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I planted a seed, in hopes of one day reaping a great harvest. Voltaire 




Here we collect a list of asked questions and answers related to free mind mapping software FreeMind. Help if you can (How do I edit this FAQ?) Apart from this page, don't miss FreeMind's home page. If you're searching for an answer to your question, why don't you just press Ctrl + F in your browser?
Here we collect a list of asked questions and answers related to free mind mapping software FreeMind. Help if you can (<a href="#How do I edit this FAQ?">How do I edit this FAQ?</a>) Apart from this page, don't miss FreeMind's <a href="http://freemind.sourceforge.net">home page</a>. If you're searching for an answer to your question, why don't you just press Ctrl + F in your browser?


<!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
==Installation==


The internal anchors don't seem to be working... and this wiki syntax is html...


Installation
=== To download Java Runtime Environment needed to run FreeMind. ===
To download Java Runtime Environment needed to run FreeMind  
To download JRE for Windows, go to "Download on Sun":http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html,
FreeMind cannot detect a new version of Java. What can I do?
go to the section '''Download J2SE v 1.4. ...'''
With what Java virtual machines does FreeMind actually work?
and now choose the column <b>"JRE":http://javashoplm.sun.com/ECom/docs/Welcome.jsp?StoreId=22&amp;PartDetailId=j2re-1.4.2_03-oth-JPR&amp;SiteId=JSC&amp;TransactionId=noreg</b>, ''not SDK''. The installation file of JRE has approximately 15 MB.
Using
Is there no undo in FreeMind?
How much memory do I need?
To create a graphical link
To remove a graphical link
To print from FreeMind on Linux
To add user icons to FreeMind
To open links in only one browser window, rather than several
Is it difficult to provide FreeMind with Java Webstart?
To run FreeMind on Linux
To create PDF out of FreeMind's mind map
To convert mind maps between !FreeMind and MindManager
Who's the development team of FreeMind?
To have brainstorm-like mode similar to one found in MindManager
On what operating systems have people actually succeeded in running FreeMind?
Is there a PDA-Version, e.g. for Palm or Pocket PC?
How large maps can I edit with FreeMind?
How can I keep FreeMind from opening the last file from the last session?
To change the fill color on bubbles
To remove a cloud
To search in FreeMind
To move nodes around
Mind maps on web pages with FreeMind's applet
To get FreeMind's applet working
To present your mind map on the web
To view the toolbar automatically after the applet starts
Is there a list of names and values and functions of all params for the applet?  
Bugs (and workarounds) in FreeMind
FreeMind behaves strange or crashes. What can I do?
When I drag files into the !FreeMind window, FreeMind just works very long or I get a mind map of the file system
Changing the key bindings in user.properties does not work
Using: HTML-related things
What HTML tags does FreeMind support?
To embed, or more precisely link, images into FreeMind
To put the contents of a Microsoft Word document into FreeMind
To have tables in FreeMind
FreeMind on Microsoft Windows
How do I install FreeMind?
FreeMind does not seem to be affected by the things I edit in the user.properties! Why?
To create a screenshort of FreeMind and paste it into Microsoft Word or Microsoft Powerpoint
To export a map to Microsoft Powerpoint
Other things
Other sources of information about FreeMind
To spell FreeMind correctly
To suggest new enhancements of FreeMind
This FAQ
I have a question not listed here, what should I do?
To edit this FAQ
Where can I practice editing pages on this Wiki?
Questions not yet answered
How can I include FreeMind maps in Wikka Wiki pages?
On linking nodes with OpenOffice1.1.1. under Linux2.4




 
=== FreeMind cannot detect new version of Java. What can I do? === Let us assume that you have installed a new
 
version of Java, and still, FreeMind complains about having old version of Java. This may occur especially
 
if you installed ''SDK'' rather than ''JRE''. ''SDK'' stands for ''standard development kit'' and contains much more
Installation
than you need to run FreeMind; you only need runtime environment. It is important that the new version of
 
java is in your ''path''. To check it out on Microsoft Windows, run command ``cmd'' using Windows-key + R,
To download Java Runtime Environment needed to run FreeMind. To download JRE for Windows, go to Download on Sun, go to the section Download J2SE v 1.4. ... and now choose the column JRE, not SDK. The installation file of JRE has approximately 15 MB.
followed by ``java -version''. You should get something like
 
<pre>
FreeMind cannot detect new version of Java. What can I do? Let us assume that you have installed a new version of Java, and still, FreeMind complains about having old version of Java. This may occur especially if you installed SDK rather than JRE. SDK stands for standard development kit and contains much more than you need to run FreeMind; you only need runtime environment. It is important that the new version of java is in your path. To check it out on Microsoft Windows, run command ``cmd'' using Windows-key + R, followed by ``java -version''. You should get something like  
 
java version "1.4.2_03"
java version "1.4.2_03"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.4.2_03-b02)
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.4.2_03-b02)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.4.2_03-b02, mixed mode)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.4.2_03-b02, mixed mode)
</pre>
where the particular version number is not important as long as it is at least 1.4.0.
where the particular version number is not important as long as it is at least 1.4.0.


With what Java virtual machines does FreeMind actually work? FreeMind works with the virual machines from Sun, from the version 1.4.0 and higher. Additionally, FreeMind has been reported to run on the JDK 1.4.2 from Blackdown.


=== With what Java virtual machines does FreeMind actually work? ===
FreeMind works with the virual machines from Sun, from the version 1.4.0 and higher. Additionally,
FreeMind has been reported to run on the JDK 1.4.2 from Blackdown.


<!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->


==Using==




Using
=== Is there no undo in FreeMind? ===
There is no undo so far. Help against data loss are offered by:


Is there no undo in FreeMind? There is no undo so far. Help against data loss are offered by:
'' FreeMind's autosave-feature


FreeMind's autosave-feature
'' You can install a clipboard manager, which will make all elements, which you cut from FreeMind, available in its history. A freeware example of a clipboard manager for MS Windows is "Yankee Clipper":http://www.yankee-clipper.net
You can install a clipboard manager, which will make all elements, which you cut from FreeMind, available in its history. A freeware example of a clipboard manager for MS Windows is Yankee Clipper  
How much memory do I need? Keywords: RAM. Experience shows that 64 Mb is not sufficient, while 128 Mb is already ok, provided that you do not run another Java application. Correct me if I'm wrong. I am using FreeMind on Windows 95 + 128 Mb without any problems.


To create a graphical link.


Go to the source node.  
=== How much memory do I need? === ''Keywords: RAM.''
Mark it with the mouse.  
Experience shows that 64 Mb is not sufficient, while 128 Mb is already ok, provided that you do not run another Java application. Correct me if I'm wrong. I am using FreeMind on Windows 95 + 128 Mb without any problems.
Press the left mouse button.
Hold this button.  
Press Ctrl+Shift buttons.
Continue to hold all these buttons.
Go to the destination node.
Release the mouse button, first.
Then release the keybord buttons.
You have your link. Alternatively, drag'n drop holding right mouse button.


To remove a graphical link.


