Mastering the Text Editor #
The text editor is the fastest way to input and structure large amounts of information. It uses a simple, intuitive format based on asterisks (*) that instantly translates into a visual hierarchy.
The Asterisk Format #
The number of asterisks at the beginning of a line determines its level in the hierarchy. This parent-child relationship is based on the line immediately preceding it.
* Root Item– This is a level 1 node. There should only be one of these at the top of your text.** Child Item– This is a level 2 node, a direct child of the root.*** Grandchild Item– This is a level 3 node, a child of the level 2 item above it.
Example: A Website Sitemap #
* Main Website
** Home Page
** About Us
*** Our Mission
*** Our Team
** Products
*** Product A
*** Product B
** Contact UsAfter typing this and clicking “Update”, you’ll have a perfectly structured sitemap visualization.
How the App Preserves Your Data #
When you click “Update,” the app intelligently reconciles your text with the existing diagram. It tries to match items by name to preserve IDs and any data you’ve entered in the Property Editor. This means you can freely switch between text and visual editing without losing details like status or assignees.
Tips for Efficiency #
- Copy & Paste: You can paste lists from other documents (like Word or Notes) and simply add asterisks to format them quickly.
- Re-ordering: To move a whole section (e.g., move “Products” before “About Us”), simply cut and paste the entire block of text, including all its children, to the new location.
- Syncing Selections: The text editor and visual diagram are linked. Clicking a node’s text on the canvas will highlight the corresponding line in the editor, and vice-versa. This is great for navigating large diagrams.