Software
Software
Because — a free, browser-based editor for building and analyzing argument maps.
Because is the free editor behind every live figure on this site. It is a free, browser-based editor for argument maps: nothing to install, no account to create, and the maps you build stay on your device or in your own Google Drive unless you choose to share them. Teachers are experimenting with it in high schools and universities all over the world, and thousands of people who find it online have used it to analyze and construct better arguments.
Always start off at app.philmaps.com. Build with the keyboard: ⏎ adds a reason, Tab adds a co-premise, and ⌥O / Alt+O adds an objection.
Open your existing MindMup maps#
Because opens existing MindMup argument maps unchanged — it renders them with
the same engine MindMup used, so a .mup file you built there opens here
exactly as you left it. Because is the current editor for this kind of work,
built to keep argument mapping alive after the MindMup argument-visualization
service retired.
Print and export to PDF#
Every map prints cleanly, and your browser’s “Save as PDF” turns a map into a shareable document — handy for handouts and feedback.
Privacy#
Because does its work in your browser. It is free to use, with no accounts and no ads. Anonymous usage statistics help us improve it; your map content is never collected. Read the full privacy policy for the details.
Helpful keyboard shortcuts#
Because is easy to learn, and once you know a few keys you can build a map without ever reaching for the mouse. Select a claim, then:
| Key | What it does |
|---|---|
| ⏎ | Add a reason under the selected claim |
| Tab | Add a co-premise (a sibling claim in the same reason) |
| ⌥O / Alt+O | Add an objection to the selected claim |
| T · ⌥T / Alt+T | Toggle — a selected bracket flips reason ⇄ objection; a selected claim flips implicit ⇄ explicit |
| ⌥N / Alt+N | Add a sticky note to the selection |
| z · ⇧z | Zoom in · zoom out |
The Basics page teaches these ideas properly, with a live map you can operate with these very shortcuts. If you would like to see what finished arguments look like in Because, the maps on the Basics page are the place to start.
A few questions#
Is it really free? Yes — and it is built to stay that way. Because is based on the MIT-licensed MindMup core, with thanks to the original developers of MindMup and especially to Gojko Adzic. Because it is open source, it will always be free.
Where do my files live? On your own device, or in your own Google Drive if you choose to save there. Nothing is stored on our servers.
Can I request a new feature? Yes. Get in touch through the contact page and say what you are trying to do.