Mind-Map Collapse & Expand
This quick-reference explains how to use the Expand / Collapse button on a Mind-Map node’s context bar in Software Ideas Modeler to reveal or hide just the next level of topics. It also highlights how the default Auto-layout instantly tidies the diagram after each toggle, so even large maps stay organized with minimal effort.
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
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.
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