What is a tree diagram?
A tree diagram is a way of showing hierarchy: one item at the top (the root) branches into related items, which branch again, until you reach the end points (the leaves). Org charts, taxonomies, folder structures, tournament brackets, decision analyses, and probability experiments are all tree diagrams — the same picture wearing different clothes.
Because the structure is the content, drawing one shouldn't involve dragging boxes around a canvas. If you can write an indented list, you already know how to describe a tree. This maker takes that list and does the layout for you: spacing, centering, connecting lines, and export.
How to use this tree diagram maker
- Type your outline in the editor — one node per line. Indent with Tab (or two spaces) to nest a line under the one above it.
- Pick a mode. Tree for plain hierarchies, Decision for choices with labeled branches, Probability for chance experiments, Text for a copy-paste ASCII tree.
- Adjust the look. Toggle top-down or left-to-right layout and choose a color theme. Click any node to rename it, add a child, or delete its branch.
- Export. Download a PNG or PDF, copy the text tree, or share an editable link. Your diagram autosaves in your browser between visits.
Types of tree diagrams you can make
Decision trees map a choice and its consequences. Branch labels like [yes] and [no] sit on the connecting lines, and outcome leaves are styled so the end states stand out. They're the standard picture for weighing options in business, product, and everyday decisions.
Probability trees show every outcome of a multi-step chance experiment. Write each branch's probability in parentheses — (0.5), (50%), or (3/5) — and the tool multiplies along each path to show the probability at every leaf. It also warns you when a set of branches doesn't add up to 1, the most common mistake in homework and exams.
Family trees put generations in order — grandparents at the top, children below. For a quick three-generation chart for a school project or a family newsletter, an outline is all you need.
Syntax trees are the linguistics classic: sentences parsed into phrases and parts of speech. The bare "Linguist" theme draws plain lines between labels, the way they appear in textbooks.
Text trees are for developers and writers: the same outline rendered with ├── and └── characters, ready to paste into a README, a code comment, or documentation. That output never carries a watermark.
Why type an outline instead of dragging boxes?
Drag-and-drop diagram editors make you do the computer's job: nudging boxes, re-routing arrows, and re-centering everything each time the structure changes. With an outline, structure and content live in plain text. Adding a branch is pressing Enter; moving a subtree is changing its indentation; version-controlling your diagram is saving a text file. The layout algorithm keeps the drawing tidy no matter how much you edit — which is why text-based tree tools are the ones people keep coming back to (and link to).
Frequently asked questions
Is this tree diagram maker really free?
Yes. Every mode — tree, decision, probability, and text — is free with no signup and no limits on nodes or diagrams. Free PNG and PDF exports carry a small footer watermark; the copyable text tree never has one.
How do I make a tree diagram?
Type your outline in the editor: one item per line, and indent a line (Tab or two spaces) to make it a child of the line above. The diagram redraws instantly as you type. You can also click any node in the preview to rename it, add a child, or delete its branch.
Can I make a decision tree or probability tree?
Yes. Switch the mode at the top of the tool. In decision mode, write branch labels in square brackets, like [yes] or [no], and they appear on the connecting lines. In probability mode, write each branch's probability in parentheses, like (0.5) or (3/5), and the tool multiplies probabilities along each path automatically.
How do I save or share my tree diagram?
Your work autosaves in your browser as you type. Click Share link to get a URL with the whole diagram encoded in it — anyone who opens the link sees an editable copy. Nothing is uploaded to a server.
What export formats are supported?
PNG and PDF are free. You can also copy the diagram as a plain-text tree (using ├── and └── characters) for READMEs, documentation, and code comments. SVG vector export and watermark-free downloads are part of Pro.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes. The editor and preview stack vertically on small screens, the indent and outdent buttons replace the Tab key, and the download button stays within reach while you scroll.
Looking for inspiration? Browse the examples gallery — every example opens in the editor with one click.