You need to set something in the Options first.

Click File > Options > Save

Tick the AutoRecover box and I set the time to 5 minutes.

If you are working on many big maps you might want to change the Compression on Saving to SuperFast. If you are running out of disk space then Maximum Compression could be better.

On this screen there is also the Always create a backup copy .BAK before saving. I tick that box as well. It creates a copy of your map in the same folder with a .BAK extension. You can revert to if you decide your work since you last saved was: pointless, a mess, no longer valid after the conversation with the client etc. Don’t save (but you could save a copy), just close the map, go the folder and remove the .BAK extension to get your original map back.

In extremis you will find MindManager’s temporary map files in thsi directory or similar:
C:\Users\Andrew\AppData\Local\Mindjet\MindManager\10\AutoRecovery

Hope this helps.  There are some other options tips in the Related Items below.

• A set of brand images you want everyone to use.
• Map Markers for use at specific types of meetings.
• A watermark that includes a copyright date.
• Images of your products or people.
• A set of questions you ask every new client.
• A web export template which is constantly refined.

The Package Folders tool enables you to do this. Either for yourself, if you are running a couple of versions of MindManager (not sure if this function extends to Mac and Connect) or across a team by placing resources in network, Dropbox, Skydrive etc. folders.  To use the tool open this pane: File > Options > Package Folders

Your options:

• Name – descibe the folder e.g. “Brand Logos”
• Path – select the location of your package folder. It might be a folder in a mapped network drive or a Dropbox sub-folder. If you have sub-folders they will appear in the Task Panes and Template Organiser without adding them individually.
• Resource Type – You can have everything in one folder but the Task Panes and Template Organiser will only show the relevant files.

Once added the new folders will appear in your Task Panes and Template Organiser. Last week I added a Dropbox folder. Later that week I took some pictures of the Royal Yacht with a mobile phone and saved them in Dropbox. They were available short afterwards to add to a map.  For example this is useful for data gathering during site surveys with a mobile device. Then writing a report back at the office using a standard report map template which exports to Word.

Notes:

1. When a resource e.g. an image is added to a folder, if the folder is open in MindManager, you will need to refresh the folder to see it. Right click the folder and Refresh.
2. Web Export templates only work with one version of MindManager. (see Resolving problems with customised web exports in MindManager 9)

1. You want to share information with a closed group of people
2. It’s less than 2GB of files but this could grow with the size of the group
3. They need to be able to access it on and off line.
4. Anyone in the group can add files to the store but you will look after the indexing
5. Only some members of the group use MindManager

Had you thought about using Dropbox with MindManager’s web export?

Here is how:

1. Get a Dropbox account, create and share two folders with the group e.g.
1. Web site
2. New files
   You will have to invite them and all that malarky but this will give you extra storage.  The folders will appear in your My Documents folder in the  My Dropbox folder.
2. Create a map which links to all the files you want to share with the group.
   Do not use multiple hyperlinks, they are not supported in the web exports.
3. Export the map using the web export. If all the text and explanations is in topic text you just need the Clickable Image export, if you add topic notes use the Static Outline or Dynamic Templates or Simple Outline or One Page.
4. Export the map to the Dropbox folder web site. I suggest changing the name of the Root export filename in Customise > Advanced settings to something relevant.  A mini web site will be created with a folder called LinkedDocuments with all the linked files in it. Your original documents will remain where they where, these are copies by default. Other folders are created for the more sophisticated web exports to support the styles, images etc. used in the export.
5. Give the group the link to the root export file and the web site will appear.
   e.g test-site 
   I have saved the web export to the Public Folder in Dropbox.
6. Ask the group to add new files to the New files folder.
7. Link the new files to the map and re-export.

Obviously there are many other file management systems out there but this may be enough for your needs.  Similar processes may be possible with Microsoft’s Skydrive and Google sites.

Could you use this?

Have you spotted any other differences?

You can find a list of all the keyboard shorcuts in Connect Help:

Home (Help) > Using Mindjet Connect Vision > Using maps and files > Mapping in Mindjet Connect Vision > Keyboard shortcuts

I have asked Mindjet why on the Mindjet Community thread “Why are shortcut keys not consistent across applications?

Mindjet Connect enables collaboration but lacks features that I use regularly. So is it worth the effort when you only have access via the browser interface? If you use it via MindManager 2012 many of my issues go away.

There are major benefits to using Mindjet Connect:

• Shared folders and files with read/write access settings
• Editing via any browser anywhere
• Archiving/version control
• Simpler to use than the desktop product

BUT there are significant functions missing e.g.

• No copy and paste between maps
• Notes
• Are in an unreadable row at the bottom of the screen
• No images, tables or hyperlinks
• You cannot copy or move images between topics
• No Power Filter
• No user created Map Parts
• No ability to add icons (markers) or define their meaning (You can add a manual legend to each map)
• Try dragging an icon (marker) from one topic to another. It copies! Press Ctrl whilst dragging and it moves. Not quite what you would expect.

