. Its <outline> elements represent parent and child items, so it fits the structural part of a mind map without requiring a particular mind-mapping application.

OPML is useful for importing hierarchical content into outliners, note-taking software, feed readers, and other tools that support outline exchange. It is smaller and more interoperable than a map format, but it does not provide a standard representation for the full visual design of a mind map.

How to convert XMAP to OPML

Using compatible XMind software

1. Install or open an XMind version that supports the legacy XMAP format. XMind 8 or the XMind release associated with the file is more likely to open older XMAP files than the newest release.
2. Open XMind and choose File → Open, then select the .xmap file.
3. Check the map for missing topics, notes, or formatting before exporting.
4. Choose File → Export and select OPML as the output format. In some XMind versions, the command is under File → Export As.
5. Choose a destination and save the result with an .opml extension.
6. Open the OPML file in the destination application and verify the hierarchy, especially deeply nested branches and non-ASCII characters.

If XMind cannot open the file, try the older XMind desktop release that created it rather than changing the extension. Renaming .xmap to .opml does not convert the document; the XML structures and required metadata are different.

Using the built-in online converter

You can convert the file on 101convert.com for free without installing software. Select the XMAP-to-OPML conversion, upload the .xmap file, start the conversion, and download the generated .opml file. Avoid uploading maps containing confidential notes or proprietary project information unless the service's handling policy is acceptable.

Quality and compatibility limits

The conversion is primarily a hierarchy transfer. Parent topics, child topics, and usually topic text survive because OPML represents nested outlines directly. Canvas position, branch geometry, colors, fonts, icons, summaries, floating topics, boundaries, relationships, and task metadata may be discarded or reduced to plain text.

OPML has no single universal convention for notes and custom attributes. An exporter may omit them, store them in an application-specific attribute, or place them in an outline item's text. Review the output in a text editor if the destination application reports missing content. Keep the original XMAP file as the authoritative copy when visual layout or annotations matter.