Mind-Map Collapse & Expand

Works from SIM v 15.00 upward. The context-bar action are available across editions.

Context Bar Actions

Click any node in your Mind Map.
A thin horizontal bar appears just below the node.

Use the first button = Expand/Collapse

Collapsed node: ➕ (plus-in-rectangle)
Expanded node: ➖ (minus-in-rectangle)

Tip: If you do not see the context bar, it may be hidden (then check: Options ► Diagram Editor ► General ► ☑ Show context bar)

Expand a branch

Select a collapsed parent.
Click Expand ➕ button.

Only the immediate children are shown.
Any grandchildren keep their own collapse state - some may be expanded, some may be collapsed.

Collapse a branch

Select an expanded parent.
Click Collapse ➖ button.

Direct children disappear; deeper layers vanish with them, but preserving individual expand/collapse flags internally.
Re-expanding later restores each child exactly as you left it.

Expand/Collapse Mind Map Nodes

Expand and collapse multiple branches

Select multiple mind map nodes by dragging a selection box, or hold CTRL and click nodes to add them to the selection. Then click Expand or Collapse in the context bar to show or hide their branches. When Auto Layout is enabled, Software Ideas Modeler automatically repositions nodes to keep the diagram tidy after expanding or collapsing.

Expand and collapse multiple selected nodes

Auto-layout interaction

Auto-layout may be:

On (default) - SIM instantly re-positions siblings to prevent overlaps and keeps the map compact. Great for quick brainstorming.
Off - Nodes stay where you previously dragged them—handy when you want custom spacing. Toggle via Diagram Properties ► Style ► Auto-layout.

Shortcut keys

Press 1 (the “1” above the letters, not on the NumPad) to toggle the selected node: if it’s expanded the key collapses it, and if it’s collapsed the key expands it.