Tips

• You can have multiple maps and file manager windows open. Right Click a map in the Files Window to Open in a New Window (Tab)
• Beware renaming maps and folders that are open in other windows or tabs.
• Maximise your screen
• Full screen your browser
• And click the full window button top right of Connect screen

Frustrations

• The map goes off line every few minutes for 30 seconds. This disables editing.
• You can continue working in MindManager 2012 but not the browser
• The regular save is not a problem
• There is only one short cut key that I have found. I only use half a dozen but without them rate of use goes down:
• e.g. No Ctrl-F5 to fit the map to the screen
• But Ctrl-Shift-D will toggle the level of detail

Pleasant Surprises

• The UI is fast and easy to use. Right click to get more options

What delights you about Connect?

What is makes you hestitate to recommend it or use it yourself?

Mindjet have a new Community for logging problems, suggestions etc. Please make your views on Mindjet Connect and other products in there.  I have linked to the threads in the Community where I have commented. If they are important to you to, please add your comments and press the voting button – the +1 sign below the opening question.

The full list is in the drop down where you can enable and disable various objects from being visible in the map.

Why would you hide them?

Hiding some objects does have side effects which are reasonable after you have thought about them for a moment.

Here are the ones I can think of if you hide the object:

• Relationships, Call Outs and Floating Topics – You cannot add a new ones. The tools are greyed out on the ribbon.
• Hyperlinks – You cannot click on the link anymore. You can hide them for web export to declutter and the topics will still be clickable. If you select the topic and type Ctrl-j the link will work.
• Attachments – Similar to hyperlinks and Ctrl-Shift-t will open the management panel.
• Icons – You can still Power Filter using them.
• Tag Group Names – If you are only using one group for instance “Departments”, you don’t need to repeat it on every topic with tag text.

Do you have any more uses or implications for the Show/Hide feature?

I had a top level map with links to individual project maps on the RHS and links to general info on the LHS e.g. expenses, holidays, project manager’s weekly meeting minutes, the resource Microsoft Project plan for all projects.

Each project map linked to the project plan, requirements, project folder, active correspondence in Outlook, specifications, drawings, etc.

I used MindManager to map management of the project within the IT and quality system’s rules to suit myself. I  marked it up (priority, completeness), added actions and reminders, and structured it (i.e. most important project at the top, not ordered by project no.) to give me a state of play picture.

When I was  tapped on the shoulder, I could get to the relevant file to answer the bosses or engineer’s question in a few alt tabs (to get to MindManager if it was not the foreground program) and about three clicks.

I am still doing this today to run Cabre.

What techniques have you been using for a long time with MindManager?

Thanks to Chuck Frey for asking a question in the Yahoo MindManager Group which inspired this blog.

A few tips for formatting topics:

1. Splitting Text: You can split the text in a topic into topics or sub topics using the context menu (Right click) > Split Topic or short cut keys:
• Select the text to move to the new topic then Shift-Alt-Down for new topic or Shift-Alt-Right for a subtopic.
• Select the topic then Ctrl-Alt-Enter to create a new topics. Ctrl-Alt -Insert will produce subtopics.  I thought this would be for each word or at each punctuation remark but it was that not definite. Experiment!
• Useful for splitting a list of words: “red, blue, green, yellow” or a piece of text from an email or document for analysis and comment.
2. Topic Width: You can drag the left and right hand blue edges of a selected topic to increase or decrease its width.  If you want to apply this width to the other topics in the map, Right click > Format Topic > Map Theme > Save in Default Theme for This Map.
3. Line Breaks: Shift-Enter will insert a line break in topic text. Useful for formatting the Central Topic and lists or paragraphs in topics.
4. Seeing all the options: Right click the topic > Use Font or Format Topic to see all formatting options.  Or use the little dropdown box in the Ribbon Sections for Font or Object Format.

Do you have any more?

Where are the files?

Hyperlinked files (and web pages) remain where they are on your hard drive, network drive or on the web.  Hyperlinks won’t work with USB memory sticks, SD cards and other portable memory devices if they are removed. Hyperlinks won’t work if the file name or folder is changed.

Attached files are copied from the original location, embedded in the MindManager file and there is no link to the original file.  They increase the file size.  Providing the MindManager file does not become corrupt, you will always be able to view and edit the files (assuming you have the file editor on the computer).  Temporary copies of Attached files are created in your temporary user folder when editing them.

How do I create a Hyperlink or Attachment?

Hyperlinking is simple, drag the file or folder from Windows File Explorer on to the map and either create a new topic or add it to an existing topic. You can also drag links from web pages and the browsers address field favicon.

Alternatively select a topic and use the toolbar tool or Ctrl-K to open the hyperlinking dialogue which gives you some additional options.

• Existing File or Web Page to create a link to a file, folder or URL (could be a web page or file)
• Topic in this map useful for related topics in large maps
• New document create, save and link a file
• Email Address and subject. This link will create a new email
• Options has more fields for web exports and adding an arguement to a file e.g. to open it at a specific page
• Relative or Absolute will be discussed further down.

