c. Creating Nodes

The first step in building the map is to create a node. A node is a shape that represents a concept or idea.

There are two primary methods to create nodes.

Method 1: Toolbar

  1. From the toolbar, click the Node Tool. The cursor takes the crosshair shape.
  2. Move the cursor onto the map panel where you would like the node to appear. The crosshair is visible.
  3. Click and drag on the map canvas. A new node is created.

Once the node is drawn it can be labeled.

  1. Ensure the cursor is flashing within the node and then type a name for the node.
  2. Click outside the node. The node is named.

The label can be as long as you want. While the Node Tool is selected, you may continue to create multiple nodes.

Preferences: Additionally, under Edit > Preferences > Node Creation (VUE > Preferences on the Mac), you can enable one click node creation. With this preference enabled, when the Node tool is selected, it takes just one click on the canvas to create a node.

Method 2: Contextual Menu

An alternative technique to using the shape tool to create new nodes is to use the right-click method on the map canvas. Right-clicking is a shortcut technique that generally brings up a contextual menu. If you prefer right-clicking:

  1. Click the Selection Tool. The cursor changes to an arrow.
  2. Right-click (Ctrl-click on the Mac) the map canvas. The context menu appears.
  3. Select Add Node. A new node is created.
  4. Ensure the cursor is flashing within the node and then type a name for the node.
  5. Click outside the node. The node is named.

Method 3: Rapid Prototyping Tool

This tool draws a link from an existing node and creates a new node.

  1. Click the Rapid Prototyping tool (the fourth tool from the left on the toolbar)
  2. Click an existing node.
  3. Drag out into the window. The link is created and extended.
  4. Release the mouse. A linked node is created.
  5. Type a name for the node.
  6. Click the link.
  7. Type a label for the link.
  8. Save your work.

To use the keyboard shortcut for this tool:

  1. Click the Selection tool. The cursor changes to an arrow.
  2. Click on the node and hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac).
  3. Drag out to empty canvas and release. A new link and node is created.

Method 4: Shortcut

Ctrl-N (Cmd-N on the Mac) is the keyboard shortcut for creating new nodes.

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To adjust node

  1. Select the node. Sizing handles appear around the node.
  2. On the Formatting Palette, adjust the properties. (see the section on the Formatting Palette)

Selection Tip

Instead of adjusting the style of multiple nodes one by one, you have the ability in VUE to adjust the properties of multiple nodes at the same time.
On the map canvas:

  1. Click and drag to draw a rectangle surrounding the nodes. Sizing handles appear around the selection.
  2. On the Formatting Palette, adjust the properties as outlined.