Right-Click on the curved arrow of the graphical link
=== To create a graphical link. ===
Choose "Remove Arrow Link" from the pop-up menu
(Left-clicking on a graphical link does nothing)


To print from FreeMind on Linux. In Debian GNU/Linux some users use cupsys-bsd package to print via CUPS printing system and it works fine for them.
0. Go to the source node.  


To add user icons to FreeMind. Currently, really adding user icons is not possible. BUT you can inline images in any node. Just something like this: <html><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/pics/me.jpg"> in the a FreeMind node. This should also work with local files with "file:" instead of "http:".
0. Mark it with the mouse.  


To open links in only one browser window, rather than several. To our knowledge this is not possible at the moment.
0. Press the left mouse button.  


Is it difficult to provide FreeMind with Java Webstart? Well, it's not that easy. Joerg Mueller succeeded in doing just that and has sent his source code to Daniel Polansky, who did not succeed in getting it running; he did not consider that a high priority. What is important is that Microsoft Windows users have a convenient installer, and the users of the other operating systems are already used to not so convenient methods; the installation is pretty straightforward anyway.
0. Hold this button.  


To run FreeMind on Linux. If you're experiencing problems running FreeMind on Linux, also try to change the user rights of freemind.sh with ``chmod u+x ./freemind.sh''. After that you should be able to run FreeMind with ``./freemind.sh''
0. Press Ctrl+Shift buttons.  


To create PDF out of FreeMind's mind map. If you want to create pdf out of FreeMind's mind map, you've got several options. One of the options you have is to download XSLT transformations sheets from Christoph Rissner, convert FreeMind's mind map to Mind Manager's mind map, then to DocBook, and create pdf from that DocBook. You can read more on that on Abgeschlossene Arbeiten > Mind Maps.
0. Continue to hold all these buttons.  


To convert mind maps between FreeMind and MindManager. Click here: Import and export to other applications
0. Go to the destination node.


Who's the development team of FreeMind? Daniel Polansky: the director of FreeMind is Daniel Polansky, i.e. me. The label ``director'' is not quite appropriate, ``parliament'' would be better. I test new versions, give advice, sometimes act in the name of FreeMind, forbid versions to be released because of insufficient quality, and approve them when they're ready. Also, I set up mantinels for new directions.
0. Release the mouse button, first.  


The main actor on the scene is Christian Foltin. We use the label ``code master'' to denote his role, and also ``manager''. He does most of the work and decides on which code changes are acceptable what concerns the coding quality. He takes care of mergers. Also, he coordinates the developers.
0. Then release the keybord buttons.  


To have brainstorm-like mode similar to one found in MindManager. Did you notice you can hit Enter and Shift-Enter to create sibling nodes? It is not exactly the behavior of brainstorm mode of MindManager, but still close to it.
You have your link. Alternatively, drag'n drop holding right mouse button.


On what operating systems have people actually succeeded in running FreeMind? Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003 Server, Linux (Mandrake 9.2, RedHat? Pro WS 3, SuSE? 8.2 (using the RPM for 9.0), SuSE? 9.0, Debian sarge, Debian sid, Slackware 9.1, which others?), Mac OS X (10.3), OS/2. Keywords: platforms.


Is there a PDA-Version, e.g. for Palm or Pocket PC?? Not that we know of. So far, no one has reported a success at running FreeMind on Palm or Pocket PC. See FreeMindPDAVersion.
=== To remove a graphical link. ===


How large maps can I edit with FreeMind? Theoretically, there are no built-in limits. Practially, the maximum reported size is 3 MB; after exporting to HTML and pasting to Microsoft Word, the very same content had 3.8 MB. For a better practical estimation, experimental test are needed as the maximum given so far is only a lower bound on practial limits.
0. Right-Click on the curved arrow of the graphical link


How can I keep FreeMind from opening the last file from the last session? One way is to disable the changing of the file "auto.properties" (which is in the same folder as user.properties). Be aware that the menu "Edit -> Preferences" will not change anything any more than!
0. Choose "Remove Arrow Link" from the pop-up menu
To do that go to the file auto.properties and delete everything behind "onStartIfNotSpecified=" in that line. Now set the file "auto.properties" to read-only.


To change the fill color on bubbles. There's an icon for it at the main toolbar. Additionally, you can find it in the popup menu at Node > Style > Cloud color.
(Left-clicking on a graphical link does nothing)


To remove a cloud. Press Ctrl+Shift+B to toggle clouds.


To search in FreeMind. Keywords: find. Press Ctrl + F. For finding next occurrence, press Ctrl + G. Searching is restricted to the descendants of the node selected when pressing Ctrl + F. The search is a breadth-first search, first finding occurrences in the nodes closer to the starting node.


To move nodes around. To move them up and down, user ctrl + up and down arrows. To move them wherever you want, use drag'n drop with mouse. Keywords: move around, reorganize.
=== To print from FreeMind on Linux. ===
In Debian GNU/Linux some users use ''cupsys-bsd'' package to print via ''CUPS'' printing system and it works fine for them.




=== To add user icons to FreeMind. ===
Currently, really adding user icons is not possible.
BUT you can inline images in any node. Just something like this:
&lt;html>&lt;img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/pics/me.jpg">
in the a FreeMind node. This should also work with local files with "file:" instead of "http:".




Mind maps on web pages with FreeMind's applet
=== To open links in only one browser window, rather than several. ===
To our knowledge this is not possible at the moment.


To get FreeMind's applet working. See the guide. If you'd like to view a mind map published by someone else and have problems, check out in the Internet Explorer if in Tools > Internet Options > Advanced > Java > ``Use Java2'' is enabled. Of course, you'll need to have Sun Java installed.


To present your mind map on the web. Use FreeMind's browser applet. The following document (thanks to Bob) explains what to do to have a complete testing environment for your applet. The most common problem to see a freemind browser applet is that you have to use Java >= 1.4 in your browser. Check this using the "About plugins" section of your browser (or a similar place).  
=== Is it difficult to provide FreeMind with Java Webstart?=== Well, it's not that easy. Joerg Mueller succeeded in doing just that and has sent his source code to Daniel Polansky, who did not succeed in getting it running; he did not consider that a high priority. What is important is that Microsoft Windows users have a convenient installer, and the users of the other operating systems are already used to not so convenient methods; the installation is pretty straightforward anyway.


To view the toolbar automatically after the applet starts. It is necessary to edit the html starter of the applet and change the corresponding property. That is, set toolbarVisible=true. More precisely, add a tag <PARAM NAME="toolbarVisible" VALUE="true"> to freemindbrowser.html or whatever name you have changed the file to.


Is there a list of names and values and functions of all params for the applet? No. Theoretically, all parameters found in user.properties can be used as parameters of the applet.
=== To run FreeMind on Linux. ===
If you're experiencing problems running FreeMind on Linux, also try to change the user rights of freemind.sh with ``chmod u+x ./freemind.sh''. After that you should be able to run FreeMind with ``./freemind.sh''




''' To create PDF out of FreeMind's mind map. ''' If you want to create pdf out of FreeMind's mind map, you've got several
options. One of the options you have is to download <a href="http://courses.iicm.edu/~hkrott/site/docs/seminar/sem2002_mindmaps.tar.gz">XSLT
transformations sheets</a> from Christoph Rissner, convert FreeMind's mind map
to Mind Manager's mind map, then to DocBook, and create pdf from that DocBook.
You can read more on that on <a href="http://courses.iicm.edu/~hkrott/site/veranstaltungen/seminar/abgeschlossen.html">Abgeschlossene
Arbeiten</a> &gt; Mind Maps.




