Welcome to SynapTree
Right, let me tell you why this exists — because I think you’ll relate to this.
I’ve always been someone who thinks in webs, not lists. When I’m working through an idea — whether it’s an app I’m building or a story I’m noodling on — my brain doesn’t produce neat outlines. It produces tangles. Character A knows Character B who once lived in Location C which is connected to Event D and, honestly, by the time I’ve written that sentence I’ve already lost the thread.
I tried every mind mapping tool out there. They were fine for meeting notes and project plans, but they all felt wrong for stories. They treated connections as afterthoughts — just lines between boxes. But in a story, the connection is the whole point. Whether Marcus and Elena are allies or rivals changes everything about your plot. Whether the Abandoned Castle borders the Dark Forest or floats in a completely different part of your world — that matters. I wanted a tool that understood that.
So I built SynapTree. It’s a narrative architecture tool — which is a fancy way of saying it’s the cartographer’s desk for your fictional world. You lay out characters, locations, events, and chapters as living, breathing nodes on a canvas. Then you draw the relationships between them — not just “these are connected” but how they’re connected. Allies. Rivals. Foreshadows. Appears in. Each relationship has meaning, and SynapTree makes that meaning visible.
Whether you’re plotting a novel, designing a tabletop RPG campaign, structuring a screenplay, or building an entire fictional world from scratch, SynapTree gives you the space to see your story as a whole ecosystem — not just a tree, but a forest.
This manual will walk you through everything, from your first node to the more advanced features like the Narrative Spine and Story Gap Detection. But honestly, the best way to learn is to pick a template, drag some nodes around, and start connecting things. You’ll get the hang of it in about thirty seconds. The rest is just depth.
Happy worldbuilding.
Cheers, Eric Wroolie Founder, Overpass Apps
Getting Started
Launching SynapTree
SynapTree is a native macOS application. After installing, you will find it in your Applications folder. Double-click the SynapTree icon to launch.
On first launch, macOS may ask you to confirm you want to open the app. Click Open to proceed.
SynapTree on first launch — choose a template or open an existing file
The Welcome Screen
When SynapTree opens, you are greeted with the Welcome Screen. There is no blank canvas staring back at you — instead, you will see the question: “What are you creating?”
The Welcome Screen presents four genre template cards in a 2×2 grid, plus quick-action links beneath them:
- Novel — plan a novel with characters, locations, and chapters (free)
- RPG Campaign — build quests, factions, and dungeon encounters PRO
- Screenplay — structure a screenplay with acts and scenes PRO
- Worldbuilding — map nations, religions, and history PRO
Below the template cards, you will find:
- Start from scratch — opens a blank canvas with a single root node
- Open existing file — opens a file picker to load a
.synaptreefile - Custom template — define your own story types and relationships PRO
If you have previously opened any files, they will appear in the Recent Files section below, showing the file name, location, node count, and how long ago it was last modified.
The Welcome Screen with template cards and recent files
Choosing a Template
Each template pre-configures SynapTree with the right node types and relationship types for your genre. Click any template card to begin. Templates marked with a PRO badge require a Pro unlock.
Every template comes with a starter map — a small pre-built example (5–8 nodes with several relationships) that demonstrates how the system works. You learn by seeing and touching, not by reading tutorials.
Starting from Scratch vs Using a Template
Use a template if you want to hit the ground running. Templates give you pre-configured relationship types (like “Allies,” “Rivals,” “Appears in”) and a starter map you can modify or delete.
Start from scratch if you want a completely blank slate. You will begin with a single root node called “Central Idea” and can build outward from there using the Novel template’s default relationship presets.
Your First Mind Map
Once you have chosen a template or started from scratch, you land on the Editor. Here is a quick sequence to get you oriented:
- Click any existing node to select it.
- Press Tab to create a child node connected to your selection.
- Type a name for the new node and press Enter to confirm.
- With a node selected, press R to start drawing a relationship — drag to another node and release.
- Pick a relationship type from the popup that appears.
That is the core loop. Everything else in this manual builds on it.
The Editor
Overview of the 3-Panel Layout
The editor is divided into three panels:
The three-panel editor: Outline (left), Canvas (centre), Inspector (right)
Sidebar (Left Panel)
The Sidebar shows an outline tree view of your mind map. Every node appears in a hierarchical list matching the parent-child structure on the canvas. Click any node in the sidebar to select it on the canvas and fly the viewport to it. Toggle the sidebar with Cmd+Shift+S.
