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SimpleMind Desktop FAQ

How do I exchange Mind Maps between my iPad/iPhone and SimpleMind desktop?
How can I connect the iPad/iPhone to SimpleMind desktop ("SimpleMind Desktop not found")?
What Mac OSX versions are supported?
Where can I download the latest version of SimpleMind desktop?
How can I add/delete cross-link relations with SimpleMind Touch?
How can I add multiple lines of text with SimpleMind Desktop?
How do I back up my Mind Maps?
How do I transfer up my Mind Maps to another PC/Mac?
How do I transfer Mind Maps created with SimpleMind Free to the full version?
Also check the Touch Editor Quick Help for common editor functions

How can I connect the iPad/iPhone to SimpleMind desktop ("SimpleMind Desktop not found")?

To exchange Mind Maps between desktop and iPad/iPhone, the iPad/iPhone must have WiFi access to the local network (LAN). It does not use the 3G mobile network to connect to the desktop.

The iPhoneLink server in SimpleMind Desktop connects through Apple's Bonjour service. SimpleMind on the iPhone should automatically find the iPhoneLink server if are both connected to the same LAN. When you start the desktop program for the first time on Windows (Vista) usually asks for permission to open up a network connection, you have to allow this.

What Mac OSX versions are supported?

SimpleMind supports OSX 10.7, 10.6.x and OSX 10.5.8.
It should run on any 10.5.x system, but we tested with 10.5.8 only. If you want to use SimpleMind on an older 10.5 system just download the Trial and verify it fits your needs.
Supported Architectures: SimpleMind OSX runs on 32/64 bit Intel based Macs: i386 and x86_64.
The PowerPC architecture is not supported

Where can I download the latest version of SimpleMind desktop?

Customers that purchased SimpleMind desktop directly from us via this web-site (as opposed to via the Apple AppStore) can download the
latest version via the download web-page mentioned in the delivery email. That web-page always shows a link to the latest version available.
We also send out email notifications when a new update is available. If you have missed this notification - usually because of a spam filter - contact us by email.

Note: registered customers should not download the Trial to get at the latest update. The Trial cannot be activated into a full version.

Customers that purchased SimpleMind desktop via the Apple AppStore should use the AppStore Updates mechanism. There can be a slight delay in availability on the AppStore
because Apple needs to verify and accept each update. This takes usually about a week.

How can I add multiple lines of text with SimpleMind Desktop?

The inplace editor that appears when you edit a Topic's text allows adding multiple lines of text.
On Mac OSX press Alt+Enter.
On Windows press either Ctrl+Enter or Alt+Enter. Note: this requires SimpleMind Windows 1.3.0 or later. On older versions, use the Topic Properties dialog.
Pressing plain Enter (without Ctrl or Alt) terminates editing the text.

How can I add/delete a cross-link relations with SimpleMind Touch?

To create a cross-link, select a topic to make the node well (+) appear next to the topic - you might need to zoom out before the (+) tool becomes visible. Then drag this (+) tool and drop it on another topic. To delete a cross-link, tap it to select it - it will appear highlighted. Then use the delete command to delete the cross-link.

Mind Map file management and back ups

  • SimpleMind automatically stores Mind Maps as files in a special Mind Map Store directory.
    On Mac OSX: "[USERNAME]/Library/SimpleMind/Mind Maps" Note: On OSX 10.7 Lion this directory is hidden by default.
    On Windows XP: "C:\Documents and Settings\[USER NAME]\Application Data\ModelMakerTools\SimpleMind\1.0"
    On Windows Vista/ Windows 7: "C:\Users\[USER NAME]\AppData\Roaming\ModelMakerTools\SimpleMind\1.0
    File names are automatically assigned and cannot / should not be changed.
  • To back up your Mind Maps, back up the entire contents of this directory.
  • On SimpleMind Windows you'll find a tab "Maintenance" in the Options dialog. This allows viewing or changing the Mind Map store directory and / or backing up your Mind Maps to another directory.
  • SimpleMind automatically saves Mind Maps when closing SimpleMind or when selecting a different Mind Map using the Side bar. The Save command allows manual saving.
  • SimpleMind Desktop can open SimpleMind Touch Mind Map files (.smm) that are sent as email attachment. All attachments are imported into the Mind Map Store directory. Re-importing overwrites the current version - after your confirmation. Note: Exchange via Wifi is the preferred method of exchanging Mind Maps with SimpleMind Touch (Save to Desktop / Import from Desktop).
  • Freemind, Opml and SimpleMind Mind Maps from other computers can be imported using the Import command. Importing creates a new Mind Map in the Mind Map Store directory. This happens each time you (re-)import a Mind Map. Opening or Printing a Mind Map using Finder, has the same effect as Importing a Mind Map. Note: opening the same .opml or FreeMind twice will create two Mind Maps in the Mind Map Store!

How do I transfer up my Mind Maps to another PC/Mac?

First, make sure on both computers SimpleMind version 1.5.5 or newer is installed.
Check the version number in the main menu SimpleMind | About dialog. If you have an older version, update SimpleMind before proceeding.

Have an USB stick ready that is either empty or has an empty directory on it. This will be used to transfer the files. Of course you can also use direct network access.

Transferring FROM a Mac

  • Shutdown SimpleMind on source (old) computer
  • Open Finder and go to directory "[USERNAME]/Library/SimpleMind/Mind Maps" Note: On OSX 10.7 Lion this directory is hidden by default.
  • Using Finder, copy all files from this directory to the empty directory on the USB stick

Transferring FROM a Windows PC

  • Start SimpleMind on source (old) computer
  • Use SimpleMind main menu SimpleMind | Options to open the options dialog. Activate the "Maintenance tab".
  • On the maintenance tab, click the "View Files" button.
  • This opens a Windows Explorer in the Mind Map Store direcotry.
  • Using this Windows Explorer, copy all files from the Mind Map direcory to the USB stick

Once you have the MindMaps copied to the USB Stick, Eject the USB Stick from the source (old) computer and insert it in the target (new) computer.

Transferring TO Mac

  • Shutdown SimpleMind on target (new) computer
  • Open Finder and go to directory "[USERNAME]/Library/SimpleMind/Mind Maps" Note: On OSX 10.7 Lion this directory is hidden by default.
  • Using Finder, copy all files from the USB stick you previously copied to this directory. If Finder asks if a file should be replaced, click Yes.
  • Start SimpleMind. The transferred Mind Maps should now be visible.

Tranferring TO a Windows PC

  • Start SimpleMind on the target (new) computer
  • Use SimpleMind main menu SimpleMind | Options to open the options dialog. Activate the "Maintenance tab".
  • On the maintenance tab, click the "View Files" button.
  • This opens a Windows Explorer in the Mind Map Store direcotry.
  • Shutdown SimpleMind, once the eplorer is visible
  • Using this Windows Explorer, copy all files from the USB Stick you previously copied, to this Mind Map direcory.
  • If you see a message that a file already exists, allow Windows to overwrite existing files.
  • Start SimpleMind. The transferred Mind Maps should now be visible.