Bugs (and workarounds) in FreeMind
=== To convert mind maps between FreeMind and MindManager. ===
Click here: [[Import and export to other applications]]


FreeMind behaves strange or crashes. What can I do? First try reinstalling both Java (mostly the latest version is best) and !Freemind. Often this solves problems. One of the problems solved in this way was:


My computer crashes, or more precisely locks, when I click on a link in FreeMind, using J2RE 1.4.2_03 on Windows 98. Reinstalling helped. In retrospect, I think what broke it was that I renamed the J2RE directory to something easier to write in the bat file path statement. Broke it.
''' Who's the development team of FreeMind?'''
When I drag files into the FreeMind window, FreeMind just works very long or I get a mind map of the file system This is a bug which is a least present on FreeMind 7.2 beta and lower on Windows. I only know of a wordaround for this: Go to the user.properties and delete ",freemind.modes.filemode.FileMode?". This disables the file mode of FreeMind.
Daniel Polansky: the director of FreeMind is Daniel Polansky, i.e. me. The
label ``director'' is not quite appropriate, ``parliament''
would be better. I test new versions, give advice, sometimes
act in the name of FreeMind, forbid versions to be released
because of insufficient quality, and approve them when
they're ready. Also, I set up mantinels for new directions.


Changing the key bindings in user.properties does not work It seems that capitalization IS important in the keybindings. I wrote "enter" and it didn't work. I changed it to "ENTER" and it worked! (FreeMind 7.2 beta)
The main actor on the scene is Christian Foltin. We use
the label ``code master'' to denote his role, and also
``manager''. He does most of the work and decides on
which code changes are acceptable what concerns the
coding quality. He takes care of mergers. Also, he
coordinates the developers.




=== To have brainstorm-like mode similar to one found in MindManager.===
Did you notice you can hit Enter and Shift-Enter to create sibling nodes?
It is not exactly the behavior of brainstorm mode of MindManager, but still
close to it.




Using: HTML-related things
=== On what operating systems have people actually succeeded in running FreeMind?===
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003 Server, Linux (Mandrake 9.2, RedHat Pro WS 3, SuSE 8.2 (using the RPM for 9.0), SuSE 9.0, Debian sarge, Debian sid, Slackware 9.1, which others?), Mac OS X (10.3), OS/2. ''Keywords: platforms.''


What HTML tags does FreeMind support? FreeMind basic HTML supports in its nodes. The node must start with "<html>" for that! What HTML is supported depends on the Java virtual machine. Among others, users have reported the following uses:


<html><p style="background-color:yellow">the node text</p>
=== Is there a PDA-Version, e.g. for Palm or Pocket PC?? ===
To embed, or more precisely link, images into FreeMind. You can link imagines into FreeMind using context menu of a node, accesed using right click (on MAC OS X Panther use Control click). Or type the following:
Not that we know of. So far, no one has reported a success at running FreeMind on Palm or Pocket PC. See [[FreeMindPDAVersion]].


<html><img src="image.jpg"></html>where image.jpg is the reference to an image.


To put the contents of a Microsoft Word document into FreeMind.  
=== How large maps can I edit with FreeMind? ===
Theoretically, there are no built-in limits. Practially, the maximum reported size is 3 MB; after exporting to HTML
and pasting to Microsoft Word, the very same content had 3.8 MB. For a better practical estimation, experimental test
are needed as the maximum given so far is only a lower bound on practial limits.


First paste the Word document into Microsoft FrontPage.
Delete the images afterwards as FreeMind does not support them.
Remove the <head> ... </head> in the source text view in FrontPage.
But leave the <html>! The node needs to start with that.
Replace <body> with <body width=600> or similar width specification.
Finally, paste the HTML text as a long node into FreeMind.
To have tables in FreeMind. If you have Microsoft Frontpage available, it is convenient to create and edit HTML content there and paste it to and from FreeMind. Beware that the html code has to start with <html>. This way, you can conveniently create tables using the drawing tools of Frontpage. You can create formatted text this way as well; in that case, beware to set <body width=600> or similar. However, FreeMind does not interpret all HTML; especially, it does not interpret inline CSS styling so you have to use hard formatting instead.


If you want the table borders to have a nice two dimensional look rather than bevelled, start the HTML as follows.
=== How can I keep FreeMind from opening the last file from the last session? ===
 
One way is to disable the changing of the file "auto.properties" (which is in the same folder as [[user.properties]]). Be aware that the menu "Edit -> Preferences" will not change anything any more than!<br>
<html>
To do that go to the file auto.properties and delete everything behind "onStartIfNotSpecified=" in that line. Now set the file "auto.properties" to read-only.
<head>
<style> td { border-style: solid } table { border-style: solid } </style>
</head>




===To change the fill color on bubbles.===
There's an icon for it at the main toolbar. Additionally,
you can find it in the popup menu at Node > Style > Cloud color.




===To remove a cloud.===
Press Ctrl+Shift+B to toggle clouds.


== FreeMind on Microsoft Windows ==


How do I install a test version of FreeMind? Just unzip the package to the folder "C:\Program Files\FreeMind". That completes the "installation". You can start it by running freemind.exe. You can find test versions here .
===To search in FreeMind.===
''Keywords: find.'' Press Ctrl + F. For finding next occurrence, press Ctrl + G. Searching is
restricted to the descendants of the node selected when pressing Ctrl + F. The search is
a breadth-first search, first finding occurrences in the nodes closer to the starting node.


FreeMind does not seem to be affected by the things I edit in the user.properties. Why? Read the anser here: user.properties


To create a screenshort of FreeMind and paste it into Microsoft Word or Microsoft Powerpoint. To take a screenshot of your whole windows screen into clipboard, press Ctrl + Print Screen. To take a screenshot of the active window only into clipboard, press Alt + Print Screen. Select your Word or Powerpoint document and press Ctrl + V. On German keyboard, the key PrintScreen? has the label ``Druck''. However, such a screenshot also contains FreeMind's window frame, not just the map contents. In Microsoft Word and Microsoft Powerpoint, this can be solved by cropping the screenshot; the cropping tool can be found in Picture toolbar.
===To move nodes around.=== To move them up and down, user ctrl + up and down arrows. To move
them wherever you want, use drag'n drop with mouse. ''Keywords: move around, reorganize.''


To export a map to Microsoft Powerpoint. There's no elegant way to export a map to Powerpoint. The only way to do it is to take a screenshot, and paste it into Powerpoint.
<!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>
==Mind maps on web pages with FreeMind's applet==




''' To get FreeMind's applet working. '''
See <a href="http://freemind.sourceforge.net/docs/Serving%20Freemind%20maps%20in%20a%20browser">the guide</a>.
If you'd like to view a mind map published by someone else and have problems, check out in the Internet Explorer
if in Tools > Internet Options > Advanced > Java > ``Use Java2'' is enabled. Of course, you'll need to have Sun
Java installed.