Canvas (Centre Panel)
The Canvas is where your story lives. Nodes float as organic shapes on a parchment-textured background, connected by branching lines and relationship curves. You can pan by clicking and dragging on empty space, and zoom with your trackpad or scroll wheel.
Inspector (Right Panel)
The Inspector shows detailed information about the currently selected node. It displays type-specific fields (name, role, description, atmosphere, etc.), a list of all relationships the node participates in, and any Story Gap warnings. Toggle the inspector with Cmd+Shift+I.
The Toolbar
The toolbar runs along the top of the editor. From left to right:
| Button | Description |
|---|---|
| Home | Return to the Welcome Screen |
| Undo / Redo | Step backward or forward through your editing history (Cmd+Z / Cmd+Shift+Z) |
| Radial | Switch to radial layout (nodes radiate outward from the root) |
| Right Tree | Switch to right-to-left tree layout |
| Left Tree | Switch to left-to-right tree layout |
| Spine: Horizontal PRO | Toggle the Narrative Spine running horizontally across the bottom |
| Spine: Vertical PRO | Toggle the Narrative Spine running vertically along the left edge |
| Zoom − / % / + | Adjust zoom level (10%–300%). The current percentage is displayed between the buttons. |
| Fit All | Zoom and pan to fit all nodes in view |
| Node Count | Displays the total number of nodes in your current map |
| Toggle Outline | Show or hide the Sidebar (Cmd+Shift+S) |
| Toggle Inspector | Show or hide the Inspector (Cmd+Shift+I) |
| Export | Opens the export menu with format options |
The Status Bar
The node count badge in the toolbar serves as a lightweight status indicator, showing how many nodes exist in your current map. The count updates in real time as you add or remove nodes.
Working with Nodes
Creating Nodes
There are several ways to create new nodes:
- Canvas click: Double-click on empty canvas space to create a new node at that position.
- Tab — with a node selected, creates a child node connected to the selection.
- Enter — with a node selected, creates a sibling node at the same level.
- N — opens the type picker, letting you choose a specific story node type before placing it.
Node Types
SynapTree uses story-aware node types — each with its own organic silhouette, colour, and type-specific fields. Nodes are not generic boxes; they carry narrative meaning.
Free Node Types
Character
Leaf-shaped · Moss green
Fields: name, role, description, image
Location
Hexagonal · Slate blue
Fields: name, description, atmosphere
Event
Diamond/seed · Amber
Fields: name, when, description, outcome
Pro Node Types PRO
Item / Object
Acorn circle · Honey
Fields: name, significance, owner
Concept / Theme
Organic cloud · Lavender
Fields: name, description
Chapter / Act / Scene
Folded page · Terracotta
Fields: title, number, summary, status
Editing Nodes
There are two ways to edit a node’s text:
- Double-click the node on the canvas to enter inline text editing mode. Type your text and click away or press Esc to confirm.
- Press F2 with a node selected to enter editing mode.
- Use the Inspector panel on the right to edit type-specific fields (role, description, atmosphere, etc.).
Moving Nodes
Click and drag any node to reposition it on the canvas. Child nodes will move with their parent unless you are in a freeform layout. Release the mouse button to drop the node in its new position.
Deleting Nodes
Select a node and press Delete or Backspace to remove it. Deleting a parent node will also remove its children and all associated relationships. This action can be undone with Cmd+Z.
Duplicating Nodes
Select a node and press Cmd+D to duplicate it. The duplicated node appears nearby with the same type, style, and content, ready for you to rename and reposition.
Node Styling
Each node type has a default shape and colour, but you can customise both through the Inspector:
- Shapes — organic silhouettes unique to each type (leaf, hexagon, diamond, acorn, cloud, folded page)
- Colours — each type has a default from the depth palette (Moss, Slate Blue, Amber, Honey, Lavender, Terracotta), which you can override
- Fonts — node titles use a warm serif font (Lora) by default; UI labels use Inter
Different node types: Characters (green ovals), Locations (blue hexagons), Chapters (terracotta rectangles)
Connecting Characters & Nodes
Connections are the heart of SynapTree. This is what separates it from a generic mind mapper. Every connection carries narrative meaning — it is not just a line, it is a relationship with a type, a visual style, and a label.
