Concept maps online: the best sites | Tips and Tricks

A concept map (or mind map) is a tool that serves to help the memory to reconstruct a mental itinerary, in order to better explain a topic.

The use of concept maps is common both in the private sphere, for example as a support for self-learning, as a teaching aid, or even to improve the exposure of a public presentation, as we have already detailed in the guide on how to make a concept map. .

Concept maps are usually prepared with pen and paper, or on the PC using special programs. In addition to these modalities there is a third one, namely create concept maps online using the services made available on some websites.

In fact, there are many sites that allow you to create mind maps online, with very different results and without having to install programs on your computer.
Below I have selected the best sites to make concept maps online, the most useful and appreciated by network users, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs to create your own concept map.

Canva

The first site that I propose is called Canva.
Except for some advanced functions available only for a fee, it is entirely free and in Italian. The saving of the works requires a registration, while the mere access to the site is free.

The functions of this portal extend far beyond concept maps, embracing virtually the entire industry of presentations, social media, graphics and video editing, so you just have to explore the site to get a deeper idea of ​​what it has. to offer.

To access the section dedicated to concept maps you have to press on the item “Other” in the general menu and then navigate in the section “Mind Map”, as shown in the following image:

Once the operation is completed you will have access to the internal concept map editor, very complete, which offers dozens of models to start from to set up your concept map.

In general the functioning of the site is a lot intuitive and easy to use, ed i very professional resultsas long as you strictly adhere to the preset templates.

MindMeister

MindMeister is a site that allows you to create more traditional maps, through the use of labels and links. It requires registration for access, and offers both paid packages and free access.

It proves an excellent compromise between paper and digital, because it allows you to set up each job from scratch (highly customizable templates are also available).

The final result depends a lot on the type of use you want to make of the map, whether it is strictly personal or whether it is intended for sharing with an audience (presentations, conferences, etc.).

Google Drawings

If what you need is simply the drawing a concept map, Google Drawings is for you: you can create the graphical representation of the map, but it does not have models or advanced functions, it is very basic and entirely free.

The main function of Google Drawings is to allow you to draw figures on a grid and, consequently, it can be used to draw simple concept maps.

draw.io

draw.io is a web app that allows you to create a concept map from scratch starting from lines, shapes, arrows and diagrams.

Its very spartan appearance should not be misleading: it is a very powerful tool, which however lacks complexity and is not fully accessible to the average user. There is no concept map model available and therefore has no pre-set structures from which to work; on the other hand, even if entirely in English, it is completely free.

At startup, the user is asked to select a cloud service destination on which to save the work, an operation that can also be postponed to a later time, when you can also choose the saving format, including PNG, SVG, HTML and XML .

Overall, a great offer for a totally free tool.

Creately

Through Creately it is possible to easily create effective concept maps starting from scratch, using very pleasing tools; are also numerous examples of pre-packaged maps are available, ready to be modified and adapted for your purposes.

The product is distributed with free access, upon registration, with numerous limitations, and then with packages with an increasing price, starting from the base price of € 4.30 per month.

WiseMapping

WiseMapping is a somewhat convoluted but extremely powerful service that allows you to create the branched concept map more complex than you can ever conceive, starting from scratch and eventually integrating it into your website.

Most of the operations it is done directly on the map by drag-and-drop, with the result that its operation is extremely intuitive; nevertheless, there is an English video guide for beginners, and a complex system of keyboard shortcuts.

The site offers a free trial and is partially translated into Italian.

Lucidchart

Lucidchart is a site, entirely in English, which offers countless tools for the creation of very complex conceptual maps, either starting from scratch or using pre-set templates.

A free registration is required to access the editor, but to have all the features you need to purchase paid packages, which currently start at a base cost of $ 6.95 per month.