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The Basics

Basic terms used in SimpleMind

To get started, let's explain some of the terms we are using in SimpleMind. basic terms child topic relation crosslink
  1. Central theme: This is the start of the mind map. It's the title, the subject, a problem or just a thought. Starting from the central theme, add topics. This creates a hierarchy of topics, with the central theme as the ultimate parent.
  2. Relation: A relation is the line that connects the parent topic to the child topic. It visualizes the hierarchical relation between the two topics.
  3. Cross link: A line that can connect any two topics that are not hierarchically connected.
  4. Tools
    • Collapse or expand Collapse/Expand tool : Collapses or expands a branch.
    • : Click to show the topic toolbar. This toolbar has the command you use most often, for example adding images, copy or paste.
    • Add notes Note tool : Adds a note to the topic.
    • Add topic or crosslink Node-well: Adds new topics or cross links.
    • Warps text Word wrap tool: Adds and removes line breaks.
    • Rotates branches Rotate tool: Rotates the topic's branch.
    • Add sibling tool Sibling tool: This adds a sibling topic, a topic with the same parent as the selected topic.

Note! Not all features are available in the free edition of SimpleMind. See the main differences between Free and Pro on this page.

Add topics

Add topics to build your mind map.

  • Add a child topic with a single tap on the add topic "add topic tool" or use "Tab".
    add topics
  • To add a sibling, use the "add sibling tool" sibling tool or "Enter". This adds a new topic to the selected topic's parent.
  • Add another central theme by double-tapping in empty space when nothing is selected.
  • Insert a topic in between two existing topics by using the "Insert Topic" command from the (drop-down) menu. (Not available for iPhone)

Place topics freely

Add new topics anywhere you want in free form layout.
Select a topic and double tap on an empty space. This adds a new child topic where you double tapped. Alternatively, drag and release the add topic tool  or add sibling tool . SimpleMind adds the topic where you release the tool.

Add central themes

To add a new central theme, click in empty space once so no topic is selected. Next double click where you want to add the new central theme.
Tip, use the brainstorm mode to add central themes only.


Edit topics

Double tap a topic to edit the topic text. Stop editing by tapping outside the text editor or press escape.
SimpleMind for Android: Long press the add sibling tool  to change it to the "Edit Text" tool. Tapping the edit text tool is equivalent to double tapping the topic.

Tip: Read about formatting text (bold, italic and more) or adding line-breaks (enters).


Move topics around

To move one or more topics to a different location, select and drag the topics.
To move an entire branch, long press before dragging. This selects the whole branch.
move topics around

In free form layout, move topics around freely. Place the topics exactly where you want them to be.
In auto layout, you cannot move topics around freely. The topics are placed by the auto layout. Use drag and drop to rearrange the topic order.

Tip! Mac and Windows: Press Shift to select the entire branch without the long press delay.

Reconnect topics

SimpleMind makes it easy to reconnect topics to another parent topic. To do so,

  • Drag the topic and drop it on the new parent topic.
    To keep the relative positions in free form layout, long press before dragging.
  • Or select the relation leading from the topic to its parent topic, and drag and drop the reconnect tool  to the new parent topic.
Reconnect topics

Layout

SimpleMind Pro supports a free-form-layout and 6 auto-layout schemes.
  • The free form layout allows you to organize your ideas exactly how you want it. Manually place topics anywhere you like, in positions that you feel visualizes best the relations with other topics.
  • The auto-layout automatically places and (re)arranges the topics for you. When you add more topics, topics move to make room.

Choose different layout

  • New mind maps:
    Change the layout for all new mind maps via "Preferences" - "General Options". This will not affect existing mind maps.
  • Existing mind maps:
    • Free form layout to auto-layout:
      Select a topic, tap the topic toolbar and layout icon . All child topics will be shown in the auto layout.
    • Auto layout to any other layout:
      Click the topic where the auto layout starts. This topic is marked with a fork like symbol. Usually, this is the central theme. Next tap the topic toolbar and layout icon .

If a branch has an auto layout, changing the layout of any of the child topics is not possible. To combine multiple auto layouts in a single mind map start with a free form layout. Next, apply different layouts to the main topics. Or use multiple central themes.

Layout free-form and horizontal
Layout

Select multiple elements

Select multiple elements to move, or customize, all the selected elements in one go.
You can select either topics, relations, images or labels. Selected elements show a thick border.

Mac and Windows:

Click once to select a single element.Long press an element to select a single branch or use shift+click.To include, or exclude, a single element, use Control+click (Windows) or Command+click (Mac).
To include or exclude an entire branch, use Control/Command+long press.
To use Rectangular lasso selection Control+Drag (Windows) or Command+Drag (Mac) and use Shift+Command/Control+Drag to extend the selection.
Click in empty space (or press Escape) to exit multiple selection.

iPad&iPhone and Android:

Tap once to select a single element.Long press an element to start the multiple selection.
Select multiple elements
When in multiple selection mode, single tap to include or exclude an element. Long press to include or exclude an entire branch.
Rectangular lasso selection: Long press in empty space to start and drag to select.
Tap in empty space to exit multiple selection.

Resize topics, word wrap and line breaks

If you type longer texts, add linebreaks or use the word wrap tool.

Add line breaks when you type.

A linebreak breaks the line you type and starts a new line. An additional line break creates a paragraph.
Windows and Mac: Use Alt+Enter or Ctrl+Enter to insert a line break.
Android and iPad&iPhone: Use Enter.

Word wrap tool

The word wrap tool word_wrap_tool adds line breaks to text. This makes the topic look less wide. Long press the word wrap tool to automatically wrap the topic.
word wrap
The word wrap tool removes existing lines breaks before it adds new line breaks. It maintains paragraphs and lists. Those are recognized based on markdown syntax.