Parent-Child Hierarchy vs Relationships
SynapTree has two kinds of connections, and understanding the difference is key:
| Connection Type | What It Is | How It Looks |
|---|---|---|
| Parent-Child | Structural hierarchy. Created when you use Tab to add a child node. Represents “belongs to” or “branches from.” | Straight or subtly curved branch lines, always present. |
| Relationship | Narrative connection. Created with the R key or by dragging between nodes. Represents story-level meaning: allies, rivals, appears in, etc. | Styled bezier curves with colour, line style, and a floating label. Organic, hand-drawn feel. |
You can have both between the same pair of nodes. A character might be a child of your protagonist node (structural) and also have a “Rivals” relationship with them (narrative).
How to Create a Relationship
This is the most important interaction in SynapTree. Here is the step-by-step:
- Select the source node — click on the node you want to connect from.
- Press R — this activates relationship-drawing mode. A ghostly vine extends from the node, following your cursor.
- Drag to the target node — move your cursor (or drag) to the node you want to connect to.
- Release on the target — a compact popup appears showing relationship type pills based on your active template.
- Pick a relationship type — tap one of the pills (e.g., “Allies,” “Rivals,” “Located in”). The connection is made instantly. No dialogs, no forms.
Typed relationships: Rivals (solid), Mentors (solid), and Appears In (dotted) connections between nodes
Relationship Types per Template
Each template pre-loads relationship types appropriate to the genre. Here is what each provides:
Novel (Free)
| Relationship | Line Style | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Allies | Solid | Bidirectional |
| Rivals | Solid | Bidirectional |
| Loves | Wavy | Bidirectional |
| Family | Solid | Bidirectional |
| Mentors | Solid | Bidirectional |
| Betrays | Wavy | Bidirectional |
| Foreshadows | Dashed | Bidirectional |
| Appears in | Dotted | One-way |
| Located in | Dotted | One-way |
RPG Campaign PRO
| Relationship | Line Style | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Faction | Solid | Bidirectional |
| Hostile Faction | Solid | Bidirectional |
| Quest Giver | Solid | One-way |
| Rewards | Dashed | One-way |
| Guards | Solid | One-way |
| Located in | Dotted | One-way |
| Member of | Dotted | One-way |
| Rules Over | Solid | One-way |
Screenplay PRO
| Relationship | Line Style | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Allies | Solid | Bidirectional |
| Antagonizes | Solid | Bidirectional |
| Subplot With | Dashed | Bidirectional |
| Appears in | Dotted | One-way |
| Drives Scene | Solid | One-way |
| Theme of | Dashed | One-way |
Worldbuilding PRO
| Relationship | Line Style | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Borders | Solid | Bidirectional |
| Trades With | Dashed | Bidirectional |
| At War | Wavy | Bidirectional |
| Governs | Solid | One-way |
| Worships | Dotted | One-way |
| Origin of | Dashed | One-way |
| Located in | Dotted | One-way |
Editing and Deleting Relationships
To change a relationship type, click the floating label on the connection line on the canvas. The type picker popup reappears, letting you select a different type.
To delete a relationship, select the connection (click the label or the line) and press Delete or Backspace. The connection is removed, but both nodes remain.
Viewing Connections in the Inspector
When you select a node, the Inspector panel shows a Connections list grouping every relationship the node participates in by type. Each entry shows:
- The relationship type name and its colour
- The name of the connected node
- The direction (to or from)
Clicking a connection entry in the Inspector flies the canvas to the linked node, making it easy to navigate complex webs.
Custom Relationship Types PRO
With the Custom template (or any Pro template), you can create your own relationship types with custom names, colours, and line styles (solid, dashed, dotted, or wavy). This is useful for genre-specific or project-specific connections that do not fit the built-in presets.
Select the first character, press R, drag to the second character, and pick a relationship type from the popup. Done.
Layouts & Visualisation
SynapTree offers several layout engines to arrange your nodes automatically. You can switch between them at any time using the toolbar buttons.
Radial Layout
Nodes radiate outward from the root node in concentric rings. This is the default layout and works well for exploring a story from a central character or concept outward.
Radial layout: nodes radiate outward from the central Protagonist node
Right Tree Layout
Nodes flow from left to right in a traditional tree structure. Useful for linear progressions or when you want a clear sense of hierarchy.
Left Tree Layout
Nodes flow from right to left — the mirror of Right Tree. Useful for right-to-left reading patterns or simply personal preference.
Narrative Spine Layout PRO
The Narrative Spine is the sequential backbone of your story. Chapter, Act, and Scene nodes link in sequence to form a thick, vine-like trunk running through them in order.
