Creating branch connections

You can indicate visually that two or more branches of your mind map are related by adding branch connections between them. The branch connection can also be used to navigate quickly from the start branch to the end branch in the mind map.

Branch connections can also start or end on the root.

Creating a branch connection

Choose Insert | Branch Connection .

A question mark appears next to the mouse pointer .

Click the branch you want the connection to start from.

A thin line appears connecting the branch you selected and the mouse pointer.

Click the branch where you want the connection to end.

A line ending with an arrow now connects your start branch with your end branch.

A paperclip icon appears to the right of the label of the start branch to indicate the presence of an attached object. Clicking the icon displays a pop-up list of all objects attached. By default, the name of the branch connection is the name of the end branch.

Changing the curve of a branch connection

You can change the curve of a branch connection as follows:

Click the branch connection to select it.

A handle appears at each end of the connection, made up of a straight line and a square.

Click the square of one of the handles and start dragging it.

The shape of the branch connection changes as you move the handle. As you extend the handle, the branch connection becomes more curved. Conversely, if you reduce the length of the handle, the branch connection becomes flatter.

Move each handle in turn until you are satisfied with the shape of the branch connection curve.

Activating a branch connection

If you are working on a large map, you can quickly go to the end point of a branch connection as follows:

Click the paperclip icon on the start branch.

Click the name of the branch connection.

Renaming a branch connection

Especially in large maps where branch connections can be used for quick navigation, it can be a good idea to rename the connection to something that makes more sense to the reader than the default name.

Click the paperclip icon on the start branch.

Click the arrow icon next to the name of the branch connection, and choose Rename .

Enter the new name of the branch connection in the dialog that opens.

Copying a branch connection

You can copy a branch connection from a branch and paste it on a different branch in your mind map, creating a new connection to the same destination.

Click the paperclip icon on the start branch.

Click the arrow icon next to the name of the branch connection, and choose Copy .

Right-click the destination root or branch, and choose Paste .

Deleting a branch connection

Click the paperclip icon on the branch.

Click the arrow icon next to the name of the branch connection, and choose Delete .