Resize the topic

Add a minimum width and height for a topic to change the topic size, regardless of topic text. You can select this via Element style. If you want to use this more often, you may want to add the "Resize Tool" to your topic tools via Preferences - General - Topic Tools. Simply drag the tool to resize the topic.
resize topic tool


Delete topics and elements

To delete topics and elements, select it. Next:
Mac and Windows: use the Delete button.
iPad&iPhone and Android: use delete delete from the (overflow) menu. Or use the topic toolbar and cut Cut.

Note!
Deleting a topic deletes the whole branch. Mac and Windows: Delete a single topic via the the main menu - "edit" - "delete" - "delete single topic".
Deleting a cross-link or relation does not delete topics.


Advanced features

Crosslink

A crosslink connects two unconnected topics.

cross-link

To add a crosslink, first select a topic.

  • Drag the node-well  and drop it on the topic you want to connect to.
  • Or use the topic toolbar and select Crosslink to add a crosslink between topics that are located a further distance away from each other.

Crosslinks look different from hierarchical relations (see A). Sometimes they look like "normal" hierarchical relations (see B). That way you can use crosslinks to merge paths and/or make a summary.

crosslink merge

Manually toggle the crosslink style via "Toggle crosslink style" toggle cross-link in the relation toolbar .
The crosslink's path can be adjusted as shown in the image above (A).


Images

A picture is worth a thousand words, so make your mind map even more visual by adding images. Studies show that adding images even helps you remember the information better.

To add an image drag and drop it onto the topic (not on Android) or tap on the topic toolbar and the image icon add image.
After the image has been added, use the resize tool hold and drag to resize to make the image bigger or smaller. Read more…

Add images to mind maps

Icons

Add icons to topics via the topic toolbar. An icon is small image shown inside the topic. A topic has one icon at most.
Icon in a topic

Add an icon to a topic

  • Mac and Windows: First show the icon inspector, to do so click on Add icon in the top right corner or use the main menu. Click a topic and the click on the icon you want to add.
  • iPad & iPhone and Android: Select the topic and tap on the toolbar icon and the icon button Add icons. Tap on any icon to add it to the selected topic.

Read more..

Notes

Use Notes to add text to a topic, without cluttering the mind map.
To add a note, tap on the note tool Add notes or on Desktop show the notes in the inspector via the "notes" icon.

Once you have added note, the topic will show a small yellow note marker in the top right corner of the topic.

Tips

  • Format text in notes.
  • Make a notes report to share/export all notes.
  • Mac and Windows: Change the font size for Notes.
    Mac: Right-click anywhere in notes - "Font size".
    Windows: In Notes click "Options" - "Font size".

Labels and call-outs

Labels and call-outs are floating text elements. They are not part of the mind map's hierarchical structure. This means a label, unlike a topic, does not have a parent topic or child topics.
Use a label to label relations or to add comments.
Add labels and call-outs
To add a label to a topic or relation, select it so you can click it's toolbar and select  the label icon. A topic may have an unlimited amount of labels.

  • A label is a floating element, move it to any position you like.
  • Labels are anchored to a topic or relation. Move the topic and the labels move along with it. If you do not want the labels to move when you move a topic, add the labels to the central theme.
  • Drag and drop a label on another topic to anchor the label to the other topic. Is it not possible to drop a label on a relation.
  • Change a Label to a Call-out via the style panel Element style. Mobile devices: If you don't see the icon use the overflow menu - Style..

Navigation link (to a file, topic, contact or the web)

A navigation link is a link to a mind map, a web page, a contact or a file. A topic may only have one navigation link.

To add or remove a link, tap on the topic toolbar  and select link . After you have added the link, the topic will show a navigation icon. Tap on this navigation icon to open the link.


Read more..

Checkboxes and progress bars

Add checkboxes, progress bars or roll-up progress bars to topics. To add this, select  from the topic toolbar

You can check or uncheck a checkbox. A progress bar is different, this sets progress gradually (0 to 100 percent).
The roll-up progress automatically calculates the total progress of the branch.

Checkboxes and progress bars

Tip! On Mac, iPad&iPhone you can export all checkboxes en progress bars to the Reminder app. Read more...


Add dates

Add dates to topics via topic toolbar and select the date icon.

  • Select "set date" to add a date to the topic.
  • Select "add event to Calendar" (Not on Windows) to add a new event in your calendar. The selected date will be added to the topic.
  • "Clear date" removes the date.
topic with date

Tip! You can export all dates in a mind map to a calendar. Read more..


Group borders

Group borders

A group border visually groups topics by drawing a line around those topics. To display a group border, use the topic toolbar  and select the group border icon . Next select group border or branch border.

Group border

  • Around any group of topics.
  • Customize colors and shape easily.
  • Click the group border to select it and;
    • to delete it
    • or use the toolbar to customize.
    • or add or remove topics with the node wellicon.
Group border

Branch border

  • Always around the whole branch.
  • The branch border’s colors are auto-derived from the topic’s fill color and the mind map’s background color.
  • Delete by selecting the same topic, use the topic toolbar and select show branch border again.
branch border  

Collapse/Expand and Hide/Show topics

Collapase and expand topics

Collapse topics to keep oversight in large maps. When a topic is collapsed, the whole branch is hidden. Expand is the reverse of collapse. Tap the collapse tool Collapse/expand to either collapse or expand its child topics.
Collapse/Expand and Hide/Show topics
Long press the tool for additional options like collapse children, full expand, etc.

Hide and show topics

Rather than collapsing a topic, use the hide/show tool to hide and show (child-)topics one by one. To hide, select the relation (line) and tap Hide. To show, tap the show tool Show.
Long press the tool for more options options

Display hide tool

Unlike the collapse/expand tool, the hide/show tool is not shown when you select a topic. You can change this in "Preferences" - "General Options".

