Written by kernond the 3 Sep 10 at 09:40.

With the increased functionality of the nodes in Blender 2.5+, and the promise of "everything node-able", things will become increasingly less efficient without the ability to create more readable layouts and better organize the data.
Features such as:
- node wires that have the same features as Bezier curves
- an optional segmented line-type
- an auto-routing feature to clean up an existing layout
- ability to add text to the beginning, middle, and end of a wire
- a Notes feature on each node for additional documentation of the node setup
- ability to view the node layout in a text outline format, in a side panel invoked by the N-key. Clicking on an item in the outline panel would center the selected item within the window area
- ability to export the outline view, the node Notes, and the layout to a nicely formatted PDF file

These features are available in modern flowchart and mindmapping software, and would greatly increase the effectiveness of Blender's workflow.

With the increased functionality of the nodes in Blender 2.5+, and the promise of "everything node-able", things will become increasingly less efficient without the ability to create more readable layouts and better organize the data. Features such as: - node wires that have the same features as Bezier curves - an optional segmented line-type - an auto-routing feature to clean up an existing layout - ability to add text to the beginning, middle, and end of a wire - a Notes feature on each node for additional documentation of the node setup - ability to view the node layout in a text outline format, in a side panel invoked by the N-key. Clicking on an item in the outline panel would center the selected item within the window area - ability to export the outline view, the node Notes, and the layout to a nicely formatted PDF file These features are available in modern flowchart and mindmapping software, and would greatly increase the effectiveness of Blender's workflow.

Written by Moolah the 9 Sep 10 at 02:21.

In many cases the biggest problem with Nodes' readability is that you almost see nothing than your Preview when it's on backdrop. Repeatedly switching a backdrop is very annoying thing.

I suggest to add a simple feature:

When you mouse over Nodes window (or over any node there) - backdrop must dissapear (or become transparent). Also when you release mouse-over - nodes must become transparent.

This will be good to have in User Preferences.

In many cases the biggest problem with Nodes' readability is that you almost see nothing than your Preview when it's on backdrop. Repeatedly switching a backdrop is very annoying thing. I suggest to add a simple feature: When you mouse over Nodes window (or over any node there) - backdrop must dissapear (or become transparent). Also when you release mouse-over - nodes must become transparent. This will be good to have in User Preferences.

Written by Nikolaus the 12 Sep 10 at 03:48.

This is not a full solution of this problem, but it solves a part of it:

See solution #1: Comment Box of Idea #143: Comment system for node editor, dope sheet, NLA editor, and sequencer http://www.blenderstorm.org/blenderstorm/idea/143/

This is not a full solution of this problem, but it solves a part of it: See solution #1: Comment Box of Idea #143: Comment system for node editor, dope sheet, NLA editor, and sequencer http://www.blenderstorm.org/blenderstorm/idea/143/