Editor & controls
Editor basics: create, edit and navigate nodes in AI-MindMap
The editor is the heart of AI-MindMap: this is where you build your mind map from nodes, maintain details and navigate the canvas. This page explains all the basics — from the first node to auto layout.
Create a mind map
- Click "New mind map" in the dashboard.
- Optional: pick a template or start with an empty map.
- The editor opens with a single root node.
Add nodes
| Action | Method |
|---|---|
| Child node | Select a node, then press Tab |
| Sibling node | Select a node, then press Enter |
| Via context menu | Right-click a node → "Add child" / "Add sibling" |
Edit nodes
- Double-click or F2: start inline editing of the node text
- Enter (while editing): confirm the edit
- Escape (while editing): cancel the edit
Delete nodes
- Select a node and press Del or Backspace
- With a multi-selection, all selected nodes are deleted
- Child nodes are deleted along with their parent — press Ctrl+Z to undo
Navigating the canvas
| Input | Effect |
|---|---|
| Arrow right | Jump to the first child node |
| Arrow left | Jump to the parent node |
| Arrow down | Next sibling node |
| Arrow up | Previous sibling node |
| Space | Collapse/expand a branch |
| Mouse wheel / pinch | Zoom |
| Drag the canvas | Pan the view |
You can find the complete list of hotkeys in the keyboard shortcuts reference.
Node details
Every node can carry additional properties via the node detail panel:
- Color — visual highlighting of branches and topics
- Icon — symbols for faster orientation
- Status — e.g. "In progress" or "Done"
- Start and due date — for task planning
- Mark as task — flag a node as a task and sync it with external tools
- Attachments — images and documents, see file attachments
- Comments — threaded discussion directly on the node
Auto layout
- The layout is sorted automatically whenever the structure changes.
- Manual sorting: use the "Organize layout" button in the toolbar.
- Auto layout can be toggled on and off in the toolbar.
Edit the title
Click the map title in the top left of the editor to rename it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a child node?
Select a node and press Tab to add a child node. Press Enter to insert a sibling node on the same level. Alternatively, use the right-click context menu.
What happens to child nodes when I delete a node?
Child nodes are deleted along with the node. With a multi-selection, all selected nodes are removed. You can undo the deletion with Ctrl+Z.
Can I turn off the automatic layout?
Yes. Auto layout can be toggled in the toolbar. To sort manually, use the "Organize layout" button.