Other things
=== To present your mind map on the web. ===
Use FreeMind's browser applet. The following "document":http://freemind.sourceforge.net/docs/Serving%20Freemind%20maps%20in%20a%20browser/index.html (thanks to Bob) explains what to do to have a complete testing environment for your applet. The most common problem to see a freemind browser applet is that you have to use Java >= 1.4 in your browser. Check this using the "About plugins" section of your browser (or a similar place).


Other sources of information about FreeMind


See also Tips and Tricks for FreeMind.  
=== To view the toolbar automatically after the applet starts. ===
Don't forget the documentation mind maps found in FreeMind's help menu.  
It is necessary to edit the html starter of the applet and change the corresponding property. That is, set
To spell FreeMind correctly. "FreeMind", with a capital M.
toolbarVisible=true. More precisely, add a tag &lt;PARAM NAME="toolbarVisible" VALUE="true"&gt; to freemindbrowser.html or whatever name
you have changed the file to.


To suggest new enhancements of FreeMind Keywords: additional features, additional functions. At FreeMind's project page, you can submit Requests for Enhancements (RFEs)


=== Is there a list of names and values and functions of all params for the applet? ===
No. Theoretically, all parameters found in user.properties can be used as parameters of the applet.


<!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>
==Bugs (and workarounds) in FreeMind==




===FreeMind behaves strange or crashes. What can I do?===
First try reinstalling both Java (mostly the latest version is best) and Freemind. Often this solves problems.
One of the problems solved in this way was:


This FAQ
'' ''My computer crashes, or more precisely locks, when I click on a link in FreeMind, using J2RE 1.4.2_03 on Windows 98. Reinstalling helped. In retrospect, I think what broke it was that I renamed the J2RE directory to something easier to write in the bat file path statement. Broke it. ''


I have a question not listed here, what should I do? Add your question here to the section Questions not yet answered. Or, ask your question in FreeMind's Help forum. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will get help, still, many users get it.


To edit this FAQ. Edit this page like any other wiki page (click edit or press alt-E). But if you're adding a question, copy the format of an old question and edit it (to give it a matching HTML named anchor like the others). This will cause it to appear in the automatic table of contents. Section headings are marked with h2 tags.
=== When I drag files into the FreeMind window, FreeMind just works very long or I get a mind map of the file system ===
This is a bug which is a least present on FreeMind 7.2 beta and lower on Windows. I only know of a wordaround for this: Go to the [[user.properties]] and delete ",freemind.modes.filemode.FileMode". This disables the file mode of FreeMind.


Or, just post as a comment and someone will merge it later.


Note: The anchor references to questions ending in _? (eg. How ?) do not work. Please put the question mark directly after the last word of the sentence. I guess it's browser-specific. I've been relying on mozilla. Are there other links that don't work for some people?
=== Changing the key bindings in user.properties does not work ===
It seems that capitalization IS important in the keybindings. I wrote "enter" and it didn't work. I changed it to "ENTER" and it worked!
(FreeMind 7.2 beta)


Where can I practice editing pages on this Wiki? Click on this link and just hit the edit button on the lower right: Sandbox


<!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>
==Using: HTML-related things==




=== What HTML tags does FreeMind support? ===
FreeMind basic HTML supports in its nodes. The node must start with "&lt;html>" for that!
What HTML is supported depends on the Java virtual machine.
Among others, users have reported the following uses:


Questions not yet answered
'' &lt;html>&lt;p style="background-color:yellow">the node text&lt;/p>


Don't hesitate to post your messages here below.


How can I include FreeMind maps in Wikka Wiki pages?
=== To embed, or more precisely link, images into FreeMind. ===
You can link imagines into FreeMind using context menu of a node, accesed using right click (on MAC OS X Panther use Control click). Or type the following: <pre>&lt;html&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;image.jpg&quot;&gt;&lt;/html&gt;</pre>
where image.jpg is the reference to an image.




=== To put the contents of a Microsoft Word document into FreeMind. ===


'' First paste the Word document into Microsoft FrontPage.


'' Delete the images afterwards as FreeMind does not support them.


stand alone browser -- Wed, 05 May 2004 20:05:27 +0200 reply
'' Remove the &lt;head> ... &lt;/head> in the source text view in FrontPage.
is there a way to include and use the FreeMind browser applet on a CD-ROM. I want to use it to present my mindmap in a browser with links to documents included on the cd-rom and on the internet.


Linking trees -- Fri, 07 May 2004 22:51:58 +0200 reply
'' But leave the &lt;html>! The node needs to start with that.
Is there a way to associate a whole subtree from another part in the map? For instance, I am trying to create topics of programming knowledge and find that "Patterns" would fall under "C++", "JAVA" and "General programming techniques". I just want to make sure that what gets changed under one subtree gets propagated to the other instances.


Re: Linking Trees -- Sat, 08 May 2004 00:15:21 +0200 reply
'' Replace &lt;body&gt; with &lt;body width=600&gt; or similar width specification.
Answer to the above "Linking Trees" (teaches me to read the friendly manual first): 1. Go to the source node. 2. Mark it with the mouse. 3. Press the left mouse button. 4. Hold this button. 5. Press Ctrl+Shift buttons. 6. Continue to hold all these buttons. 7. Go to the destination node. 8. Release the mouse button, first. 9. Then release the keybord buttons.


You have your link. Alternatively, drag'n drop holding right mouse button.
'' Finally, paste the HTML text as a long node into FreeMind.


... -- Mon, 10 May 2004 14:48:11 +0200 reply
Can I configure the html export so that it includes a link to a CSS? So I don't have always to change the exported html page.


... -- Fri, 14 May 2004 16:32:59 +0200 reply
=== To have tables in FreeMind. ===
No. Currently, you can't configure the html export so that it includes a link to CSS or CSS itself.
If you have Microsoft Frontpage available, it is convenient to create and
edit HTML content there and paste it to and from FreeMind. Beware that the html code has to start with
''&lt;html&gt;''. This way, you can conveniently create tables using the drawing tools of Frontpage.
You can create formatted text this way as well; in that case, beware to set ''&lt;body width=600&gt;''
or similar. However, FreeMind does not interpret all HTML; especially, it does not interpret inline
CSS styling so you have to use hard formatting instead.


It doesn't work for me :-( -- Sun, 16 May 2004 15:31:14 +0200 reply
If you want the table borders to have a nice two dimensional look rather than bevelled, start
I installed the latest Java and then FreeMind. I had a play with FreeMind and it crashed. I had to restart my WinXP? machine. Since then, cannot run FreeMind. I have uninstalled FreeMind and Java. Then re-installed Java then FreeMind. If I double click or run the FreeMind exe I don't see a window appear, nothing in the taskbar or anything. Also, if I try open a page on your site, that needs Java then my IE window just closes. Shame, I was looking forward to trying FreeMind. Any ideas?
the HTML as follows.


