Build your first map by hand

This is the smallest complete map. It shows the full path from markdown to a clickable connection.

Write the file

Create map.md with this text:

---
type: map
title: First map
---

---
id: acme
type: organization
title: Acme Corp
rel:
  employs: jane-doe
---

The organization at the center of the map.

---
id: jane-doe
type: person
title: Jane Doe
subtitle: Operations lead
---

Jane owns the rollout.

The first block configures the map. The next two blocks become cards. The employs entry becomes a labeled connection from Acme Corp to Jane Doe.

Open the map

1. Create a free account and open md2hd.
2. Choose Import markdown files.
3. Select map.md.
4. Check that md2hd found 2 cards and 1 connection.
5. Choose Open map.

You should see Acme Corp connected to Jane Doe by a line labeled employs. Open either card to read its note and connections.

Edit the source

Open Jane Doe, switch the panel to Markdown, and add this frontmatter field:

tags: [owner]

The card and note panel update as you type. The markdown file remains the source of the map.

Add another card

Append this block:

---
id: rollout
type: project
title: Billing rollout
rel:
  owned_by: jane-doe
---

Ships on 30 September.

owned_by is passive, so md2hd flips the direction before drawing it. The map shows Jane Doe pointing to Billing rollout with the label owned.

Next

Read Writing cards for every card field, then Connecting cards for all four link forms.