Learn more in this video:


Video recordings (iPad&iPhone and Android)

SimpleMind for iPad&iPhone and SimpleMind for Android support adding one or more video recordings to a topic.

To add a video recording, select the topic you want to add the video to. Use the topic toolbar , the image icon and tap “Add image” and “Record Movie”.
Once done, SimpleMind adds an image with a thumbnail of the video in the mind map. Double tap the thumbnail to play back the video.

Adding video recordings on Android is possible only when using a built-in cloud.


Voice memo (iPad&iPhone and Android)

Add a voice memo to a topic to record and play back audio.

To add a voice memo, select a topic. Use the topic toolbar and tap the voice memo icon voice memo.
After recording, SimpleMind shows a voice memo icon in the topic. Tap this icon to play back the voice memo.

Note!An Android adding voice memo’s is possible in built-in clouds only.

SimpleMind for Mac and Windows can play those back voice memos.


Style

Learn about styles (read this first)

How a mind map looks is controlled by styles. The styles control everything, such as colors, topics, lines, font size, and more. Pick a style sheet to set the default style for the mind map. Customize the details by changing the style of one or more of the elements.

Style Sheet:
Top level. The style sheet controls most of what you see in the mind map. When no other style settings are applied, the Style Sheet defines the appearance of the mind map.
Select any of the default style sheets, or create your own custom style sheet.

Mind Map Style:
Use the mind map style to redefine aspects of the selected style sheet, for that mind map only.
For example, to change the background color for one mind map. Or the color of the relations.

Element Style:
Use the element style to redefine the appearance for a single element. For example, to make one crosslink red.

Additionally, set Preferences that operate on a global level for all mind maps.

Tip: The layout of a mind map, how topics are organized, is set via layouts.


Style sheets

A style sheet contains a complete definition for a mind map’s appearance. It defines a color scheme and sub-styles for topics and relations. SimpleMind has a set of good looking built-in style sheets to quickly change the look of your mind map. When you switch to Dark Mode the built-in style sheets will also switch to Dark Mode.
Stylesheets change style

Download more stylesheets here or create custom style sheets.

To select a style sheet:
Mac and Windows: Click the style sheet icon Palette in the toolbar.
iPad/iPhone and Android: Tap on the style sheet icon Palette or select “Style Sheet” from the overflow menu.

 

Create custom style sheets

Create your own custom style sheet to suit your needs perfectly. Change colors, line styles,  topics, crosslinks and more. Create a custom style sheet by first selecting one that resembles it.

Mac and Windows: Use Palette in the style toolbar or use the inspector (right side of the screen). Click the "Edit select style sheet" button. Customize and click "save" or "save as".
iPad/iPhone: Tap Palette from the toolbar or tap “Style Sheet”. Tap "Edit". Select a style sheet. Tap the "edit style" icon at the bottom. Name the style sheet, customize and tap "Save".
Android: Tap the style sheet tool Palette from the toolbar or “Select Style Sheet” from the overflow menu. Tap action bar next to the style sheet and tap [+]. Name the style sheet, customize and tap "OK".


Mind Map Style

You can use the Mind Map Style to customize how this mind map looks. It overrides the style sheet and affects all the elements in the opened mind map. Additionally, it controls mind map specific attributes such as:
  • Auto numbering
  • Background color
  • Custom checkbox color
    Checkboxes and links are tinted according to the topic colors. Selecting a custom color changes this for all checkboxes and tinted links. Defining (near) white as custom checkbox color results in plain black and white checkboxes and links.
  • Connections The way hierarchical relations connect to topics (centered, baseline or left-right).
To open the mind map style, select from the menu (Style) “Mind Map Style”. Or open the style panel Style Tap once in blank space in your mind map to display the mind map style. Click "Mind Map Style" to open additional settings.

Element style and style presets

Fine-tune your mind map with Element Style. An element can be a topic, label, relation, crosslink or groupborder. Customize one or more elements, use style presets or use copy/paste style.
Customised topic

When the mind map has a branch based style sheet, changing a topic’s color affects the whole branch. Should you do not want this, use a level based style sheet instead.

Open the style panel with the style icon Element style to easily customize elements to your liking.
Mobile devices: If you don't see the icon use the overflow menu - Style.

Style presets

Rather than selecting the same custom combinations over and over again, use presets. A presets can apply multiple customizations in one click.
  • Use a style preset: In the style panel select "use style preset" Use style Preset. Select one of the style presets.
  • Create a custom style preset: Use the style panel to customize the element(s) exactly how you want. Once done, select the "add style preset" Add style Preset.
    SimpleMind will only save your custom choices as a preset. If you customize only the topic border shape for example, that alone will be saved in the preset. As a result, you can easily apply the preset to any topic, without changing f.e. the color or font size.

Copy or paste Style

Instead of making new presets, you could use copy style Copy styleand paste style Paste style.

 

Level based or branch based

If you are customising your mind map check if the stylesheet is branch based or level based. A level based style applies colors per level like so:
Level based Stylesheet
A branch based style applies colors per branch like so:
Branch based stylesheet
If you change a topic’s color in a branch based style, this affects the whole branch. So if you make one topic red, all child topics will be as well.


Format text

Format (parts of) text in topics, label and notes using rich text. For example, make one word italic or bold.
Format text
Important! SimpleMind for Windows can only show rich text in notes.

Windows: To format text in Notes use the toolbar in Notes. Change whole topics and whole labels via the style toolbar.
Mac: Select the text and via the menu use Style – Font.
iPad: Select the text. Use the toolbar of your keyboard. “A” toggles toolbar between typography and tools.
iPhone: Select the text and use the context menu.
Android: Select the text and use the (overflow) menu.. Not all Android devices support this.

