Layout and orientations
Graphmark arranges the map for you. Open the inspector (⌥⌘I) and choose its Layout tab: Arrangement sets which way the map grows, and Children sets how each group of branches is laid out. Both apply to the whole map.
Arrangement: which way the map grows
| Choice | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mind Map | Branches split left and right of the central topic. This is the default. |
| Mind Map, Vertical | Branches split above and below the central topic. |
| Stem Right | The whole map grows to the right. |
| Stem Left | The whole map grows to the left. |
| Stem Down | The whole map grows downwards. |
| Stem Up | The whole map grows upwards. |
A two-sided mind map suits ideas that are facets of one subject. A stem that grows in one direction suits a process, a sequence or an organisation chart.
Children: how branches are laid out
| Choice | What it does |
|---|---|
| Adaptive | Each group of branches is shaped to fit its contents. A long group is spread out until its branches fan at a readable angle. This is the default. |
| Centred | Children are centred on their parent, and every group stays in one column. |
| Indented | Children start level with their parent, like a file tree, and read from top to bottom in the order of the file. |
| Columns | A group of six or more branches with nothing below them is set in columns. |
| Comb | A long group hangs off one spine, alternating from side to side. |
| Chain-fold | A long chain folds back on itself instead of running off the page. |
| Layered | One row per generation, fed from a line above it, as in an organisation chart. |
| Cluster | A long group is gathered into smaller groups, each fanned from its own point. |
| Radial | The whole map on rings, with each branch given space in proportion to what it holds. |
| Ring | A cycle: the main branches go round one circle, sized to fit their titles. |
| Timeline | The main branches follow one line in order, with titles on alternate sides. |
The panel shows a one-line description of the current choice under the menu.
Graphmark stores both choices in the map’s file only when you change them from the defaults.
Settings for one branch
Select a branch and look at the Layout tab:
- Width sets a minimum width for the branch, in points. A branch is never drawn narrower than its text. Automatic lets the text decide.
- Place sets which side of the central topic a main branch grows on: balanced by Graphmark, left or right. Only branches that come directly off the central topic have a side.
- Position says whether the branch is placed by the layout or by hand.
- Folded hides everything below the branch.
Placing a branch by hand
Drag a branch well away from the rest of the map, or hold ⌥ while you drag, and release it where you want it. The branch stays connected to its parent and keeps its place there in the outline; only its position on the canvas changes. Its children follow it.
To hand it back to the layout, select it and click Return to Layout in the Layout tab, or drag it back close to the map.
Folding and focus
- ⌥. folds or unfolds the selected branch. A folded branch shows how many branches it hides.
- ⌥⌘. folds the selected branch’s siblings, ⌃⌥. unfolds one more level, and ⌥: unfolds everything.
- ⇧⌘F turns Focus Mode on and off. It dims everything outside the selected branch so you can work on one part of the map.
Folding is stored in the companion file, never in the Markdown, so other apps always show the whole outline.
Zoom
⌘+ and ⌘- zoom in and out, ⌘0 returns to actual size, ⌘9 fits the whole map in the window and ⇧⌘8 centres the selection. On a trackpad you can also pinch to zoom and pan with three fingers.