Platforms -- Wed, 19 May 2004 08:21:49 +0200 reply
&lt;html><br>
As a Java based an hopefully crossflatform application, is it theoretically possible to run on Mac not OS X? What are the problems?
&lt;head><br>
&lt;style> td  { border-style: solid } table { border-style: solid } &lt;/style><br>
&lt;/head><br>


Re: Platforms -- Wed, 19 May 2004 21:43:24 +0200 reply
<!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>
It's just that nobody reported running FreeMind on other OS of Mac than Mac OS X. I am ignorant on Mac's operating systems anyway.
==FreeMind on Microsoft Windows==


Re: Platforms -- Thu, 27 May 2004 04:21:50 +0200 reply
The old Macs are in effect a differen operating system and Apple is nolonger updating it. The old macs do not have Java 1.4+ and will never get it. Solution, old mac user upgrade to OSX and then run FreeMind, which works very well on OSX 10.3.3 Java 1.4.2


Antialias? -- Mon, 24 May 2004 13:00:28 +0200 reply
=== How do I install a test version of FreeMind? ===
What does "antialias" mean in FreeMind Preferences? Answer: To antialias means to make fonts or curves look smooth by drawing additional pixels with in-between color. See also wikipedia on antialiasing.
Just unzip the package to the folder "C:\Program Files\FreeMind". That completes the "installation".
You can start it by running freemind.exe. You can find test versions "here":http://freemind.sourceforge.net/testversions/ .




On linking nodes with OpenOffice1?.1.1. under Linux2.4 -- Mon, 07 Jun 2004 10:51:23 +0200 reply
===FreeMind does not seem to be affected by the things I edit in the user.properties. Why?===
Hello, under W2K, I can link nodes with external documents without any problem. Under Linux I didn't figure out a way of doing the same. A 2003 post by Daniel stated that, at this time, there was no other possiblity under Linux but launching Mozilla whatever file extension or mime type was associated in the link. Is there a way now ? (2004/06/07)
Read the anser here: [[user.properties]]


Re: On linking nodes with OpenOffice1?.1.1. under Linux2.4 -- Mon, 07 Jun 2004 13:40:52 +0200 reply
Self answer, found in a forum : "Answer Unlike Windows, Linux does not have a core facility that launches applications based on a file's MIMEtype?. Such capabilities exist in various places - such as in the file managers for the desktops - but I know of no command you could reliably use in all Linux environments to launch an application from a file." One possible solution might be to launch the file in Netscape itself, with the AppletContext?.showDocument() method. Netscape would presumably "show" the document in some way that makes sense for the document's MIMEtype?." ____


Well well, if starting an application based on the mime type seems difficult in Linux, it may exist another way. Sorry for the presumable childish question : is it possible to use Mozilla for issuing a shell like commande, like "../program/swriter toto.sxw" ? Or anything else that would open the linked openoffice file from a node and letting not only view (a html save as would do it) but actually edit? Thank you for your attention. JFD PS If there is no elegant workaround, I'll copy the full text paths in the text nodes and later copy to the openOffice url locator for editing / viewing.
===To create a screenshort of FreeMind and paste it into Microsoft Word or Microsoft Powerpoint.===
To take a screenshot of your whole windows screen into clipboard, press Ctrl + Print Screen. To take a screenshot
of the active window only into clipboard, press Alt + Print Screen. Select your Word or Powerpoint document
and press Ctrl + V. On German keyboard, the key PrintScreen has the label ``Druck''. However, such a screenshot
also contains FreeMind's window frame, not just the map contents. In Microsoft Word and Microsoft Powerpoint, this
can be solved by cropping the screenshot; the cropping tool can be found in Picture toolbar.


Hosting freemind on IIS -- Tue, 08 Jun 2004 07:16:45 +0200 reply
How to Host freemind on IIS


W2K, OpenOffice1?.1.1 (upgrade), and broken file links -- Wed, 09 Jun 2004 20:10:53 +0200 reply
===To export a map to Microsoft Powerpoint.===
Since upgrading my OpenOffice from 1.1.0 to 1.1.1 a link to a spreadsheet no longer works. I've tried re-doing the link to no avail. No other problems noted with the OO or freemind; what now?
There's no elegant way to export a map to Powerpoint. The only way to do it is to take a screenshot,
and paste it into Powerpoint.


maybe wikimedia or tiki instead?... this wiki is not very wiki like -- Thu, 10 Jun 2004 02:20:08 +0200 reply


<!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
==Other things==


stand alone browser -- Thu, 10 Jun 2004 02:21:54 +0200 reply
load it all in one folder with relative links and burn... tell us what happens


Re: maybe wikimedia or tiki instead?... this wiki is not very wiki like -- Fri, 11 Jun 2004 19:23:22 +0200 reply
=== Other sources of information about FreeMind ===
Well, I think this Wiki is just fine. Whether it uses what is considered standard Wiki markup I cannot tell; the markup is quite fine anyway. Dan of FreeMind.


Email Links from FreeMind -- Thu, 17 Jun 2004 07:12:30 +0200 reply
'' See also [[Tips and Tricks for FreeMind]].
How do I paste in an email link? I can paste in a link to a message, but it doesn't seem to work like the example on the Documentation


W2K, OpenOffice1?.1.1 (upgrade), and broken file links -- Fri, 18 Jun 2004 15:51:26 +0200 reply
'' Don't forget the documentation mind maps found in FreeMind's help menu.
Regarding this roblem of mine -- might it help to reinstall FreeMind?


more languages? -- Sat, 19 Jun 2004 01:08:44 +0200 reply
Is German or French available? Re: Change the language in user.properties.


.deb install -- Sun, 20 Jun 2004 22:57:33 +0200 reply
=== To spell FreeMind correctly. ===
hello, how do I install freemind[bla]?.deb on my debian system? I did not find any answers about what to do after downloading the dot deb file on this page :(
"FreeMind", with a capital M.


URL nodes -- Fri, 25 Jun 2004 18:09:59 +0200 reply
Can you have nodes that are URLs?? Re: What do you mean by ,,nodes that are URLS?'' Nodes can have web links inserted, but that does not seem to answer your question. Re: I am sorry - Ctrl K does what I wanted. (great tool by the way!)


Difference between FreeMind and Buzan mind-maps? -- Mon, 28 Jun 2004 17:52:56 +0200 reply
=== To suggest new enhancements of FreeMind ===
Why do you say that FreeMind isn't really like Buzan-style mind-maps? Simon Re: We have several reasons for warning users that FreeMind does not comply fully with Buzan's wishes. Firstly, the graphical possibilities are limited. The look of the main branches is basically the same as the look of secondary branches. The positioning of the main branches is not flexible, unlike in MindManager. Secondly, the support for pictures is inferior. We do not support pictures embedded directly in the mind map, i.e. the picture files are stored outside the mind maps. And when you try to edit a picture, your favorite bitmap editor is not opened. Summed up, it is possible to work with pictures, but not seamless. Our main point is to keep as many as possible of the statements we make on the web pages traceable. We don't want to create a gap between expectations created by our presentation texts and by the actual user experience. Dan of FreeMind
''Keywords: additional features, additional functions.''
At FreeMind's project page, you can "submit Requests for Enhancements (RFEs)":http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=7118&atid=357118


Provide links between nodes or link to a specific node in a different map -- Thu, 01 Jul 2004 19:54:05 +0200 reply
<!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
Is there a way to establish a link from one node to another node, either in the same, or a different map?