Note, use the word wrap tool to add line breaks.


Relation path

A relation is the line between two topics. The relation path style can be
  • curved
  • straight
  • rounded
  • or angled.
The path style is defined in the style sheet. You can change this with a custom style sheet, via Mind Map Style or per relation. Read more about that here. In free form layout drag a relation line to manually adjust the path. Use the relation toolbar to clear  the manually adjusted path. In an auto layout it's possible only to drag crosslink lines. Collapse/Expand and Hide/Show topics Note for smaller mobile devices: First enable “Draggable relation lines” in Preferences.

General

Outline view

The outline view can display the mind map as a hierarchical list, checklist, to do list, done list or date list.
Mac and Windows: Click the outline icon Outline icon in the inspector (right side of the screen).  Or via the main menu – “View” – “Outline”
iPad/iPhone and Android: Select “Outline” from the menu.

In the hierarchical view you can drag and drop to reorder topics. If the mind map has an auto layout, the topics in the mind map will be moved as well. In free form layout this will only change the topic order.
Or use of the buttons next to hierarchical view to show
  • Check list
    The check list displays only topics with checked and unchecked checkboxes. Click to check or uncheck.
  • To Do list
    This displays topics with unchecked checkboxes only.
  • Done list
    Displays only topics with checked checkboxes.
  • Date list
    Displays only topics that have a date, sorted by date.

Brainstorm

The brainstorm bar is designed to quickly get your ideas on the canvas. It frees you from having to think about where each idea belongs within your mind map, and enables you to focus more completely on idea generation.
Once done, order your ideas by using drag and drop.

Mac en Windows: Click the brainstorm button brainstorm from the toolbar.
iPad&iPhone and Android: Select “Brainstorm” from the menu.


Templates

When you create a new mind map, you can select a template or start with a blank mind map. SimpleMind Pro has multiple predefined templates and you can add your own templates or download more here.
Template
To do so:

  • Mac: Main Menu → File → Add to Templates.
  • Windows: Main Menu → File → Share → Add to Templates.
  • iPad&iPhone: Select the share icon from the toolbar → Add to Templates.
  • Android: Select share from the toolbar or select "Share Mind Map" from the overflow menu→ "Add to Templates".

Slideshow

Easily create and play a slideshow presentation with SimpleMind. To start, open the slideshow view.
Mac and Windows: Use the inspector or the main menu – “View” – “Slideshow”.
iPad and Android tablets: select “Slideshow” from the menu.
This feature is not available for phones.

Create a default Slide Show in one tap

Tap on the "Add default slides" button so SimpleMind will create a slide for each branch.

Create a custom slideshow

Select one or more topics and tap "Add Slide".
The new slide will be added after the last selected slide. Reorder the slides by using drag and drop.
See more in this video  

Play or export

Start the presentation by clicking "Start Slide Show", or use "Export Slides" to export all slides as .png images. When using "Export Sildes" SimpleMind will create a .zip with all the .png images for your convenience.

Tips!

  • Have you changed your mind map? For example, you've made a topic red? No need to start over. Simply select the slide and tap on the "retake slide" button.
  • Long press "Add slides" or "Delete" for more options.
  • Select a parent topic and Use "Show Childeren sequentially". This will add new slides, starting with the parent, next the parent and topic 1, next parent and topic 1 and 2 etc.
    create slide show - show topics sequentially
  • Add the .png images as slides into a presentation app.

Autofocus

Autofocus is designed to help you focus on your ideas. It removes all the distractions while mind mapping by focussing only on the topics you are working on. You can apply it to:

  • selected topic(s) only
  • the selected topic(s) and the children (see image below)
  • the selected branch
  • lock autofocus on the selected branch. This helps you focus on one branch only, without any distractions.
  • Optionally check “include cross-linked topics”
autofocus focus

Mac: Click the autofocus button on the toolbar, or use the main menu “Zoom” → “Auto Focus”.
Windows: Select “Autofocus” from the status bar (bottom of the screen), or use the main menu “Zoom” → “Auto Focus”.
iPad/iPhone and Android: Select “Autofocus” from the menu.


Search mind maps

SimpleMind can search for mind maps, or search inside a mind map.

Search in an opened mind map

Use this to find topics or labels with a specific text. All other topics/labels will be faded, so the search results stand out. The search also applies to the outliner.

Search inside a mind map

Mac: Command+F and enter text.
Windows: Control+F and enter text.
iPad/iPhone/Android: Select “search” from the (overflow) menu and enter text.
Tip: Use the arrows in the search window to move from the first found topic/label to the next and so forth.

Advanced Search in an opened mind map - (Mac, Windows, iPad&iPhone)

The advanced search can also filter topics by (un)checked state, a specific icon, before a date or after a date. Filters can be combined.
Long press the search tool and check “advanced search”.
Search advanced

Search for mind maps

Mac and Windows: Use the main menu - File - Search in directories. SimpleMind shows a list with the found mind maps.
The first time you use this, select the directories you want SimpleMind to search in, for example "documents" and "Dropbox".
iPad/iPhone/Android:First select the storage, for example, Local or Dropbox. Type the text in the search bar in the toolbar. SimpleMind shows a list with the found mind maps.
Long press the search icon to select “Search Titles” or “Full Text Search”.
If mind maps are stored in iCloud, use the Files app to search for mind maps.


