Who has not used this tool at least once in their life? Surely at school or work you had to make them, so you should know that schematics and concept maps They are extremely useful for representing an idea. graphically, thus linking different concepts.
So if you have done it, you should know that they are one of the best ways to study and explain any knowledge, but sometimes this can be a bit tedious to craft them. Reason why we access the Internet to find ways to simplify our work.
That is why in this section we are going to teach you why you should use them in your life. We also bring you a list of the best programs to design them more easily and quickly.
What are conceptual maps and diagrams and what types are there?
A concept map is a learning tool that works by outlining concepts of a specific topic.. It is considered excellent at retaining information because it is a slightly more graphic representation of the subject at hand, and visual communication is proven to be much more effective for the brain.
It is also an active knowledge, since the individual who is doing it must soak up the content well to be able to develop it. So that this fact of elaborating them, executes in itself a deep study, This is because you have to order the ideas and link them so that in this way everything you do remains in your memory and thus get the most out of it when it comes to displaying that information.
There are several types of concept maps, but they all have the same characteristic bases, the main one is the hierarchy, that is, that the scheme starts from a main idea and develops according to the importance of the following sub-ideas. The other basic characteristic is the simplicity with which the theme is developed and that allows a rapid visual absorption and quick understanding of the content.
Then each branch of the map responds to a sub-idea and they communicate through propositions, that generally at the end they synthesize a general idea or final conclusion that gives the understanding of the content.
Basically there are only four types of concept maps from which some derivations start, these are:
- Hierarchical: It consists of placing the main idea at the top and developing the other concepts by scale of importance.
- From spider: In this case, the main idea is in the center and from there the secondary ideas are detached in branches or “spider legs” in a clockwise direction.
- Organization chart: they structure the information in a linear way, so they can be read in only one direction and are easier to understand. The disadvantage with respect to the previous ones is that they only allow keywords, so they are not as complete.
- systematic: They are very similar to the previous one, but these are more complete because they can be broken down into branches that include other ideas.
List of the 20 best free and paid programs and tools to design diagrams and concept maps
Surely with what we mentioned above you will want to study or carry out different activities with these. Well, as you saw, they are an important tool that we can get a lot of use out of. and apply them to a lot of jobs and processes.
Below you will know the ones that will work best for you to obtain a good organization in your tasks:
Microsoft Vision
Despite being a vector drawing tool, Microsoft gradually reduced its design capabilities in this tool and left more features for creating flowcharts, network diagrams, and organizational charts.
Yes ok It is not a specific one to make concept maps, if it is a leader in the creation of corporate schemes and very useful in the meeting tables of many companies. It is licensed by Microsoft and is Available for all systems.
Xmind
This is a program for the development of concept maps and diagrams, especially for the presentation of professional projects, be it academic or work. It is free software so you can have it on any computer for free, you can also use the portable version, just download it from its official page.
It complies with different functions that make work easier and also has the possibility of sharing work online with project colleagues, for when they need to work together. The most important is that later they can be printed in all the necessary sizes or exported to Microsoft or PDF formats.
SmartDraw
It is a software for creating diagrams and concept maps that works through a processor that simply receives the information and throws the content already organized and aligned in different components, according to the template that we have chosen, and it would only be up to us to give it the personalized touch.
With this software you have the opportunity to use it installed on your computer or use the online version and save yourself this step. It should be noted that you can back up your projects in any virtual cloud that you have by linking the profiles. It is a free program and compatible with Windows, iOS Mac, and Linux.
Creately
It is a software create projects using diagrams with a large number of models. It is an online service and has an installable version, but only for mobile phones. It is a simple program to use and something interesting is that you have the possibility of working together with other users related to your project, and thanks to all those minds working collectively there will be a greater variety of ideas and a better synthesis of concepts.
Inspiration 9
This is a tool creation of projects, oriented and adapted to enhance creativity and learning of the content embodied in the different schemes that we are making. It provides many features that help project the information in the best desired way.
At the same time, it has a library of images related to educational topics and some basic topics that can be used in our maps. It is a paid license program and is available on Windows.
CmapTools
This is one of the best professional tools for the elaboration of conceptual maps and diagrams. It is widely used by academies, corporations and even government entities for various purposes.
This is a computer software but it also has a complete version for iPad. It gives you the possibility of adding multimedia content that improves the reader experience and all the content is backed up on an online server for greater security.
canvas
You don’t need to be a design expert anymore with Canva and its incredible templates you can create and design concept maps of professional stature without much effort and saving time. This is an excellent graphic design tool that includes many useful features for map and schematic development.
The best thing is that it is online, therefore it is accessible from any browser and also for any operating system, since it even includes mobile applications.
GoConqr
It is an online virtual environment that facilitates the creation of concept maps and that includes very useful tools for learning. In addition, it also allows the creation of mental maps.
This service is oriented more towards the area of learning for young people and It is recommended as a study complement in high school and high school.
MindGenius
This concept map software is oriented towards the labor and business area, because it provides tools to carry out professional presentations and to meet your business needs with well-structured and simple ideas for quick understanding. It is a simple computer software and compatible with many formats.
Mind Manager
This wonderful software meets the expectations of large companies that require the creation of concept maps collectively, through a backup in a virtual cloud. It is available for Mac OS and Windows. Its advantage is that documents can be easily exported to Microsoft Office.
Free Mind
It is a program for the design of mental and concept maps, with which you will have several instruments to develop your projects from your computer. It is a useful program for analyzing and compiling ideas that, after being organized and structured, come out in Java format, but can be exported to any format of your choice. It is available free for Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
Mind Jet
This is another great work tool Widely used for creating schematics and it is excellent at structuring user information through a simple interface. It is possible to share your projects with other users and It has integration with an infinity of applications related, some mentioned in this post, including Microsoft Visio.
Personal Brain
It is an interesting mapping program, Outstanding in the graphical representation of network information through diagrams and mental maps. It includes its own search engine and it is possible to add any element to your project. It is available for any browser and also in mobile versions.
mapul
This is a web application that enhances the creativity of its users and facilitates them the creation of concept maps on any topic they like.
You also have the possibility of illustrating it as you see fit, without a doubt each project will be duly categorized and developed. It is found on any device and in any browser, with a free version and a paid version.
Lipten
This is another new web application that has the particularity that all its diagrams are created with hexagons, a method that they have implemented so that there is a relationship between ideas, one next to the other, as if it were the cells of a tissue.
All the hexagons are squared and can be color-coded to give our scheme a better look. The data can be exported to other formats once the project is finished.
ImindQ
One of the best online software for the creation of mental and conceptual maps and the schematization of ideas by stimulating brainstorming and innovation. It allows you to fully customize your project giving you full control over backgrounds, themes, typography, colors and patterns. It is a paid software, but it has a free trial version and it is visible with any browser.
maptini
It is a collective use tool for the creation of mental and conceptual maps, diagrams, organization charts, among other things. It is available only for Apple users. in installation and via web. It allows users to be synchronized with the changes that are being made and everything is backed up in the cloud.
Mind Maple
It is a payment tool that has many functions when it comes to create outlines and organize information into ideas, to expedite…
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