Forked background colors -- Wed, 07 Jul 2004 03:56:02 +0200 reply
==This FAQ==
How, precisely, do you change the background color - not text - of the forked (not Cloud) style of the nodes?


To open links in only one browser window, rather than several -- Wed, 07 Jul 2004 04:13:40 +0200 reply
Depends on the internet browser you are using. With Mozilla Firefox with TabBrowser? Extension you can customize Mozilla to work with one window only, open new links in separated Tabs.


To set background picture -- Wed, 07 Jul 2004 04:43:57 +0200 reply
=== I have a question not listed here, what should I do? ===
Hmm - can you specify a picture to be used as the background and not a color per se? Re: No, it's not possible.
Add your question here to the section ''Questions not yet answered''. Or, ask your question in FreeMind's "Help forum":http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?forum_id=22102. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that
you will get help, still, many users get it.


.deb install -- Thu, 15 Jul 2004 17:42:04 +0200 reply
I tried the following and it worked (Debian/sarge): $ dpkg -i freemind.deb


Cheers, Christophe.
===To edit this FAQ.===
Edit this page like any other wiki page (click edit or press alt-E). But if you're
adding a question, copy the format of an old question and edit it (to give it a matching HTML named anchor like the others).
This will cause it to appear in the automatic table of contents.
Section headings are marked with h2 tags.


Multi-line nodes overlap others -- Thu, 15 Jul 2004 20:10:19 +0200 reply
Or, just post as a comment and someone will merge it later.  
Multi-line nodes overlap with other nodes, making the others difficult to see and access. How can I stop this happening? Re: This is a known error; only the children of the root suffer from this.


Fonts -- Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:49:26 +0200 reply
Note: The anchor references to questions ending in '_?' (eg. 'How ?') do not work. Please put the question mark directly after the last word of the sentence. ''I guess it's browser-specific. I've been relying on mozilla. Are there other links that don't work for some people?''
Is there a simple way of changing the fonts (or color, size, etc) of all nodes at once?


.deb install and dependences -- Wed, 28 Jul 2004 14:39:49 +0200 reply
freemind Debian package needs j2re1.4 or java2-runtime packages that are not in Debian archives. How can I find them ? Thanks for your answer.


... -- Wed, 28 Jul 2004 21:56:25 +0200 reply
===Where can I practice editing pages on this Wiki?===
Click on this link and just hit the edit button on the lower right: [[Sandbox]]


==Questions not yet answered==


installation won't pick up j2se1.4 -- Wed, 28 Jul 2004 22:05:43 +0200 reply
Don't hesitate to post your messages here below.
I'm trying to install freemind-0.7.1-2.noarch.rpm on Sun's Java Desktop 2.0 (which is essentially SuSE? with some interface changes. I get the following messages:
 
 
# rpm -i freemind-0.7.1-2.noarch.rpm
error: failed dependencies:
java_runtime >= 1.4 is needed by freemind-0.7.1-2
 
However, as you can see, I have TWO j2re's >= 1.4:
 
 
j2re-1.4.2_04-fcs
j2re-1.4.2_05-fcs
 
java is in the path:
 
 
# which java
/usr/java/j2re1.4.2_05/bin/java
# java -fullversion
java full version "1.4.2_05-b04"
 
And just for good measure, I've set the JAVA_HOME variable:
 
 
# printenv JAVA_HOME
/usr/java/j2re1.4.2_05
 
What is the secret handshake, here?!?
 
re: installation won't pick up j2se1.4 -- Thu, 29 Jul 2004 09:06:38 +0200 reply
Whatever your problem is, the plain binary distribution of FreeMind (in contrast to RPM packaging) should work for you.
 
re: installation won't pick up j2se1.4 -- Fri, 13 Aug 2004 22:52:31 +0200 reply
I have just installed FreeMind RPM and had the same problem. As I was sure my j2re was OK, I just made a rpm -i --nodeps. Freemind is working fine.
 
can't edit wiki -- Mon, 16 Aug 2004 19:22:10 +0200 reply
 
 
Is there any support for import/export from MindMapper?? If not are there any clever hacks to do most of the work?
 
Deleting Nodes -- Tue, 17 Aug 2004 12:24:32 +0200 reply
Is there a way to invoke the deletion of a node with a keyboard combination rather than the right click menus. Althought this is a personal preference anyway, as someone who suffers with RSI, I try to avoid as much mouse activity as possible. Many thanks Re: Press Ctrl + X to delete a node with keyboard.
 
line-break -- Wed, 18 Aug 2004 12:31:41 +0200 reply
Is it possible to have a line-break in a node?
 
line-break -- Wed, 18 Aug 2004 12:56:33 +0200 reply
found it myself already. great tool BTW
 
Notes -- Wed, 18 Aug 2004 15:59:14 +0200 reply
Is there a way of attaching a note to a node? For example I want to provide more information on a specific node for review purposes without having to add the contents of my note as a separate child node because it is not part of the scheme at hand.
 
repository for easy distribution to education admins -- Mon, 23 Aug 2004 06:04:34 +0200 reply
It would be fantastic if resources were found to supply an rpm repository for the educators using apt-get or yum to maintain and update LTSP; LTSP supplies some 100,000+ students with computer services.
 
re: installation won't pick up j2se1.4 -- Mon, 23 Aug 2004 06:56:57 +0200 reply
history of install: 3827 sudo rpm -i --nodeps freemind-0.7.1-2.noarch.rpm 3828 ls 3829 whereis freemind 3830 updatedb 3831 sudo updatedb 3832 freemind/ 3833 ls 3834 sudo freemind
 
/usr/bin/freemind: line 30: java: command not found
 
fc1
 
installation won't pick up j2se1.4 -- Mon, 23 Aug 2004 07:46:15 +0200 reply
I'm not nearly as successful as you. I just installed the jre but it's not coming up when I run which java... How did you set your path? dgd goes looking
 
zope: no threaded comments -- Mon, 23 Aug 2004 07:47:16 +0200 reply
Bummer, zope doesn't appear to thread comments.
 
zope: no threaded comments -- Mon, 23 Aug 2004 07:48:17 +0200 reply
and clicking on the table of contents doesn't jump to page anchor
 
Easiest way to combine two maps? -- Fri, 27 Aug 2004 22:07:23 +0200 reply
What is the easiest way to combine two large maps into one, preferably preserving the first two? I'd like to run two separate sessions of Freemind with two different groups of people, then combine the results.
 
Creating Links textfile and Filechooser -- Thu, 02 Sep 2004 16:26:13 +0200 reply
I am trying to create a link in one mm that links to another mm file. This works okay if the target mm is in my home directory (in my case "P:\My Documents"), but if the target is in a subdirectory of home, I get a "New Mindmap".