Snap options

Snap options may assist you in aligning topics when using a free form layout. SimpleMind supports:

  • Snap to grid When snap to grid is enabled, the topic aligns or “snaps to” the grid position, even though the grid itself is not visible. This is useful for accurate placement of topics.
  • Snap to guidelines Guidelines help align topics. When enabled, SimpleMind displays guidelines when a topic aligns with other topics. The guidelines are only displayed when you move a single topic around. See the video below.
    The combination of “center horizontal” and “center vertical” guidelines is usually the best choice to keep topics aligned. Topics always keep the same center, even when you edit the topic text or change the font(size).
    Another useful combination is to horizontal align left and right sides combined with center vertical. However, should you change the topic text (or font size), you'll need to re-align the left or right edges.

Select “Snap Options” in Preferences to change the options.


Dark mode

SimpleMind can show mind maps in Dark Mode. The built-in style sheets support dark mode, meaning if you switch to dark mode the style sheet will as well.
For example, this is a mind map in Light Mode:
Dark mode - Mind Map in Light Mode
And this is the same mind map in Dark Mode:
Dark mode - Mind Map in Dark Mode

Mac and iPad&iPhone: When your Mac is in Dark Mode, SimpleMind will be as well. You can change this via the main menu "SimpleMind"-"Preferences" or turn this off/on for stylesheets only by clicking the options wheel in Stylesheets.

Windows: Change to dark mode via the main menu "SimpleMind"-"Preferences". Or change the stylesheets only in Stylesheets, next click the options wheel and select Dark Mode.

Android: When Android is in Dark Mode, SimpleMind will be as well. You can turn this off/on for stylesheets via the options wheel above the stylesheets.


Read only

SimpleMind can show your mind map as "Read only" to prevent unwanted edits.

On iPad and Android tablets use the blue arrow in bottom right corner to easily switch to full screen. Long press for options to select "Read Only".
On Mac and Windows use the main menu to select "View" - "Full Screen Read Only".


Preferences

Change settings that apply to all mind maps in Preferences. For example, fonts, snap options, general options and image options.

To open the preferences:
Mac or Windows: Select from the main menu “SimpleMind” → “Preferences”.
iPad/iPhone and Android: Select “Preferences” from the drop down/ overflow menu.

Fonts

Using the default fonts assures mind maps will look identical across platforms and devices. Should you adjust the default global fonts on one device, please remember to select the same fonts on your other devices.

Tip! Rather than increasing the font size, change the editor scale factor. This will make the font look bigger (or smaller).
Adjusting the editor scale factor, rather than adjusting font sizes, assures your mind maps will still look identical across all devices.


Toolbars

Topic Toolbar

Select a topic and tap the toolbar icon  to bring up the topic toolbar.
topic with topic toolbar The topic toolbar is optimised for each platform and differs slightly per platform.

copy Copy - copies the selected topic and branch to the clipboard.
iPad&iPhone and Android: "Copy as outline text" copies the complete mind map as text. Copy branch as outline will copy that branch only.
Cut Delete Cut or delete - cuts the selected topic and branch to the clipboard.
Paste - the pasted topics are added as a child to the selected topic.
iPad&iPhone and Android: Shows options "Paste as Central Theme" and "Paste text as list".
Element style Open the style panel.
Add icon Add an icon.
Add image or video Add an image. On Android and iPad/iPhone you can also record a video.
Add a label or a call-out.
Add a navigation link.
voice_memo_24 Record a voice memo. SimpleMind for iPad/iPhone and Android only.
Select checkboxes or progress bars.
Set date Set date.
Display a group border or branch border.
Change the layout.
Crosslink Add a cross-link.

Relation toolbar

Select a relation and click the toolbar icon to bring up the relation toolbar. The relation toolbar contains these commands:(not all commands are available on all platforms)
Delete the relation. (iPad,iPhone and Android)
Element style Open the style panel.
relation toolbar - clear Clear the manually adjusted path.
Toggles between "style as crosslink" or "style as relation".
Add a label.

Image toolbar

Select an image and click the toolbar icon to bring up the image toolbar. The toolbar contains these commands: (not all commands are available on all platforms)
image toolbar - send to back Send to back - rearranges the image behind other images in the same containing topic.
image toolbar - bring to front Bring to front - rearranges the image before other images in the same containing topic.
Copy Copy - copies the selected image to the clipboard. Use "paste" from the topic toolbar to paste the image into another topic.
Edit Image Link - change the image link that is opened when double-tapping the thumbnail.
Add image or video Change Image - select a different image or photo.
Rotate - rotate the image. Use the two-finger rotate gesture (iPad/iPhone only).
 

Note, next to the topic toolbar is the "lock image" icon. This will lock the image in a fixed place.


Purchase

How does licensing work?

We like to keep it simple. You need one license per platform and you pay only for what you need.
SimpleMind is available on four platforms:

  • Mac
  • Windows
  • iPad & iPhone
  • Android

For example, you want to use SimpleMind on Android and Windows. Only buy a license "SimpleMind for Android" and a license "SimpleMind for Windows".

SimpleMind 2 is a one-time purchase per platform, there are no subscriptions or monthly fees. All updates in SimpleMind 2 are free and included.
Click here for links to the stores


Where can I buy SimpleMind?

SimpleMind for Mac and/or Windows is sold by MyCommerce.
SimpleMind for iPad/iPhone is sold via Apple’s App Store only.
SimpleMind for Android is sold via Google Play only.
Click here for the links to the stores

Please note: When you purchase SimpleMind in Apple's App Store or the Google Play Store, their terms and (refund) conditions apply.


Available languages

SimpleMind is available in these following languages:
  • English
  • Arabic (not on Windows)
  • Dutch
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Simplified Chinese (not on Android)
  • Thai (not on Windows)
  • Traditional Chinese (not on Android)

The language is set by the system settings of your device.
In SimpleMind for Windows set and change the language using the main menu - SimpleMind - Preferences - General options.

