Applications of MindManager

MindManager has a range of settings which are accessed via the File tab > Options. Here are the ones I change, most are applicable to previous versions of MindManager. Click OK whenever you change a page of settings.

1. General
• I tick Reopen last open maps on start up but if like a cleanstart use the Open document on startup: to point at your dashboard map.
• I raise the Recently used files list: to its maximum 15
• I untick Enable online help. Normally the built in help is enough
2. Edit
• I untick Auto-balance new main topics.  It disconcerts me when main topics start moving.
3. Save
• I tick Prompt for Map Properties on first save  Just I ever want to add some meta tags to the map and it shows you whether you are identified as the author etc. of the map.
• I Always create a backup copy .BAK before saving maps. Self preservation in a hostile environment.
• I Save Autorecover info every 5 minutes. As above.
• I set Compression on saving to Super Fast. Disc space is less of problem these days and you don’t want to be held up by the auto recover save every 5 minutes.
4. User Information
• Fill it in. It is automatically transferred to map properties. Note it will not overwrite information that is in a template map e.g. Mindjet’s
• I have never found out where the web site and logo information are used. They could be incorporated in a web export.
5. Spelling
• If your text is being incorrectly corrected the Autocorrect Options are in here.
6. Topic Alerts
• If you don’t want your Topic alerts synchronised with Outlook untick.
7. Add-ins
• Turn off the ones you don’t use, including those that come with MindManager. eg MPX and MS Project Export

Hope you find that helpful.  Do you have any recommendations or questions?

• Start populating the Quick Access toolbar with your frequently used Ribbon commands.  Right click a command > Add to Quick Access Toolbar.
• You can minimise the Ribbon with the white up chevron between the binoculars and question mark top right. It changes to a down chevron when minimised.
• If you do not have a personal map style, open a blank map.  Home > Map Style > Modify the colours, line styles, fonts, text colour etc. to suit. Apply and Close.  Then Home > Map Style >Make Current Map Style the Default.
• My Options tips are:
  • General: Increase recently used files list to 15
  • General: Disable on line help
  • View: Enable Developer ribbon tab
  • Save: Prompt for Map Properties on first save ( I don’t always fill it in)
  • Save: Always create a backup copy (It is a copy of your last save)
  • Save: Save Autorecover info every 5 minutes. (Trust time for Windows and MindManager et al)
  • Save: Compression on saving: Super Fast (MindManager files are zip files. This will increase disk space used)
  • Save: Application startup > Enable Reopen last open local maps on startup (i.e. return to yesterdays desktop)
  • User Information: Fill it in (Saves you doing it in Map Properties and elsewhere)
  • Spelling: Check out the AutoCorrect Options. (You may be happy with eg not e.g.)
  • TabletPC: Height of ink input field > 120 (lets me write two lines of scribble)
  • AddIns: Disable any you are not going to use.

• Template Maps
  • Change the author of the template maps you use to you.  It means you don’t have to change the author from Mindjet to you every time you save a new map, assuming you use Map Properties.  Enable the Developer ribbon in Options > View.  Open Map Templates in the Developer Ribbon.  Select a template > Modify.  Right click the Workbook tab > Properties >Change the author and any other fields e.g Category. Save the template.
  • You may wish to add logos and change line colors etc. to your branding.
  • If they are templates for maps that involve resources, add the people you will use repeatedly to a Resource floating topic. Save it as a Map Part and you can add it to other maps or templates.

Hope this helps.  If you have any questions, comments or your own suggestions please add them below.