Lyon, France – adnX today is proud to announce the release of xLine 1.1 for Mac OS X, a major upgrade to its bestselling mind mapping application, which lets users visually depict or diagram any idea, problem, project, group of facts, or set of relationships. Ideal for brainstorming, project management, and presentations, mind maps are powerful tools that enhance problem solving and creativity. xLine is the premiere mind mapping app for OS X, featuring multiple import/export options, full control over the style of all visuals, seven different types of branching, support for icons and images, and Retina display compatibility. This update adds OPML format (Outline Processor Markup Language) import/export and xPlan format import. There is a promotion for the app on the Mac App Store until September 30.

Feature Highlights:
* Create Mind Maps – mind maps help clarify thinking and improve productivity
* Root in the Center – xLine mind maps feature a root node in the center with main branches radiating from it
* Tree Layout Option – the tree layout, or hierarchical organizational chart, shows the company/department/team structure of a company
* Organize Ideas – xLine lets you visualize your ideas by connecting various pieces of information together
* Map Style – use different shapes, colors, and borders to convey information
* Rich Media – drag ‘n drop icons or images to create stunning mind maps
* Hide Ideas – collapse/expand Topics to maintain an overview in large mind maps
* OPML Import/Export – import any document created with another mind map tool
* xPlan Import – get an alternate view of projects created in adnX’s xPlan
* Keyboard Navigation – navigate between ideas with keyboard arrows
* Styles Library – app library stores custom idea-bubble styles for reuse
* Unlimited Undo – infinitely undo all changes, reverting to any prior revision
* Export to PDF or Web – share your finished mind map via PDF export or xView web browser service
* Retina – all graphics, icons, and text styles are Retina-display ready

Ideas and systems, whether vacation plans or the supply chains of a multinational company, often exceed the ability of the human mind to hold and comprehend many pieces of information simultaneously. In the same way that a shopping list includes all the ingredients necessary to bake a pie, a mind map displays all the ingredients of an idea/problem, plus their relationship to each other. According to Wikipedia, “A mind map is a diagram used to visually outline information. A mind map is often created around a single word or text, placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added. Major categories radiate from a central node, and lesser categories are sub-branches of larger branches. Categories can represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items related to a central key word or idea.”

Wikipedia continues, “Mind maps can be used for:
* Problem solving
* Outline/framework design
* Structure/relationship representations
* Anonymous collaboration
* Marriage of words and visuals
* Individual expression of creativity
* Condensing material into a concise and memorable format
* Team building or synergy creating activity
* Enhancing work morale”

A technique as profound as mind mapping deserves a creation tool that allows the user to exploit its full potential. Simple and flexible, xLine allows users to create, individually or collaboratively, visually arresting, highly communicative mind maps. Beginning with a root node at the center, users enter their first idea/fact. Selecting the idea bubble opens the Inspector, immediately below. From here, users choose the font, font size, font style, font color, background color, bubble shape, bubble color, and outline thickness. The Inspector includes a popup menu of seven different kinds of branches with which to connect the original idea with a sub-idea. Another popup menu allows mapmakers to import images, select display options, and drag ‘n drop icons or images directly from the Finder. An integrated text box allows notes on each idea, which can be hidden in Preferences. Finally, the + icon lets users add multiple sub-ideas and sub-sub-ideas to the main idea, branching from any bubble.

Connecting lines between idea bubbles are dynamic, varying automatically in shape and thickness to suit the structure of the map. At any time, users can drag an idea to another location, and all related ideas follow. Connecting links also have an Inspector, with the ability to control color, thickness, tapering, and arrows. Unless dictated by the branching style and alignment of bubbles, lines between bubbles are graceful, curvilinear connections.

“Mind mapping is recognized as a great way to brainstorm and generate more ideas,” stated CEO Patrice Calligaris. “Your mind map will help you create a number of small ideas from one big idea, see how different ideas could be connected together, and what would be the best plan of action.”

Language Support:
* English and French

System Requirements:
* Mac OS X 10.6 or later
* 64-bit processor
* 7.8 MB

Pricing and Availability:
xLine 1.1 for Mac OS X is only $4.99 (USD) until the end of September (regularly $38.99), and it is available directly from the adnX website or through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category. (Promo is only at the Mac App Store.) Multiple license discounts can be obtained through adnX. A free, 7-day trial of the application can be downloaded from the adnX website.

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xLine 1.1 for Mac
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Based in Lyon, France, adnX SARL is a company created in 2001 with the goal of providing innovative applications for Mac OS X. They take great pleasure in building Mac, iPhone and iPad products. They are committed to creating quality software that will make each platform even more user-friendly. The company name, adnX, is derived from the building blocks of all life, DNA, plus the “X” from UNIX. Copyright (C) 2013 adnX. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac OS X and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other trademarks and registered trademarks may be the property of their respective owners.