Mind maps, layouts and timelines

Choose a layout to make the diagram easier to read. Layout changes placement; it does not discover missing relationships or prove that a process runs in that order. Keep connection labels and object descriptions meaningful.

Grow a mind map

1. Create a diagram from Mind Map. Its central topic takes your diagram name.
2. Select a topic and choose Add subtopic, or press Tab.
3. Type the new topic’s title. Press Enter to create a sibling at the same level.
4. Double-click or press F2 to edit an existing topic. Longer explanations belong in Description.
5. Collapse a branch to keep the central story readable; expand it when discussing the detail.
6. Use Focus map to give the map the whole workspace by hiding surrounding panels. Exit focus restores the panels; the graph itself stays intact.

On a phone, select the topic and use the compact add controls or Diagram actions. Use Edit for its longer fields. Keyboard topic editing applies when a hardware keyboard and canvas focus are available.

Choose and apply a layout

Select the layout direction in the toolbar, then choose Auto layout.

Mind maps default to Balanced branches. Auto layout reserves space for subtopics and keeps manually arranged contents inside spatial groups in balanced mode. It is explicit and undoable. After it finishes you can still drag individual objects. If the diagram changed while calculation was running, apply the layout again to the current graph instead of using an outdated result.

Change the diagram’s mode

With nothing selected, use Diagram mode in Properties. Ordinary modes reuse the same objects, types, parents, positions and relationships. This is useful when you want another presentation of the same information. Switching between 2D and 3D is a separate view change; it does not convert the diagram’s meaning. How 3D works .

Process Simulator has a separate semantic model. Use its dedicated template and Assumptions , rather than expecting ordinary layout changes to create processing behavior.

Put work on a timeline

1. Create Project Timeline, or change an ordinary diagram to timeline mode.
2. Select an object and give it a Start date and End date. Use Due date for a deadline annotation where appropriate.
3. Choose the timeline scale: day, week, month, quarter or year.
4. Drag a timeline object to change its dates and vertical lane.
5. Connect work items and label dependency lines. Dates control horizontal placement; connections remain part of the graph.
6. Fit the timeline and review the range before exporting.

The bundled timeline’s example dates are placed relative to the day you create it. A timeline visualizes the dates you enter; it does not automatically calculate critical paths, move downstream tasks or infer resources. Use Process Simulator when you need capacity, waiting or costs to affect outcomes.

Readable layouts for large diagrams

• Start with an overview, then expand the relevant branch. Semantic overview can summarize thousands of objects.
• Filter or focus a region before discussing detail. Hidden objects stay saved.
• Use meaningful labels and consistent icons instead of relying only on color.
• Keep the native 2D arrangement readable even when you primarily explore in 3D: PNG, PDF and SVG use it.
• Enlarge long code cards before an export; saved size determines what is visible in a rendered card.

Common problems

Continue with editing and drawing , large-diagram exploration or a filmed walkthrough .