You can orient the spine in two directions:
- Horizontal — runs across the bottom of the canvas
- Vertical — runs along the left edge of the canvas
Structural nodes (chapters, acts, scenes) stay anchored along the spine with subtle numbering (Ch. 1, Ch. 2...). Character and location nodes float freely in the open canvas, connected to chapters via “Appears in” relationships.
Narrative Spine (horizontal): chapters anchored along the bottom, characters and locations connected above
Zooming and Panning
- Zoom in: Cmd+=, or pinch-to-zoom on trackpad, or toolbar + button
- Zoom out: Cmd+−, or pinch-to-zoom on trackpad, or toolbar − button
- Reset zoom: Cmd+0
- Pan: Click and drag on empty canvas space, or two-finger scroll on trackpad
The zoom range is 10% to 300%. The current zoom level is displayed as a percentage in the toolbar.
Fit All
Click the Fit All button (screen icon) in the toolbar to automatically zoom and pan so that every node in your map is visible within the viewport. Useful after making large structural changes or when you have lost your place.
Story Lens PRO
The Story Lens is a filtering tool that lets you interrogate your story visually. It appears as a toggle bar along the top of the canvas.
Filtering by Node Type
The Story Lens bar provides toggle buttons for each node type: Characters, Locations, Events, Items, Concepts, and Chapters. Click a toggle to show or hide nodes of that type.
Filtering by Relationship Type
You can also toggle individual relationship types. For example, selecting only “Rivals” shows you every rivalry connection in your story while dimming everything else.
How Filtering Works
When you filter, nodes and connections that do not match are dimmed (ghosted), not hidden. This preserves spatial context — you can still see where everything is, but the filtered elements fade into the background so your focus stays on the active selection.
This enables powerful questions:
- “Show me just Characters and their alliances.”
- “Where does Elena appear?”
- “Show me only Locations and their borders.”
- “Which events foreshadow others?”
Story Lens: filter by node type and relationship type using the toggle bar at the top of the canvas
Story Gap Detection PRO
Story Gap Detection analyses your mind map and surfaces gentle, non-intrusive warnings about potential structural gaps in your narrative. These appear as soft amber indicators in the Inspector panel.
These are suggestions, not rules. SynapTree serves the storyteller; it never bosses you around. Every gap might be perfectly intentional.
What It Detects
| Gap Type | What It Means | Example Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Orphaned Character | A character node that is not connected to any chapter. | “Marcus is not connected to any chapter” |
| Dropped Character | A character who appears in early chapters but disappears from the latter half of the story. | “Marcus last appears in Chapter 4 and may have been dropped” |
| Unused Location | A location connected to only one chapter and never revisited. | “The Abandoned Castle is only connected to one chapter and is never revisited” |
| Disconnected Event | An event node with no connections to any other node at all. | “The Great Fire has no connections to other nodes” |
How to Interpret the Warnings
Story Gap warnings appear in the Inspector when you select a node that has one or more gaps. They are meant to prompt reflection, not demand action:
- Orphaned Character — have you forgotten to place this character in your timeline? Or is this a background character who does not need chapter connections?
- Dropped Character — did this character’s arc resolve, or did they accidentally fall out of the story?
- Unused Location — is this a one-off setting, or should it recur for narrative resonance?
- Disconnected Event — is this event a placeholder you have not wired up yet, or a floating idea awaiting context?
Saving & File Management
Auto-Save
SynapTree automatically saves your work as you edit. You do not need to remember to save manually — your changes are preserved in the background.
Manual Save
Press Cmd+S at any time to trigger an immediate save. If this is a new file that has not been saved before, a file picker dialog will appear asking you to choose a location and filename.
Recent Files
The Welcome Screen shows your recently opened files with their title, file path, node count, and a relative timestamp (e.g., “3 hours ago”). Click any entry to reopen it.
The .synaptree File Format
SynapTree files use the .synaptree extension. Under the hood, the format is
JSON compressed with gzip. This keeps files compact while remaining easy
to parse. The format is backward-compatible — opening a file created with an older
version will work correctly, with new fields defaulting gracefully.
.synaptree files using iCloud Drive, Dropbox,
or your preferred backup solution.
