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Node Layout

Automatic node positioning using different algorithms based on view mode.

Layout Algorithms​

Dagre (Hierarchical)​

Used in: Hierarchical mode

Structure: Top-to-bottom tree

Features: Parent at top, children below, automatic spacing, prevents overlap

Best for: Projects, org charts, taxonomies

Multi-Row Layout (Large Families)​

Used in: Hierarchical mode (optional setting)

Goal: Make big hierarchies readable by using vertical space instead of stretching extremely wide.

What you’ll notice:

  • Multi-row families: When a parent has many children, they wrap into multiple compact rows instead of one long line.
  • Generation-aware spacing: Each “layer” starts below the lowest row of the layer above, so deep hierarchies don’t collide.
  • Branch-aware spacing: Each family branch gets enough horizontal room, so different branches don’t overlap when wrapping happens.

Used in: Related and All Related modes

Structure: Organic network

Features: Source in center, radial distribution, clustering, collision detection

Best for: Knowledge networks, cross-referenced concepts

Constellations​

Definition: Group of notes connected through Related property

Building:

  1. Start with source node
  2. Find direct related notes
  3. Recursively traverse up to max depth
  4. Group visually as constellation

Depth examples:

  • Depth 1: Source + direct related only
  • Depth 2: Source + related + their related
  • Depth 3+: Multiple levels deep
Performance

Higher depths show more connections but impact performance. Start with 5-10.

Collision Detection​

System: Automatically prevents node overlap

Process: Detects overlaps → Calculates separation → Applies repulsion → Re-checks

Manual adjustment: Drag nodes (positions not saved, reset on view change)

Animation​

Duration: Configurable (0ms = instant, 800ms = default)

Triggers: View mode changes, add/remove nodes, filters, zoom mode, file changes

Performance: Set to 0ms for large graphs (100+ nodes)

View-Specific Layouts​

Hierarchical: Root at top center, tree grows downward, balanced left-right

Related: Source in center, related in circle with equal angular spacing

All Related: Source center-left, constellation clusters grouped by connection distance

Next Steps​