Auto-Format

Automatically reorganise your map for better readability.

When to Use Auto-Format

Auto-format is helpful when:

  • Elements overlap after an expansion

  • Manual edits have cluttered the layout

  • You want to improve spacing and readability

  • The map has grown organically and needs tidying

How It Works

  1. Go to the Modify Map tab

  2. Select the nodes you want to reorganise (minimum 3, maximum 50 nodes — connections are handled automatically)

  3. Click Auto-Format

  4. Review the preview, then Accept or Reject the new layout

The AI uses physics-based simulation to:

  • Resolve overlapping nodes

  • Improve spacing between elements

  • Maintain logical groupings

  • Keep connected elements near each other

Selection Limits

  • Minimum: 3 nodes

  • Maximum: 50 nodes per run

The limit counts nodes only — connections between them are repositioned automatically. For maps with more than 50 nodes, format in sections — select a region of your map and auto-format it, then move on to the next.

Selection Options

Select All

Reorganises your entire map (up to 50 nodes). Best for comprehensive cleanup. Note: if your board has other content besides your map, select your map elements manually instead.

Partial Selection

Reorganises only selected elements. Useful when you want to:

  • Tidy a specific area

  • Preserve manual positioning elsewhere

  • Focus on recently added elements

  • Work within the 50-node limit on larger maps

What Auto-Format Preserves

  • Connections - All relationships remain intact

  • Content - Node text and styling unchanged

  • Relative groupings - Related items stay clustered

What Auto-Format Changes

  • Positions - Elements move to resolve overlaps

  • Spacing - Consistent gaps between elements

  • Distribution - More even spread across the area

Tips for Best Results

After Expansions

Run Auto-format immediately after expanding to prevent layout problems from accumulating.

Large Maps

For maps with more than 50 nodes, format in sections. Select a cluster of related nodes, auto-format, then move on to the next section.

Review Before Accepting

Auto-format shows a preview before committing changes. Use Reject if the result doesn't look right and try again with a different selection. You can also Undo briefly after accepting to revert.

Processing Time

Auto-format typically takes 5-15 seconds depending on:

  • Number of selected elements

  • Complexity of existing layout

  • Density of connections

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