Note! Support is available in English only.


What kind of Mind Maps can I make with SimpleMind Pro?

Mind Maps are used in wildly different ways. The examples below show a small selection. Click to see the full size image.

 
example mind map dog Example Mind Map Topdown layout Example Mind Map Paris
Example Mind Map TimeLine Example Mind Map Chart Example Mind Map SWOT
Example Mind Map Cats Example Mind Map Planner example mind map list
 

Learn more about how to mind map or how to make a flowchart here.
Click here for the links to the stores


Differences between the free and the Pro edition

Compare the features between the free edition and Pro edition with this list. Using in-app purchase will unlock all Pro features and this will make the app identical to SimpleMind Pro.

Features after in-app purchase (Mac and iPad&iPhone)

You can use in-app purchase to unlock all Pro features. Although the name will not change, at that point you will have the exact same features as SimpleMind Pro.
In-app purchase is possible in SimpleMind for iPad&iPhone and SimpleMind for Mac (AppStore edition).


Difference SimpleApps and AppStore edition (Mac)

SimpleMind Pro for Mac is available in two editions:
  1. the SimpleApps edition, sold via our website
  2. the AppStore edition, sold by Apple’s App Store
The main features are the same. However, the AppStore edition is sandboxed. This a security measure from Apple and limits what the SimpleMind AppStore edition is able to do.
When working with different devices this limits the ability to open linked documents, mind maps and images. Therefor, we recommend the SimpleApps edition.

Can I get a discount?

We like to keep it simple. SimpleMind is a one-time purchase per platform. There are no monthly or yearly subscription fees. SimpleMind is sold at the sharpest price possible per platform. Always.
Therefor we do not offer discounts, such as student or reseller discounts.

SimpleMind for Mac and SimpleMind for Windows are both sold in the same store. Because of that, we can offer combination packs. Those prices are visible here . Unfortunately, we are unable to upgrade an existing license at a later time.


Reinstall

(Re)install SimpleMind

To install or reinstall SimpleMind follow these steps.
Please note, you need a license per platform.

Mac - AppStore edition

If you purchased in the AppStore, download again in the AppStore.
  • If you purchased SimpleMind Pro, install SimpleMind Pro.
  • If you used in-app purchase in SimpleMind, install SimpleMind. Apple will recognize your purchase and unlock all Pro features.

Windows and/or Mac

Use the original download and activation e-mail to (re)install SimpleMind. Should you not have this you can download a copy from the MyCommerce Self Service portal.

Or contact us for support and include
- the original e-mail address and order number.
- or a screenshot of SimpleMind - About (via the main menu - SimpleMind – About).

iPad&iPhone

If you purchased SimpleMind Pro, install SimpleMind Pro. If you used in-app purchase in SimpleMind, install SimpleMind. Apple will recognize your purchase and unlock all Pro features. See also Apple Support.

Android

Download again in the Google Play Store.

Trouble installing or asked to pay again? Please click here.


Keep working with mind maps made in SimpleMind Free or Trial

After purchase you can continue working with the mind maps you made using the 30-day trial or the free edition.

Mac and iPad&iPhone:If you used the free edition and purchased SimpleMind Pro as a separate app, transfer the mind maps to the new edition. See how.

Android: When you first run SimpleMind Pro you will be asked if you want to transfer the mind maps. Should you decline, you can still transfer manually.


Files and clouds

Save and sync mind maps

Mind maps are saved on your device or a cloud of choice, such as Dropbox or iCloud Drive. You can make as many mind maps as you want. The free editions can save mind maps on your device only.

Mac or Windows
Each time you create a new document, you name it and choose where to save it — for example on your desktop or in a folder. If you choose to save the mind map in a cloud folder, such as Dropbox or iCloud Drive, the cloud app syncs the changes with the cloud.
Make sure to install the cloud app from the cloud's website first, unless you use iCloud Drive.
Mac: When using iCloud Drive and SimpleMind Pro for iPhone&iPad, save mind maps in the SimpleMind folder created by SimpleMind for iPad&iPhone (the folder with the SimpleMind icon).

iPad&iPhone
When you first start SimpleMind Pro or used in-app purchase, SimpleMind will ask if you want to use iCloud Drive. If you do, this will create a SimpleMind folder in iCloud Drive where mind maps will be saved.

If you decline using iCloud Drive the mind maps will be saved on this device only (Local). If something happens to your device, you will no longer be able to access your mind maps.
Alternatively, select one of the built-in clouds to sync your mind maps with a cloud such as Dropbox or Google Drive. See how to connect to a cloud.

Android
SimpleMind for Android can save mind maps on your device (Local) or in a built-in cloud: Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive. Mind maps saved in a cloud will be synced with that cloud.
See how to connect to a cloud.


Open mind maps on all your devices

With SimpleMind Pro you can open mind maps on all your devices. For example, start your mind map on your phone or tablet and continue working on your desktop. The mind map looks the same on all devices. To sync your mind maps SimpleMind uses clouds. This is demonstrated in the video below.
Read more about storing mind maps in a cloud.

Note! You need a license per platform.


Share, export and import

Share (export) in different formats

SimpleMind Pro can share (export) mind maps in different formats.
Read more..

Share mind maps with SimpleMind users

Share in .smmx format:
Share in original .smmx format via e-mail or another app. The other person can open the .smmx mind map with SimpleMind Pro. It does not matter if that is SimpleMind Pro for Mac, Windows, Android or iPad&iPhone.

Use a shared cloud folder: To avoid sending mind maps back and forth use a shared cloud folder.
Note! SimpleMind does not support real time editing, only one person should edit the mind map at the same time to avoid copies.

