Keyboard-Based Node Reordering for List Layouts

theo west
theo west EN Basic Posts: 47 Star Contributor
edited April 16 in MindMeister Feature and Template Requests

I’d love to see a more efficient way to reorder nodes in mindmaps using keyboard shortcuts—especially for list or structured layouts where dragging nodes becomes tedious.

🔧 Suggested Functionality:

  • Activate Move Mode:
    Select one or more nodes, then hold down a multi-key shortcut (e.g., Cmd + Ctrl, Alt + Ctrl, etc.) to enter a special “move mode.”
  • While holding the shortcut:
    • Use arrow keys to physically move the selected node(s) in the pressed direction — up, down, left, or right — regardless of layout type.
      (Currently, arrow keys only change selection — this feature would allow actual repositioning of nodes.)
    • Or, use the mouse freely to scroll around the map. Still holding the shortcut, you could then click another node to define a destination point.
    • Release the shortcut and the selected node(s) would be inserted relative to that target (above, below, beside, etc depending on layout).
  • The nodes remain selected for further adjustments if needed.
  • Re-hold the shortcut at any time whilst still selected to fine-tune position using arrow keys again.

➕ Additional Notes:

  • Supports multi-node selections via Cmd/Alt + click.
  • Preserves relative order of multiple selected nodes.
  • Prioritizes direct, literal movement based on arrow key input — no need to "interpret" layout types.

✨ Why this matters:

Dragging nodes can be slow and frustrating — especially when rearranging items in a list or moving multiple nodes to a new location. This kind of keyboard-driven movement system would:

  • Greatly speed up reordering,
  • Reduce friction for power users,
  • And allow for much more fluid mindmap creation.
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Comments

  • theo west
    theo west EN Basic Posts: 47 Star Contributor

    Is there really no way of editing these posts? Anyway, here's further detail:


    Suggested steps for this feature:

    Select item(s), hold down the "key", then press left to move the item(s) next to their parent item, right to move them back and up or down to change their order.


    Since things work backward if items exist on the left side in the default mindmap layout, the left and right key functions will just have to flip.


    For the org chart layout, the left and right key changes the order, and up and down moves item(s) up and down.


    Examples with images:

    Screenshot 2022-10-28 at 05.17.35.png

    Step 1. Two items are selected.

    Screenshot 2022-10-28 at 05.18.16.png

    Step 2. The proposed keyboard shortcut is being held down and then the left key is pressed, allowing you to see that they will be placed furthest away in order from their parent item when you let go of the key.

    Screenshot 2022-10-28 at 05.18.04.png

    Step 3. The key is released and the items are placed with their parent.

    Screenshot 2022-10-28 at 05.27.23.png

    Step 4. Hold down the key again and press up to move them up in order.

    Screenshot 2022-10-28 at 05.27.32.png

    Step 5. Release to place them in place. I think y'all get the idea here.


    In conclusion:

    I wish to be more efficient with my process and I believe keyboard shortcuts are the epitome of just that. Dragging items around takes time and precision, especially when reordering listed layout items. Trial and error are required to move them into the right order sometimes, which is quite annoying.

  • Emily
    Emily EN Pro Posts: 132 Star Contributor

    Upvote +1 this is a great request and perfect for brainstorming

  • Miša Hennin
    Miša Hennin Admin, MeisterLobster, EN Business Posts: 1,688 Community Admin

    Hey Theo! Welcome to the Community 😄.

    Thanks for your idea and thorough explanation with screenshots. It's amazing when users share the detail on their feature request, otherwise we're left to do a lot of guess work.

    Plus, I totally agree with what you're suggesting. I think being able to use the keyboard to move things around your map would save time, increase efficiency and make the workflow smoother. It's similar to the other shortcuts we have which save time by removing the necessity to use the mouse. AND it's more precise, as you said! I've seen this most when working in AdobeXD. Whenever I move something by dragging it, it always ends up in the wrong places. Comparatively, with the arrow keys I can get things exactly where I want them bit by bit.

    So you've got my vote!

    P.S. Thanks so much for taking the time to make the screenshots.

  • theo west
    theo west EN Basic Posts: 47 Star Contributor

    Bump!

    I could've saved probably tens of hours of time if I had been able to use these proposed keyboard shortcuts!

  • Sonny Cano
    Sonny Cano EN Basic Posts: 5 Beginner
    https://community.meister.co/discussion/comment/764#Comment_764

    Why hardcode this by OS though?!?! Just fixed "issue" "system-wide" by adding MacOS shortcuts to ^c, ^x, ^v, etc. Works across all apps, even the browser EXCEPT when editing Mindmeister maps…

    Just either follow OS shortcuts/edits and/or allow US to edit them. I imagine this is also an issue for people who:

    1. Remote into MacOS from Windows/Linux
    2. Use non-Apple external Keyboards
    3. VMs

    Until this is availble/fixed - Is there a way to change URL to make Mindmeister think I'm on Windows/Linux?

  • theo west
    theo west EN Basic Posts: 47 Star Contributor

    Just another yearly bump.

  • theo west
    theo west EN Basic Posts: 47 Star Contributor

    Hey everyone — just a heads up that I’ve completely rewritten the original post to make the feature request clearer, more structured, easier to understand and relevant.

    If you were confused or unsure before, I’d love for you to give it another look. Feedback and support are always appreciated!

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