You can certainly make concept maps on a blank sheet of paper, but digitizing the process gives you convenience and flexibility. With a digital concept map, you are not limited to the size of your paper and can easily move ideas around with little effort. We wanted to review for this, the best programs to make conceptual maps.
Concept mapping is a creative exercise that begins when you write down a central idea or topic, then draw lines that branch out into new “nodes,” each containing a new word or idea related to the first.
The 7 Best Programs for Making Concept Maps.
Here we will present the 7 best programs to help you create concept maps. Each of these tools comes with unique benefits, but all offer unlimited canvas, the ability to attach files, and the ability to save and/or export your work.
1. Coggle.
The moment you log in to Coggle, you'll see the central node of a new map to make, along with a nice plus sign to start adding new nodes and ideas. Each time you click the plus sign to create a new child node, Coggle will automatically choose the direction and location of the new node. But you can always drag the nodes around to rearrange them into a format that fits your layout a little better.
If you prefer to use keyboard shortcuts during your mapping process, there is a help sheet available. Tricks keyboard shortcuts that you can access by clicking the green question mark icon in the bottom right corner of your canvas.
One of their favorite features is that Coggle allows you to forma tear its concept map elements and messages, so you can get as elegant as you need while adding text, images, and links to the canvas.
If you want to brainstorm some ideas with a friend, you can go ahead and add them to your concept map, have a conversation in the messaging sidebar, or switch to full-screen presentation mode.
2. Mindly.
Mapping on a mobile device comes with a whole set of challenges, thanks to small screen sizes, scrolling and zooming hassles, and the readability issues that come with it all. But Mindly’s innovative thinking makes it possible on a phone, and it’s highly functional.
Like most concept maps, you'll start with your central node, add text and icons, and change the color if you want. Then, it's time to start adding associative ideas in the next outer layer. To do this, tap on any circle you want to start adding your ideas in.
Mindly will automatically open a new layer and zoom in to allow you to focus on the matter at hand. As you drill down into sub-ideas, you can always find your way back to the original central node by tapping the circle in the top left corner of the screen.
Of course, you can sync your mobile maps with the desktop version of Mindly, so you can switch ideas on the fly to formal mind mapping sessions on your desktop.
3. Draw.io.
Draw.io lets you draw and create almost anything you want, including concept maps. Its drag-and-drop canvas lets you add shapes, links, text, and images, as well as change colors, connect your ideas with lines, and more.
Because it's not strictly a concept mapping tool, you'll have to do a little more work to manually add connecting lines between ideas and rearrange them so that everything fits nicely on the canvas. But some people will prefer the lack of templates because it gives them a little more freedom to find new and unexpected correlations between ideas.
As a web-based app, you can access it directly from your browser, without even having to log into an account. Or, download the desktop version if you prefer to work outside of the browser.
When using Draw.io, you’ll notice that they advertise an integration with Samepage, an app that provides access to additional features like real-time collaboration and feedback from team members.
4. MindMup.
The toolbar of Mind Mup It's easy to use and provides quick links for all the basic needs in your mapping process, from changing the color of each node to adding detailed text and attachments. But it's the ability to publish and share your maps that sets MindMup apart.
While many concept mapping tools require at least an email address before you can use their system, MindMup lets you create and publish without logging in. Free concept maps are automatically deleted after six months, and if you need to use it for a quick project, that does the trick. And you can always install the plugin Google Drive to expand the ability to share and collaborate with others.
5. MindMeister.
MindMeister is a robust tool that includes everything from quick keyboard shortcuts to the ability to embed live videos within your nodes. And its collaboration features are extensive – you can add team members to your mind map, upvote and downvote ideas, and leave comments.
MindMeister is owned by the same people who make MeisterTask, a web-based project management app. The two tools are integrated so you can turn your brainstorming session into an actionable project, assigning individual items on a mind map to your team members, tracking task progress, and syncing it all with your other project boards within MeisterTask.
6. Scapple.
Most concept maps require you to start with a central node, branching outward from that single point as your mind comes up with new ideas and associations. But if you're using Scapple, you have more flexibility in terms of where your map leads visually.
For example, you’re not limited to starting your map with a central theme. Instead, you can start with a small idea, then work “backwards” to find the main idea. And Scapple allows it all to happen organically, as individual nodes will only connect when you tell them to by dragging and dropping one on top of the other. This way, complex relationships can be sketched out quickly, without losing the quick idea flow.
Compared to some of the other concept mapping apps on this list, Scapple’s interface is relatively simple. But that simplicity also provides maximum flexibility in terms of what goes where and how things should look.
Unless you are in the same physical location, real-time collaboration is not possible, but you can save your files to their storage in the cloud, so remote team members can access and edit files.
7. SmartDraw.
In a world of curves and circles, SmartDraw stands out as a linear solution to concept mapping. Sub-ideas begin to the left or right of the central node, and each subsequent sub-idea continues in the same direction.
The benefit of this layout is that the entire map automatically resizes to accommodate your growing ideas, and you never have to worry about one idea infringing on another's space. And while the end result may look more like an organized flowchart, it follows the free-form ideation format of concept maps.
The benefit of a linear layout like this isn't limited to personality types who prefer straight lines and organization. On the contrary, it gives your brain the freedom to create a conceptual map with the usual process, and then shift gears to examine the logic of how each idea connects to one another.
What is the Best Program for Making Concept Maps?
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Concept mapping is a personal experience. How your brain works will determine which app is best for you. Do you usually sit at your desk brainstorming, or do your best ideas come to you when you're on the road?
Do you think linearly or do your ideas come in a random order? Do you tend to brainstorm with your team or alone? Think carefully about all these questions and take advantage of the free trial version of all these apps before selecting your favorite.
My name is Javier Chirinos and I am passionate about technology. Ever since I can remember, I have been interested in computers and video games, and that passion has turned into a job.
I have been publishing about technology and gadgets on the Internet for over 15 years, especially in mundobytes.com
I am also an expert in online marketing and communication and have knowledge in WordPress development.