Issue tree
Break a problem into a logic tree of MECE sub-issues and drivers — add branches, edit inline, then export SVG, PNG or PDF. Saved on your device.
Open Issue tree →What is an issue tree?
A free tool for breaking a problem into a logic tree of MECE sub-issues and drivers — mutually exclusive (no overlap) and collectively exhaustive (nothing missing). It auto-lays out the branches left to right as you add and edit them, then exports SVG, PNG or PDF. It runs entirely in your browser and saves the tree on your device.
How to use Issue tree
- Set the root problem — Double-click the root box and rename it to the problem you are decomposing.
- Add sub-issues — Hover a box and click the + button to add a child driver. Keep siblings mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive so nothing overlaps or goes missing.
- Edit and prune — Double-click any box to rename it, and select a box then press Delete to remove it and its branch. The tree re-lays out automatically after every change.
- Navigate the diagram — Use the zoom and Fit-to-view controls, or load the worked Example to see a finished tree, then Reset to start your own.
- Export — Download the finished tree as an SVG vector, a PNG image, or a PDF document.
Frequently asked questions
What does MECE mean?
Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive: the sub-issues under a box should not overlap with each other (exclusive) and together should cover every part of the parent problem (exhaustive).
Is my tree saved automatically?
Yes. The tree is stored in your browser on your device, so it is still there when you come back. Nothing is uploaded, and the tool works offline.
How is this different from the 5 Whys tool?
5 Whys follows a single chain of causes downwards to a root cause, while the issue tree branches out left to right to decompose a whole problem into many sub-issues and drivers.
What formats can I export?
You can export the diagram as an SVG vector, a PNG image, or a PDF document.
Do I have to arrange the boxes myself?
No. The tree is laid out automatically — columns by depth and stacked siblings — so branches never overlap and parents stay centred on their children.
Tips
- Download the SVG when you want a crisp diagram that scales to any size for slides or print.
- Phrase each branch as a distinct sub-issue so siblings stay mutually exclusive.
- Load the Example first to see how a well-formed MECE tree is structured.