MINDNODE 5

MAP OUT YOUR IDEAS WITH THIS SUPERB PRODUCTIVITY TOOL. Free with IAP | mindnode.com

You’ve probably made a mind map before — a diagram with a central thought, from which branches (or ‘nodes’) sprout. The problem is, the end result often ends up looking like an angry mutant spider due to you continually editing and re-editing as ideas coalesce. Software can bring some sanity to such creations. Whereas once, you’d have started with a blank canvas, MindNode 5 offers Quick Entry input. Available from within the app or a Today View widget, the feature has you make a bullet-point list. When you’re done, MindNode converts your ideas into a new diagram. This is a perfect way to start. At the top left, three buttons provide fast access to your documents, sharing and an outline. There’s a dark mode that gets automatically triggered when using the likes of a black background colour. For more rigidity and structure in your diagrams, you can sort subnodes alphabetically, or use a branch style that replaces curved lines with right angles. There’s also Files support, and drag and drop. MindNode 5 intelligently adds content to existing nodes or creates a new parent, depending on where you drag it. Frustratingly, though, web addresses can’t yet be directly added in this manner. For the most part, MindNode 5 is a joy to use.