  • If you haven't already, store your Mind Map in a cloud.
  • Share a folder via the cloud's website. The person(s) you shared the mind map with may need to accept your invite.
  • Store mind maps you want to share in that shared folder so everyone can open and edit those mind maps.
  • Google Drive works in a different way, it shows folders that are shared with you in "Shared with you". Google Drive does not display this folder in the Google Drive app for Desktops, so you cannot use this on Desktop.

Share with non-SimpleMind users

Sharing your mind map with non-SimpleMind users?

If they have a Mac or Windows computer, share your mind map in original .smmx format and include a link to the free SimpleMind Viewer. Your colleague, teacher or friend can open the mind map and use features such as collapse branches, see the mind map as an outline, show notes and more.

Share your mind map as a .pdf. Any device can open a .pdf and they will see the mind map as a static image. If you have notes, make sure to export a Notes report as well.


Share to calendar

Share all dates in a mind map to a calendar app. Each topic with a date will be a new event, the topic text will be the title.

Windows

Use the Main Menu → File → Export to Calendar.
This creates a .ics file that includes all topics with a date. This file can be imported in most calendar apps.

Mac, iPad & iPhone

Select the share icon from the toolbar → "Open in.." → "Calendar" or on Mac use Use the Main Menu → File → Calendar.
  • "Export to Reminders" exports the mind map as a new list in the Reminders app. Each topics with a checkbox is added as a list item.
  • "Export to Calendar" exports the mind maps as a new calendar in the Calendar app. Each topic with a date is added as new event.
  • "Export to .ics" creates a .ics file that includes all topics with a date. This file can be imported in most calendar apps.

Android

Select share from the toolbar or select "Share Mind Map" from the overflow menu. → "Calendar"
  • "Export to Calendar" prompts Android open a calendar app so each topic with a date can be imported into your calendar.
  • "Export to .ics" creates a .ics file that includes all topics with a date. This file can be imported in most calendar apps.

What files can SimpleMind Pro import

SimpleMind Pro is able to import text files, .mm, .opml, and can import the table of contents of a .pdf as bookmarks.
To import use the main menu "File" - "Open". On iPad&iPhone long press the file and select "Open in SimpleMind".
On Android click the file and use the "import" button. Or if you use a cloud, tap the menu to open the cloud tab and locate the file. Use “Import” from the action bar.

  • FreeMind (.mm) and .opml files.
    SimpleMind imports the basic structure of an .mm or .opml file. SimpleMind extracts text, notes and hierarchy from and ignores all other attributes such as links and icons. It is intended to be used as a one-time import.
  • The table of contents of a .pdf as bookmarks (not available on Android or iPhone).
    This creates a new topic for each bookmark with a link back to that page in the .pdf. This requires an official Table of Contents in the .pdf.
    See video for Mac and Windows and iPad.
  • Text files (.txt)
    This is an easy way to convert your text files into mind maps. Each new line in the text file creates a new topic. If a line starts with a tab, this creates a child topic.

    Tip: Use paste text as list to quickly copy text and paste this as mind map topics, see image below. Use the main menu - Edit - Paste - Paste Text as list. On iPad&iPhone and Android, use the topic toolbar - paste to select "paste text as list".

Import

Problem solving

I cannot edit or move topics

When topics jump back after you moved them, you’re using an auto layout. Click here to learn more about this and how to change this to a free form layout.

iPad&iPhone and Android

If editing is not possible, for example moving a topic, most likely you’ve zoomed out too much. Zooming out beyond a certain level will switch the mind map to read-only, this prevents unwanted changes.
Zoom in to bring back the normal functionality.

If you prefer to work zoomed out, you can adjust the editor scale in Preferences.


Keep working with mind maps made in SimpleMind Free or Trial

After purchase you can continue working with the mind maps you made using the 30-day trial or the free edition.

Mac and iPad&iPhone:If you used the free edition and purchased SimpleMind Pro as a separate app, transfer the mind maps to the new edition. See how.

Android: When you first run SimpleMind Pro you will be asked if you want to transfer the mind maps. Should you decline, you can still transfer manually.


The .pdf export displays strange characters

In SimpleMind for Windows, when exporting a mind map as .pdf, some text may be displayed as strange characters instead of normal text. For example like so:

  This problem can be solved easily by selecting the default font. Please select the tab "Fonts", via the main menu, "SimpleMind" - "Preferences". Change all fonts back to the default font. Or select for all fonts:
  • Simplified Chinese: Microsoft Yahei
  • Traditional Chinese: Microsoft JhengHei
  • Japanese: Meiryo
  • Korean: Batang
Other fonts may work as well.

Keyboard shortcuts and touchscreen

The (external) keyboard shortcuts that SimpleMind supports differ slightly per platform.
  • Mac: Use the main menu to explore all keyboard shortcuts. Assign shortcuts via your Mac’s System Preferences.
  • Windows:See, or change, the list of commands via the main menu use "SimpleMind Pro"- "Preferences" - “Keyboard shortcuts”.
    Using a touch screen? Press-and-tap opens the context menu (right click). Two-finger-tap selects the entire branch selection. Learn more about Microsoft Touch Gestures.
  • iPad & iPhone: Long press the command key on your iPad to see all shortcuts in SimpleMind.
    Note! When you are typing topic text and want to add a new topic, first use Command+Enter to stop editing. Next use Tab to add a Child Topic or Enter to add a Sibling Topic.
  • Android: See this list.

