Your Ideas Go Round and Round — MindNode 2026.4
Sometimes taking a feature from its first idea to shipping it in the app only takes a few weeks. Sometimes it takes years. With MindNode 2026.4, both are true.
We first tried to bring a radial layout to MindNode more than 15 years ago. The idea was simple, but the technical and interaction challenges were complex, so we eventually gave up. Last year, we started again with a new approach, and this time we made much better progress.
On the other hand, we only recently decided to add LaTeX support to MindNode, and it took just a little over a week to bring the feature into the app.
Both features are shipping today, together with two other major improvements and many refinements.
Radial Layout
Mind maps do not always need to grow in just one direction. With the new radial layout, nodes are arranged in a circular structure around a central idea, giving your map a balanced 360° view.
This layout is especially useful when you want to explore a topic from all sides, compare related ideas, or create a more organic map that grows naturally in every direction.
New Node Shapes
During the development of radial layout, it became very apparent that a circular node shape would be a perfect fit. Together with the new square shape, you now have eight shapes to choose from to better structure and distinguish your ideas.
Use different shapes to highlight key thoughts, separate categories, or simply give your maps more visual variety while keeping them clear and easy to scan.
Tapered Branches
Tapered branches start wide and narrow down as they approach their node. They are available on the first level only and give your mind map a more organic look.
Tapered branches help guide the eye from main ideas to details, making the structure of your map easier to follow at a glance. It is a subtle visual change, but one that can make larger maps feel more natural and readable.
LaTeX
We know that many teachers, students, and technical thinkers love using MindNode. With LaTeX support, they can now express mathematical and technical ideas directly in their documents.
Add equations to explain calculations, relationships, formulas, or scientific concepts without leaving your thinking space. Whether you are studying, teaching, researching, or planning technical work, LaTeX helps keep important details connected to the ideas around them.
Even More Changes
Those are only the highlights, and this update includes several other nice improvements:
- Add widgets to Control Center or your Lock Screen
- More easily join shared documents
- Press “d” to detach a node while dragging
- Improved canvas zooming
And much more. Check out our detailed release notes for all changes.
Get MindNode
MindNode 2026.4 is available today on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. MindNode is also available on Setapp.
Download MindNode now and start exploring your ideas in a clearer, more expressive way.