Import & Export
Import Formats
SynapTree can import mind maps from other tools. Supported import formats:
| Format | Extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FreeMind | .mm | Full node hierarchy preserved |
| OPML | .opml | Outline structure mapped to node tree |
| Markdown | .md | Headings and lists mapped to nodes |
| Plain Text | .txt | Indented lines mapped to hierarchy |
To import, use Cmd+O (Open File) and select one of the supported formats.
Export Formats
Click the Export button in the toolbar to open the export menu. Available formats:
| Format | Extension | Tier | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNG Image | .png | Free | High-resolution raster image of your mind map (2x scale, transparent background) |
| Markdown | .md | Free | Outline of your node hierarchy as a Markdown document |
| JPG Image | .jpg | PRO | Raster image with white background (2x scale) |
| PDF Document | .pdf | PRO | A4 landscape PDF of your mind map |
| SVG Vector | .svg | PRO | Scalable vector graphic, perfect for embedding in documents |
| OPML Outline | .opml | PRO | Outline format compatible with other mind mappers and writing tools |
Templates
Templates are the fastest way to start a new project. Each one pre-configures SynapTree with genre-appropriate node types, relationship presets, and a starter map.
Novel (Free)
Plan a novel with characters, locations, and chapters. The starter map includes:
- Protagonist, Antagonist, and Mentor (Character nodes)
- Village and Dark Forest (Location nodes)
- Chapters 1–3: The Call, The Journey, The Confrontation (Chapter nodes)
- Pre-built relationships: Rivals, Mentors, Appears in, Located in
- Horizontal Narrative Spine enabled
Relationship presets: Allies, Rivals, Loves, Family, Mentors, Betrays, Foreshadows, Appears in, Located in.
RPG Campaign PRO
Build quests, factions, and dungeon encounters. The starter map includes:
- Quest Giver (Character), two factions — The Iron Shield and The Shadow Pact (Concept nodes)
- Sunken Crypt (Location), Crown of Ages (Item), Retrieve the Crown (Event)
- Pre-built relationships: Hostile Faction, Member of, Quest Giver, Rewards, Located in, Guards
Relationship presets: Allied Faction, Hostile Faction, Quest Giver, Rewards, Guards, Located in, Member of, Rules Over.
Screenplay PRO
Structure a screenplay with acts and scenes. The starter map includes:
- Lead and Supporting Character (Character nodes)
- Act I: Setup, Act II: Confrontation, Act III: Resolution (Chapter/Scene nodes)
- Pre-built relationships: Allies, Appears in, Drives Scene
- Horizontal Narrative Spine enabled
Relationship presets: Allies, Antagonizes, Subplot With, Appears in, Drives Scene, Theme of.
Worldbuilding PRO
Map nations, religions, and history. The starter map includes:
- The Contested Marches, Kingdom of Aeloria, Dominion of Krath (Location nodes)
- The Old Faith (Concept), The Sundering War (Event)
- Pre-built relationships: At War, Borders, Worships, Origin of
Relationship presets: Borders, Trades With, At War, Governs, Worships, Origin of, Located in.
Custom PRO
Start with a blank canvas and define your own relationship types with custom names, colours, and line styles. Perfect for genres or projects that do not fit the built-in templates.
Keyboard Shortcuts Reference
| Category | Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Node Creation | Tab | Add child node |
| Enter | Add sibling node | |
| N | New node with type picker | |
| Cmd+D | Duplicate selected node | |
| R | Start relationship from selected node | |
| Node Editing | F2 | Edit selected node text |
| Delete / Backspace | Delete selected node | |
| Space | Toggle collapse/expand children | |
| Navigation | ↑ | Move selection up |
| ↓ | Move selection down | |
| ← | Move selection left / collapse | |
| → | Move selection right / expand | |
| Zoom | Cmd+= | Zoom in |
| Cmd+− | Zoom out | |
| Cmd+0 | Reset zoom to 100% | |
| History | Cmd+Z | Undo |
| Cmd+Shift+Z | Redo | |
| File | Cmd+N | New file |
| Cmd+O | Open file | |
| Cmd+S | Save file | |
| View | Cmd+A | Select all nodes |
| Cmd+Shift+S | Toggle sidebar (outline) | |
| Cmd+Shift+I | Toggle inspector |
Free vs Pro
SynapTree offers a generous free tier for getting started, with a one-time Pro upgrade for full power. No subscriptions.