Creating graphical links beyond the page borders -- Mon, 06 Sep 2004 17:42:31 +0200 reply
When creating a graphical link and it's beyond the page borders...how do you scroll the screen while holding left mouse button + cntrl + shift. I can's find a way to scroll. Is it possible? Mouse scroll button does not function and neither does the side bar. Maybe I'm missing something.Any suggestions?


Viewing online, works in IE6 beautifully, no interation in Firefoc 0.9 -- Thu, 09 Sep 2004 23:48:04 +0200 reply
</table>
Having published a test map at http://www.kilobox.net/mindmaps/freemindbrowser.html I fid it works so well in IE6, right clicking functionality and (un)folding children, but there's no such interaction in Firefox 0.9. I've checked my java settings, but no idea, any help? email Wedgekin gmail.com

Revision as of 17:21, 10 September 2004


Here we collect a list of asked questions and answers related to free mind mapping software FreeMind. Help if you can (<a href="#How do I edit this FAQ?">How do I edit this FAQ?</a>) Apart from this page, don't miss FreeMind's <a href="http://freemind.sourceforge.net">home page</a>. If you're searching for an answer to your question, why don't you just press Ctrl + F in your browser?

Installation

To download Java Runtime Environment needed to run FreeMind.

To download JRE for Windows, go to "Download on Sun":http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html, go to the section Download J2SE v 1.4. ... and now choose the column "JRE":http://javashoplm.sun.com/ECom/docs/Welcome.jsp?StoreId=22&PartDetailId=j2re-1.4.2_03-oth-JPR&SiteId=JSC&TransactionId=noreg, not SDK. The installation file of JRE has approximately 15 MB.


=== FreeMind cannot detect new version of Java. What can I do? === Let us assume that you have installed a new version of Java, and still, FreeMind complains about having old version of Java. This may occur especially if you installed SDK rather than JRE. SDK stands for standard development kit and contains much more than you need to run FreeMind; you only need runtime environment. It is important that the new version of java is in your path. To check it out on Microsoft Windows, run command ``cmd using Windows-key + R, followed by ``java -version. You should get something like 

java version "1.4.2_03"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.4.2_03-b02)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.4.2_03-b02, mixed mode)

where the particular version number is not important as long as it is at least 1.4.0.


With what Java virtual machines does FreeMind actually work?

FreeMind works with the virual machines from Sun, from the version 1.4.0 and higher. Additionally, FreeMind has been reported to run on the JDK 1.4.2 from Blackdown.


Using

Is there no undo in FreeMind?

There is no undo so far. Help against data loss are offered by:

FreeMind's autosave-feature

You can install a clipboard manager, which will make all elements, which you cut from FreeMind, available in its history. A freeware example of a clipboard manager for MS Windows is "Yankee Clipper":http://www.yankee-clipper.net


=== How much memory do I need? === Keywords: RAM. Experience shows that 64 Mb is not sufficient, while 128 Mb is already ok, provided that you do not run another Java application. Correct me if I'm wrong. I am using FreeMind on Windows 95 + 128 Mb without any problems.


To create a graphical link.

0. Go to the source node.

0. Mark it with the mouse.

0. Press the left mouse button.

0. Hold this button.

0. Press Ctrl+Shift buttons.

0. Continue to hold all these buttons.

0. Go to the destination node.

0. Release the mouse button, first.

0. Then release the keybord buttons.

You have your link. Alternatively, drag'n drop holding right mouse button.


To remove a graphical link.

0. Right-Click on the curved arrow of the graphical link

0. Choose "Remove Arrow Link" from the pop-up menu

(Left-clicking on a graphical link does nothing)


To print from FreeMind on Linux.

In Debian GNU/Linux some users use cupsys-bsd package to print via CUPS printing system and it works fine for them.


To add user icons to FreeMind.

Currently, really adding user icons is not possible. BUT you can inline images in any node. Just something like this: <html><img src="me.jpg"> in the a FreeMind node. This should also work with local files with "file:" instead of "http:".


To open links in only one browser window, rather than several.

To our knowledge this is not possible at the moment.


=== Is it difficult to provide FreeMind with Java Webstart?=== Well, it's not that easy. Joerg Mueller succeeded in doing just that and has sent his source code to Daniel Polansky, who did not succeed in getting it running; he did not consider that a high priority. What is important is that Microsoft Windows users have a convenient installer, and the users of the other operating systems are already used to not so convenient methods; the installation is pretty straightforward anyway.


To run FreeMind on Linux.

If you're experiencing problems running FreeMind on Linux, also try to change the user rights of freemind.sh with ``chmod u+x ./freemind.sh. After that you should be able to run FreeMind with ``./freemind.sh


To create PDF out of FreeMind's mind map. If you want to create pdf out of FreeMind's mind map, you've got several options. One of the options you have is to download <a href="http://courses.iicm.edu/~hkrott/site/docs/seminar/sem2002_mindmaps.tar.gz">XSLT transformations sheets</a> from Christoph Rissner, convert FreeMind's mind map to Mind Manager's mind map, then to DocBook, and create pdf from that DocBook. You can read more on that on <a href="http://courses.iicm.edu/~hkrott/site/veranstaltungen/seminar/abgeschlossen.html">Abgeschlossene Arbeiten</a> > Mind Maps.


To convert mind maps between FreeMind and MindManager.

Click here: Import and export to other applications


Who's the development team of FreeMind? Daniel Polansky: the director of FreeMind is Daniel Polansky, i.e. me. The label ``director is not quite appropriate, ``parliament would be better. I test new versions, give advice, sometimes act in the name of FreeMind, forbid versions to be released because of insufficient quality, and approve them when they're ready. Also, I set up mantinels for new directions.

The main actor on the scene is Christian Foltin. We use the label ``code master to denote his role, and also ``manager. He does most of the work and decides on which code changes are acceptable what concerns the coding quality. He takes care of mergers. Also, he coordinates the developers.


To have brainstorm-like mode similar to one found in MindManager.

Did you notice you can hit Enter and Shift-Enter to create sibling nodes? It is not exactly the behavior of brainstorm mode of MindManager, but still close to it.


On what operating systems have people actually succeeded in running FreeMind?

Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003 Server, Linux (Mandrake 9.2, RedHat Pro WS 3, SuSE 8.2 (using the RPM for 9.0), SuSE 9.0, Debian sarge, Debian sid, Slackware 9.1, which others?), Mac OS X (10.3), OS/2. Keywords: platforms.


Is there a PDA-Version, e.g. for Palm or Pocket PC??

Not that we know of. So far, no one has reported a success at running FreeMind on Palm or Pocket PC. See FreeMindPDAVersion.


How large maps can I edit with FreeMind?

Theoretically, there are no built-in limits. Practially, the maximum reported size is 3 MB; after exporting to HTML and pasting to Microsoft Word, the very same content had 3.8 MB. For a better practical estimation, experimental test are needed as the maximum given so far is only a lower bound on practial limits.


How can I keep FreeMind from opening the last file from the last session?

