In this series, we dig into an app we think you should be using, and explain what it is, why it’s great, and how to get started. This time, we’re covering MindNode.
What is MindNode?
An app to help you quickly and efficiently make mind map diagrams. These help you brainstorm, organize thoughts, solve problems, and think in a non-linear fashion. Mind maps tend to center on a key thought or concept and branch off related ideas, showing how they interconnect.
What makes MindNode great?
The app has always been simple to use, making it a cinch to get started. And it’s powerful, with plenty of features that build on and elevate basic mind maps. It’s also touchscreen optimized, letting you quickly create mind maps on an iPhone or iPad.
How can I get started with MindNode?
Download MindNode to your device from the App Store. The free download is feature-limited. A subscription is required to unlock MindNode’s more advanced tools. Our tips are therefore split evenly between the two versions.
Add nodes: Dismiss any ‘pro’ pop-up for now, and tap the ‘+’ button in the top toolbar to start a new mind map. (On iPhone, you’ll also need to select ‘Start Mind Mapping’.) Tap inside a node and type your (ideally brief) thought. Then tap the circled ‘+’ (see pic above) to add a branch – a ‘child node’ – for your first related thought. Add more branches (‘sibling nodes’) at the same level using the leftmost button in the toolbar above the keyboard.
Explore your diagram: On iPhone in particular, remember you can use landscape view, which may help you see more of your mind map. Use a single-finger drag to move the canvas and pinch gestures to zoom. Tap the view menu (next to ‘<’) to access full screen, search, and a browsable outline (or split) view.
Rearrange branches: The free version of the app requires you to rearrange nodes manually. Tap-hold one and then drag it to a new place. Need to move multiple nodes at once? Tap-hold the canvas and drag a selection or tap-hold a spot and then multiple individual nodes you’d like to move.
Detach and attach nodes: Tap a child node to select it and then a second time to bring up its menu. Use ‘Detach’ to separate it from its parent. To attach a node to a new parent, tap-hold, drag it over the new parent node, and let go when ‘Attach’ appears. (You needn’t detach it first, note.)
Share your mind map: To send your mind map to someone, or get it in a format suitable for you to use elsewhere, tap ‘…’ and go to ‘File > Export’. You can then select from MindNode’s native format, PDF, flat images, and a range of text outline options. Be mindful with your choice whether you want the recipient to be able to select text and make edits.
Use the outline view: Tap the View menu and ‘Outline’. As noted earlier, this puts MindNode into outline mode, reformatting your mind map as a simple linear hierarchical list. In the free version, this is read-only. If you subscribe, you can work in this view when you don’t want to be distracted by the visual side of things.
Add styles: The free version of MindNode will choose colors and fonts for you. But when you subscribe, tap the inspector button (top-right, next to ‘…’) and use the styles panel (paintbrush) to adjust node shapes, branch colors, fonts, and more. Alternatively, use the themes (palette button) to select a pre-defined mind map appearance.
Balance your diagram: Back in the styles panel, use ‘Layout’ to explore horizontal, vertical and compact options, each of which will work best for different mind maps. Also, select a node and go to ‘… > Organize’ to explore automatic sorting and balancing options, to rapidly make smarter looking diagrams.
Plus up your mind maps : Subscribers can make more of their mind maps in other ways. Select a node and in the inspector add notes (for added context) and tags (to visually link related but dispersed nodes). In ‘… > Node’, explore adding task checkboxes and links. Or double-tap to edit a node’s text and use the image icon to add stickers and photos – but sparingly, or they may become a distraction.
Get some focus: Finally, as mind maps grow, they can become complex – even overwhelming. Again, subscribers get a tool to help them zero in on a specific section. Tap a node, then the focus button (square with four arrows) and then ‘Enter Focus’. MindNode will zoom in on the relevant section and fade the rest of your diagram.
Visit the MindNode website for more information about the app, and check out its Learn pages for more insight and tips.