The Seedling
Free — forever
- Novel template with starter map
- 3 node types: Character, Location, Event
- Novel relationship presets
- Up to 50 nodes per map
- Radial, Right Tree, Left Tree layouts
- Export: PNG, Markdown
- Unlimited maps/files
- Undo/redo, auto-save
- Import: FreeMind, OPML, Markdown, Text
The Ancient Oak PRO
$24.99 — one-time purchase
- All 4 genre templates + Custom template
- All 6 node types + custom node types
- All relationship presets + custom types
- Unlimited nodes per map
- Narrative Spine (horizontal & vertical)
- Story Lens filtering
- Story Gap Detection
- Export: PNG, JPG, PDF, SVG, Markdown, OPML
- Everything in Free, plus all future features
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Free (Seedling) | Pro (Ancient Oak) |
|---|---|---|
| Novel template | Yes | Yes |
| RPG, Screenplay, Worldbuilding templates | — | Yes |
| Custom template | — | Yes |
| Character, Location, Event nodes | Yes | Yes |
| Item, Concept, Chapter nodes | — | Yes |
| Custom node types | — | Yes |
| Nodes per map | Up to 50 | Unlimited |
| Narrative Spine | — | Yes |
| Story Lens filtering | — | Yes |
| Story Gap Detection | — | Yes |
| Custom relationship types | — | Yes |
| Export: PNG, Markdown | Yes | Yes |
| Export: JPG, PDF, SVG, OPML | — | Yes |
| Import: FreeMind, OPML, Markdown, Text | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Free | $24.99 (one-time) |
How to Upgrade
You can upgrade to Pro at any time:
- Click the Upgrade to Pro link on the Welcome Screen
- Attempt to use any Pro-only feature — the upgrade screen will appear automatically
- The purchase is handled through the Mac App Store as a one-time in-app purchase of $24.99
Once unlocked, Pro is yours permanently. No subscriptions, no recurring charges.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I connect two existing characters?
Select the first character node, press R to activate relationship mode, drag to the second character, and pick a relationship type from the popup. That is all there is to it. You can connect any two nodes this way — not just characters.
I accidentally deleted a node. Can I undo it?
Yes. Press Cmd+Z to undo. SynapTree maintains a full undo/redo history for your session.
Why do some features show a PRO badge?
Features marked with PRO require the one-time Pro upgrade ($24.99). Tapping a Pro-only feature in the free tier will show the upgrade screen. See Section 13: Free vs Pro for the full comparison.
Can I open files created in an older version?
Yes. The .synaptree file format is backward-compatible. Files created with older
versions will open correctly, with new fields defaulting gracefully.
How do I change a relationship type after creating it?
Click the floating label on the relationship line on the canvas. The type picker popup will reappear, letting you select a different type.
My canvas is empty and I cannot find my nodes.
Click the Fit All button in the toolbar (the screen icon next to the zoom controls). This will zoom and pan to show all nodes in your map.
Can I import from Scrivener or other writing tools?
SynapTree supports importing from FreeMind (.mm), OPML (.opml),
Markdown (.md), and plain text (.txt). Many writing tools can export
to OPML or Markdown, which you can then import into SynapTree.
Where are my files stored?
SynapTree files are stored wherever you choose to save them on your Mac. There is no cloud storage built in. We recommend saving to a folder backed up by iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or another backup service.
Is SynapTree available on iPad or iPhone?
SynapTree is currently macOS only. iPad support is planned for a future release. iPhone will be considered as a read-only companion app after that.
I have more than 50 nodes and the app is not letting me add more.
The free tier is limited to 50 nodes per map. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited nodes.
Tips and Best Practices
- Start with characters. Most stories are character-driven. Lay out your cast first, then build the world around them.
- Use templates as starting points, not constraints. Delete the starter nodes you do not need. Add relationship types that fit your specific story.
- Connect early and often. The more relationships you draw, the more useful Story Gap Detection and Story Lens become.
- Use the Narrative Spine to test pacing. Lay out your chapters, connect characters to each one, and look for gaps. If a character disappears for four chapters, that might be a problem — or it might be intentional.
- Name nodes descriptively. “Elena” is better than “Character 3.” You will thank yourself later when your map has forty nodes.
- Use the Inspector to add depth. Node titles keep the canvas clean; the Inspector is where you add role descriptions, atmosphere notes, chapter summaries, and status tracking.
- Save backups. While SynapTree auto-saves, keeping versioned backups (e.g., “My Novel v2.synaptree”) means you can always return to an earlier state of your story.
- Keyboard shortcuts save time. Learning Tab, Enter, N, and R will make you significantly faster at building maps.