Problems installing SimpleMind

SimpleMind for Mac (SimpleApps edition) and SimpleMind for Windows
  • SimpleMind won’t start, I see a window "Activating SimpleMind Pro".
    This means you still need to activate SimpleMind. Check this video.
  • I purchased SimpleMind Pro, but still see “30-day Trial has expired”.
    The SimpleMind Trial and SimpleMind Pro are two different applications.  Uninstall the trial, or on Mac, delete the SimpleMind trial.app. This will not delete your mind maps.
  • I am unable to download/the download file is corrupt.
    If you get an error message stating that the downloaded setup file is corrupt, this is either because the download was incomplete, or a virus scanner has blocked the download. You need to temporarily disable the virus scanner and re-download the setup.
SimpleMind for Mac (AppStore edition), iPad&iPhone or Android. 
Download and (re-)install is not handled by SimpleApps, but by the store where you purchased SimpleMind. the store has access to your customer records and payment details. If you have any problems (for example you're asked to pay again for the same platform), please contact the store and/or follow the steps in their help.
  •  Apple Support
  • Google Play Support

Can you restore my mind map?

Mind maps are not stored on our servers, nor do we have access to your mind maps or data. Therefore we cannot restore your mind maps.

If you stored the mind map on a cloud, you may be able to restore a previous version of your mind map via the cloud's website. Some clouds, like Dropbox, can even restore a deleted file.


Delete, rename or move mind maps (iPad/iPhone)

To delete, rename or move mind maps, tap "Edit" in the mind map explorer. Select a mind map and tap the command at the bottom of the mind map list.

Or navigate to the mind map.Left swipe a little bit and tap "More" to rename, move or duplicate.

Tap "Delete" or left swipe completely to delete the mind map.
Mind Maps in Files cannot be renamed via SimpleMind, only via Apple's Files app.

Tip! To copy an existing (local) mind map to "Files" use "Share" - "Open in.." and select Files. If the file is already stored on a cloud, you can also use the Files app itself to move mind maps.


I see only “No Mind Map selected” (Android)

This can happen when SimpleMind was not installed via the Google Play Store. For example, you used another app/store to install SimpleMind.

The only way to fix this is to install SimpleMind directly in the Google Play Store. First make a back-up of your local mind maps (if you have any). Remove the app and install again from the Google Play Store.

Note! If you use SimpleMind Lite, it is not possible to make a back-up. Deleting SimpleMind will also delete your mind maps.


How can I add a language to the spellchecker?

The SimpleMind for Windows spellchecker uses US-English. You can install dictionaries in some other languages.


Read more..

Crash when using Japanese language (Windows)

There have been several cases where using the key to switch IME (Kanji key) causes problems, including crash of Windows own Metro app.

Our Japanese customers tried the steps in this article (external link, not associated with us) and that fixed the problem. Should you prefer to google, we recommend using the search term "Windows crash IME switch”.

We hope this helps you as well.

---

IME(漢字キー)を切り替えるキーを使用すると、Windows 独自の Metro アプリがクラッシュするなどの問題が発生するケースがいくつかあります。

日本のお客様は、この記事の手順を試しました (外部リンク、当社とは関係ありません)。 そしてそれは問題を解決しました。 Google で検索する場合は、「Windows クラッシュ IME スイッチ」という検索語を使用することをお勧めします。

これがお役に立てば幸いです。


Security and privacy

Do I need an account to use SimpleMind?

You do not need an account to use SimpleMind. Mind maps are not stored on our servers, there is no need to log in.

Does SimpleMind offer password protection?

No, this is not supported.

What data do you collect or share?

We never share or sell your data. You’re our customer, not our product.

What data do we collect:

  • SimpleMind for Mac (App Store), SimpleMind for iPhone&iPad and SimpleMind forAndroid:
    The Play Store and the AppStore sell SimpleMind. We do not collect or have access to your personal data.
    We do not have access to your mind maps or any related data (voice memos, images etc.).
  • SimpleMind for Mac (SimpleApps edition) and SimpleMind for Windows:
    MyCommerce sells SimpleMind and takes care of order processing and delivery. Similar to how you purchase a book from a bookshop, not from the author (us, SimpleApps). After your order is completed, MyCommerce forwards us your name, address, e-mail address and product keys. We store this in our customer database. We use this information to send you a copy of your registration details should you ever lose the original.
    MyCommerce does not give use payment details, like credit card numbers. Your data is not shared with or sold to anyone else.
    We do not have access to your mind maps or any related data (voice memos, images etc.).

What permissions does the Android edition require?

SimpleMind Pro for Android requires these permissions:
  • Access to microphone: required to add voice memos to topics. Recorded voice memos are uploaded to your cloud of choice. Never to our servers. We do not access the microphone for anything else.
  • Access to Accounts (and identity): required to be able to authorize with Google Drive. This is actually a Google requirement. Connecting to Google Drive is the only place where SimpleMind accesses Accounts. If you don’t connect SimpleMind to Google Drive, SimpleMind won’t need access to Contacts.
  • Access to Contacts: required to be able to add or open a link to a contact. If you don't link to contacts SimpleMind won’t need access to Contacts.
  • Access to External Storage and Documents: required to be able to exchange data with other apps and to be able to store mind maps in the “External Directory”.
  • Access to Internet and Network state: required to be able to synchronize with the built-in clouds.
  • Install Shortcuts: required to be able to add a shortcut to a mind map on the start screen at user request.
  • Access to Calendar: to be able to add an event to the calendar and read back to the event's date.
Note: On Android 6.0 and up, SimpleMind asks permission when you first use that feature. That way you'll only give access for features you'll use.

Contact us

Contact us

Please contact us if you have a different question, or to send us feedback.

  • Android: android@simpleapps.eu
  • iPad/iPhone: simplemind-touch@simpleapps.eu
  • Mac: simplemind-mac@simpleapps.eu
  • Windows: simplemind-windows@simpleapps.eu
  • or use the feedback button from within SimpleMind.

E-mail is the fastest way to reach us. We will answer your question as soon as possible.


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