Editing the canvas
Keyboard editing, the tool dock, links between branches, and the radial menu.
Most of a map can be built from the keyboard. The tool dock along the bottom of the canvas covers what has to be placed by hand.
Keyboard editing
With a node selected, Tab adds a child, Enter adds a sibling, and Shift+Tab moves the node out from under its parent. A node directly under the root cannot be moved out further.
| Key | Does |
|---|---|
F2 | Edits the selected node's or edge's label |
Ctrl+D | Duplicates the selection (Cmd+D on macOS) |
Delete | Removes the selection (Backspace also works) |
Ctrl+0 | Fits the whole map in the view |
Escape | Cancels the current gesture, then the tool |
Dragging a node moves its whole subtree. Dragging a frame moves everything in it.
The tool dock
| Tool | Key | Does |
|---|---|---|
| Select | V | Selects, drags, and resizes |
| Node | N | Places a node and opens it for typing |
| Shape | S | Places the shape chosen in the picker |
| Text | T | Places a loose text label |
| Connect | C | Draws an edge between two nodes |
| Frame | F | Draws a frame around whatever it covers; framed items keep their place when the map is arranged |
| Image | I | Opens a file picker and places the picture in the center of the view |
Every tool except Select returns to Select after one use.
Links between branches
With the connect tool, press on a node, drag to another, and release. F2 labels the new edge. Dragging between two nodes that are already linked removes the link.
The radial menu
Hold Q, move the pointer toward a sector, and release to run it. Releasing over the center cancels. With a node selected the menu offers add child, connect, delete, add sibling, collapse, and edit; with nothing selected it offers add node, shape, arrange, fit, and add text.
All keys on this page can be rebound in Settings under Keyboard.
Related
- First steps covers the basics.
- Node types and styling covers what a node holds and how a map looks.