.kmindz File Format and Portability
KMind Zen has several official source file formats: .kmindz.svg, .kmindz.png, .kmindz, and .zip are all valid source files. They contain exactly the same map information; only their presentation differs.
Key takeaways
- .kmindz.svg, .kmindz.png, .kmindz, and .zip are all valid KMind Zen source files.
- They store the same map information internally; the main difference is how the file is presented externally.
- The Obsidian plugin uses .kmindz to avoid conflicts with Obsidian's static SVG preview behavior.
KMind Zen official source file formats
KMind Zen has several official source file formats: .kmindz.svg, .kmindz.png, .kmindz, and .zip. All of them are valid KMind Zen source files.
The map information stored inside them is exactly the same. The difference is only how the file is presented, so you do not need to think of them as separate data models. They all represent the same KMind Zen map.
Why .kmindz.svg is the primary format
The most important format is .kmindz.svg. This file is an SVG image, and KMind Zen stores the mind map data inside that SVG image.
When you share it, someone can preview roughly what the map looks like without opening a KMind Zen client. When the file is imported back into a KMind Zen client, the same map can be edited directly.
Why Obsidian uses .kmindz
In Obsidian, SVG files are parsed and displayed as static images. That behavior conflicts with KMind Zen's .kmindz.svg suffix, because the file is both previewable as an image and meant to remain an editable source file.
For this reason, KMind Zen provides a dedicated .kmindz format for Obsidian. It is also an official KMind Zen source file format and can be imported into other KMind Zen clients, including the SiYuan plugin, Web App, standalone clients, and more.
Related resources
Apply the file guidance to an Obsidian vault.
Open KMind Zen in the real Obsidian community plugin directory.
Try the map workflow in the browser.
Understand the product boundary between old and new systems.
FAQ
Are .kmindz.svg, .kmindz.png, .kmindz, and .zip all source files?
Yes. They are all valid official KMind Zen source files. They contain the same map information; the main difference is how they are presented.
Why does Obsidian not use .kmindz.svg directly?
Because Obsidian parses SVG files as static images, which can conflict with KMind Zen's editable source-file semantics. The Obsidian plugin therefore uses the dedicated .kmindz format.
Can .kmindz be imported into other KMind Zen clients?
Yes. .kmindz is an official KMind Zen source file format and can be imported into the SiYuan plugin, Web App, standalone clients, and other KMind Zen surfaces.