Using Inspiration

Setting up the default look for new symbols

Now that we have changed the way your idea symbols look, we can tell Inspiration to use this look for all new symbols we create.

Let's start by selecting the idea symbol Play golf. It already has the shape and the new font we want to use. Then we'll set that as the new look so that the symbol's characteristics will appear automatically whenever we create a new symbol.

1. Click the idea symbol Play golf to select it.
2. On the Diagram toolbar, click the New Look button.

   

Inspiration sets the new look and shows you a preview.

Add a new symbol with the new default look

We will add a new symbol off the Main Idea symbol, Family Vacation. First we'll select the Main Idea symbol, then create the symbol.

1. On the keyboard, press Command+M (Ctrl+M) to select the Main Idea symbol, Family Vacation.
2. On the Diagram toolbar, position the pointer over the Left arrow on the Horizontal and Vertical Create button.
3. Click the Left arrow to create a new symbol to the left of Family Vacation.
4. Type Possible places and click outside the symbol to deselect it.

You will notice the new symbol has the new default attributes.

Arranging your diagram into a tree chart

The Arrange tool lets you change your diagram into various kinds of tree charts. We'll use the Arrange tool to change the format of the diagram from a cluster to a top down tree chart.

1. On the Diagram toolbar, click the Arrange button.

   The Arrange dialog box appears.

2. Review the selections in the dialog box.

   You're going to use these default settings:

   • Under Diagram Type, Top Down Tree is selected.
   • Entire Diagram is selected.
   • In the Links drop-down list, Auto-90 is selected.
   • Under Lowest Level Stacking Models, No Stack is selected.
3. Click OK.

Inspiration arranges the diagram with the Main Idea symbol at the top, and the remaining idea symbols in order beneath it.

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