Attaching a file can be achieved with drag and drop from Windows File Explorer, if you press and hold the Ctrl key, and then release the mouse when the file is postioned as a new topic only. You will be given the option to hyperlink or attach the file.

Alternatively select the topic, use the Attach tool or right click the topic or Ctrl-Shift-H to open the attach dialogue opposite. You can also create a new document.

What can I (not) Hyperlink or Attach?

Hyperlinking will work with anything on your computer you can open by double clicking in Windows File Explorer: files including executable ones and folders. These can be located on your local PC, portable, mapped network and WebDav drives.  Obviously the latter 3 drive types will not work if they are not present.  You can hyperlink to any URL which could be a web page or a file and includes FTP links.  If you can get at it in your browser, you can link to it.

Attaching works with files only. But you can zip a folder and attach it. Or convert a link to a shortcut file.  Again you are not limited to document files. Executable files can be attached. Perhaps you have batch file or a piece of shareware which can be used with other files attached to the map.  Attach them to a topic with a note about how to use them.

How many Hyperlinks or Attachments per topic?

As many as you like with MindManager 2012 (previously hyperlinks were limited to one per topic). If you drag another URL/file/folder on to a topic it will be added to the list of hyperlinks.

When you have one hyperlink on a topic, the file icon is displayed and one click will open that file. When you have more than one hyperlink, a link with a dropdown triangle is displayed. Clicking it opens the dialogue shown above.

Personally I prefer the single hyperlink per topic and using drag and drop to replace rather than add to the list.  I would like an option per map to choose whether to have single or multiple hyperlinks. Add your vote for this option in Mindjet Voice Multiple Hyperlinks – Please can I turn them off.

Clicking the Attachment icon on a topic opens this dialogue. You can add as many attachments as you require.  By clicking the files you can open them for editing.  You cannot add more attachments by dragging files to the topic.

Where do I edit the documents?

You have a choice: A click on a hyperlink or attachment will open it in the MindManager editing pane with the toolbar for the document type. This works for Microsoft Office documents, web pages, PDFs and folders. If you hold the Ctrl key down whilst clicking or use the option in the dialogue you can open the web page or files in the default browser or application.

Absolute or Relative Hyperlinks?

It depends:

• Relative hyperlinks are good for moving groups of maps, files and folders to a different computer or drive and the links will work in the new location.  For instance you could copy a group from your c: drive to a portable drive, connect the drive to someone elses computer which calls it the h: drive and the links will work.
• Absolute hyperlinks are good for files which always remain in the same place and may be referenced by many maps. The contact list or the logo folder for instance. This may also be located on a server e.g. the company network drive n:

You need to think about what will happen to these links, if you give this map to someone else!

There is an escape route if the links do not work when the map is moved. Use Find and Replace > Options > Look in Hyperlinks to replace for example c: by h: or ../ by c:/mynewdrive/onthispc/

Hyperlink or Attach that was the Question?

Hopefully the above has helped you understand the technical differences between the two choices which will back up tmy observations on my original question.

It depends:

• Hyperlinks
• Are good for files other people are responsible for and editing
• Will not increase your MindManager file size significantly
• If a drive, file or folder name is changed the link is broken
• If you use the File > Save & Send > Send using Email your hyperlinked files can be zipped up with the map

• Attachments
• Put all the data in one place. A portable project file.
• Can only be edited by those with editing rights to the MindManager file
• Will increase your MindManager file size significantly. You may exceed email and uploading limits
• Can be used to save versions of the map with all the documents as they were at that time.
• If you email or upload the map, all the attachments go with it in one file.
• Make sure your map file is backed up. If its deleted or corrupted you will lose all the attached files as well.

Answer

Use both were appropriate.

Happy New Year

Map shortcuts allow you organise collections of related maps.
Folder shortcuts gives you access to maps in your existing folders.

This is my general approach:

• Map Shortcuts – collection title types
• Index maps
• Current projects, clients, product development
• To do
• Recurring presentations
• Folder Shortcut
• Projects
• Clients

Remember

• Both
• Right click to remove, rename etc.
• e.g. Use rename to
• Add index numbers prior to the name to force the sorting by priority
• Add the client name before the project folder name
• Maps
• Maps can appear in more than one folder
• Folders
• Sub-folders are not visible
• Right click to open the folder in Windows Explorer to see all files and sub-folders

To make both sections work effectively you will need to cull the old folders and maps you no longer use. (I did some of that before taking the screenshot )

Consider moving clients, projects etc to archive folders with Windows Explorer and link the parent archive folder to the Folders section in MindManager. Remember moving map locations can disrupt links from and to maps. All maps and files with relative links in a folder structure will work when they are all moved to a new location e.g a project with files and sub-folders.

Before you embark on organising your My Maps tab consider doing the all above in a master map. You can link folders, maps and files. You can show folders and sub-folders in a hierarchal structure. You mark the links and then filter the map.

Either way you have to be disciplined about it.

How do you do it?