Centered layout: balance and exploration
Use a centered layout when several main branches deserve equal attention. It works well for open brainstorming, broad topic exploration and presentations that need an immediate overview.
Right-aligned layout: hierarchy and detail
A one-direction layout makes parent-child relationships easy to follow. Use it for project breakdowns, decision trees and detailed research structures where each level adds specificity.
Left-aligned layout: narrative and process
A directional flow supports timelines, processes and cause-and-effect explanations. The original AflowMind guide recommends this kind of layout for content creation, storytelling and step-by-step work.
Choose based on the reading task
| Task | Starting layout |
|---|---|
| Generate varied ideas | Centered |
| Break a project into work | Right-aligned hierarchy |
| Explain a sequence | Directional left-to-right |
| Present a balanced overview | Centered |
If the map still feels confusing after a layout change, review the hierarchy itself. Visual alignment cannot fix duplicate categories or unclear parent-child relationships.