One way is to disable the changing of the file "auto.properties" (which is in the same folder as user.properties). Be aware that the menu "Edit -> Preferences" will not change anything any more than!
To do that go to the file auto.properties and delete everything behind "onStartIfNotSpecified=" in that line. Now set the file "auto.properties" to read-only.


To change the fill color on bubbles.

There's an icon for it at the main toolbar. Additionally, you can find it in the popup menu at Node > Style > Cloud color.


To remove a cloud.

Press Ctrl+Shift+B to toggle clouds.


To search in FreeMind.

Keywords: find. Press Ctrl + F. For finding next occurrence, press Ctrl + G. Searching is restricted to the descendants of the node selected when pressing Ctrl + F. The search is a breadth-first search, first finding occurrences in the nodes closer to the starting node.


===To move nodes around.=== To move them up and down, user ctrl + up and down arrows. To move them wherever you want, use drag'n drop with mouse. Keywords: move around, reorganize.

Mind maps on web pages with FreeMind's applet

To get FreeMind's applet working. See <a href="http://freemind.sourceforge.net/docs/Serving%20Freemind%20maps%20in%20a%20browser">the guide</a>. If you'd like to view a mind map published by someone else and have problems, check out in the Internet Explorer if in Tools > Internet Options > Advanced > Java > ``Use Java2 is enabled. Of course, you'll need to have Sun Java installed.


To present your mind map on the web.

Use FreeMind's browser applet. The following "document":http://freemind.sourceforge.net/docs/Serving%20Freemind%20maps%20in%20a%20browser/index.html (thanks to Bob) explains what to do to have a complete testing environment for your applet. The most common problem to see a freemind browser applet is that you have to use Java >= 1.4 in your browser. Check this using the "About plugins" section of your browser (or a similar place).


To view the toolbar automatically after the applet starts.

It is necessary to edit the html starter of the applet and change the corresponding property. That is, set toolbarVisible=true. More precisely, add a tag <PARAM NAME="toolbarVisible" VALUE="true"> to freemindbrowser.html or whatever name you have changed the file to.


Is there a list of names and values and functions of all params for the applet?

No. Theoretically, all parameters found in user.properties can be used as parameters of the applet.

Bugs (and workarounds) in FreeMind

FreeMind behaves strange or crashes. What can I do?

First try reinstalling both Java (mostly the latest version is best) and Freemind. Often this solves problems. One of the problems solved in this way was:

My computer crashes, or more precisely locks, when I click on a link in FreeMind, using J2RE 1.4.2_03 on Windows 98. Reinstalling helped. In retrospect, I think what broke it was that I renamed the J2RE directory to something easier to write in the bat file path statement. Broke it.


When I drag files into the FreeMind window, FreeMind just works very long or I get a mind map of the file system

This is a bug which is a least present on FreeMind 7.2 beta and lower on Windows. I only know of a wordaround for this: Go to the user.properties and delete ",freemind.modes.filemode.FileMode". This disables the file mode of FreeMind.


Changing the key bindings in user.properties does not work

It seems that capitalization IS important in the keybindings. I wrote "enter" and it didn't work. I changed it to "ENTER" and it worked! (FreeMind 7.2 beta)


Using: HTML-related things

What HTML tags does FreeMind support?

FreeMind basic HTML supports in its nodes. The node must start with "<html>" for that! What HTML is supported depends on the Java virtual machine. Among others, users have reported the following uses:

<html><p style="background-color:yellow">the node text</p>


To embed, or more precisely link, images into FreeMind.

You can link imagines into FreeMind using context menu of a node, accesed using right click (on MAC OS X Panther use Control click). Or type the following: 
<html><img src="image.jpg"></html>

where image.jpg is the reference to an image.


To put the contents of a Microsoft Word document into FreeMind.

First paste the Word document into Microsoft FrontPage.

Delete the images afterwards as FreeMind does not support them.

Remove the <head> ... </head> in the source text view in FrontPage.

But leave the <html>! The node needs to start with that.

Replace <body> with <body width=600> or similar width specification.

Finally, paste the HTML text as a long node into FreeMind.


To have tables in FreeMind.

If you have Microsoft Frontpage available, it is convenient to create and edit HTML content there and paste it to and from FreeMind. Beware that the html code has to start with <html>. This way, you can conveniently create tables using the drawing tools of Frontpage. You can create formatted text this way as well; in that case, beware to set <body width=600> or similar. However, FreeMind does not interpret all HTML; especially, it does not interpret inline CSS styling so you have to use hard formatting instead.

If you want the table borders to have a nice two dimensional look rather than bevelled, start the HTML as follows.

<html>
<head>
<style> td { border-style: solid } table { border-style: solid } </style>
</head>

FreeMind on Microsoft Windows

How do I install a test version of FreeMind?

Just unzip the package to the folder "C:\Program Files\FreeMind". That completes the "installation". You can start it by running freemind.exe. You can find test versions "here":http://freemind.sourceforge.net/testversions/ .


FreeMind does not seem to be affected by the things I edit in the user.properties. Why?

Read the anser here: user.properties


To create a screenshort of FreeMind and paste it into Microsoft Word or Microsoft Powerpoint.

To take a screenshot of your whole windows screen into clipboard, press Ctrl + Print Screen. To take a screenshot of the active window only into clipboard, press Alt + Print Screen. Select your Word or Powerpoint document and press Ctrl + V. On German keyboard, the key PrintScreen has the label ``Druck. However, such a screenshot also contains FreeMind's window frame, not just the map contents. In Microsoft Word and Microsoft Powerpoint, this can be solved by cropping the screenshot; the cropping tool can be found in Picture toolbar.


To export a map to Microsoft Powerpoint.

There's no elegant way to export a map to Powerpoint. The only way to do it is to take a screenshot, and paste it into Powerpoint.


Other things

Other sources of information about FreeMind

See also Tips and Tricks for FreeMind.

Don't forget the documentation mind maps found in FreeMind's help menu.


To spell FreeMind correctly.

"FreeMind", with a capital M.


To suggest new enhancements of FreeMind

Keywords: additional features, additional functions. At FreeMind's project page, you can "submit Requests for Enhancements (RFEs)":http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=7118&atid=357118


This FAQ

I have a question not listed here, what should I do?

Add your question here to the section Questions not yet answered. Or, ask your question in FreeMind's "Help forum":http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?forum_id=22102. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will get help, still, many users get it.


To edit this FAQ.

Edit this page like any other wiki page (click edit or press alt-E). But if you're adding a question, copy the format of an old question and edit it (to give it a matching HTML named anchor like the others). This will cause it to appear in the automatic table of contents. Section headings are marked with h2 tags.

Or, just post as a comment and someone will merge it later.

Note: The anchor references to questions ending in '_?' (eg. 'How ?') do not work. Please put the question mark directly after the last word of the sentence. I guess it's browser-specific. I've been relying on mozilla. Are there other links that don't work for some people?


Where can I practice editing pages on this Wiki?

Click on this link and just hit the edit button on the lower right: Sandbox

Questions not yet answered

Don't hesitate to post your messages here below.


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