Thoughtree GuideSaving, Syncing, and Search
Saving as .ttree, importing iThoughts files, syncing with iCloud, and searching across maps
Saving as .ttree
Thoughtree's default save format is .ttree. New maps are automatically saved as .ttree, and edits are saved automatically too (there's no need to explicitly choose "Save").
Opening iThoughts (.itmz) Files
.itmz files — the save format of the now-discontinued iThoughtsX — can be opened, viewed, and edited directly.
- Open the
.itmzfile - Its contents appear as a map. The original appearance, theme, attachments, and so on all carry over
- When you save, the original
.itmzfile is left unchanged; the same content is saved as a new.ttreefile (the filename carries over from the original — for example, "Welcome.itmz" becomes "Welcome.ttree")
Password-protected, encrypted .itmz files can also be opened. You'll be prompted for the password when opening.
Syncing with iCloud Drive
Saving maps in the "Thoughtree" folder on iCloud Drive syncs files between any Mac and iPhone/iPad signed in with the same Apple ID.
A Note on Syncing
- The folder on iCloud may not appear in Finder or the Files app until some time has passed since you first launch Thoughtree. If you don't see it right away, check again after a short wait
- Changes made on another device may not appear immediately in a map that's already open. If the content isn't up to date, try closing the map and reopening it
Cross-Map Search
You can search text across multiple .ttree maps.
- Choose the search button (the magnifying glass icon)
- In the search panel, switch the scope from "This Map" to "All Maps"
- Enter your search term
Search covers the following four fields, all of which are on by default.
- Text (the topic's title)
- Note
- Link
- Attachment (file name)
Results are grouped by map name; selecting a result jumps to the matching topic in that map.
What Cross-Map Search Covers
Cross-map search only covers maps that have already been saved as .ttree. It doesn't include a .itmz file you've merely opened but not yet saved as .ttree, or a new map you haven't saved yet ("This Map" search, which searches only the currently open map, works even before saving).