With internet access, you can take advantage of multiple applications to create concept maps for free. Some work exclusively online, while others can be downloaded to mobile devices. However, in 2024, several of these stand out more than others.

In this post, we’ll talk about five of the best apps for creating concept maps. We’ll highlight their main features and present a comparison chart of all the options.

But first, we’ll give you a clear definition of what concept maps are, emphasizing the key benefits of using them in your daily freelance work.

5 Must-Have Apps for Creating Concept Maps in 2024

Concept Maps: Definition

A concept map is a way to represent knowledge in a visual structure, breaking down complex information into simpler elements. Its goal is to communicate ideas as clearly and effectively as possible.

This makes it a valuable tool in various fields, including education and business. It’s also useful for anyone looking for an engaging way to organize and present information simply.

5 Key Benefits of Concept Maps

Concept maps can offer significant advantages for freelancers and anyone looking to use them for business growth.

Here are five key benefits:

1. Enhanced Understanding

Concept maps are designed to improve learning and make it more efficient. By organizing written content into a graphic format, you can more clearly see how data relates to each other. Consequently, you can communicate your ideas to clients more effectively.

2. Ease of Creation

Learning to create these diagrams is straightforward, despite their complex concepts and relationships, even if you’ve never made one before. The process becomes even simpler if you choose one of the many free concept map apps available.

3. Versatility

A concept map is useful in various aspects of freelance work. You can use them to organize ideas, plan projects, and more. In business, they help present plans and strategies clearly and attractively. This versatility allows you to adapt to different types of projects and cater to clients' specific needs.

4. Long-Term Retention

Visual formats tend to be more engaging than text, so the content of a concept map is better retained in your memory. This makes it easier to recall, apply concepts in the future, and improves consistency in your projects over the long term.

5. Customization

You can tailor the diagrams to each project, which is highly beneficial when working with multiple clients. The visual elements available in the software allow you to present your ideas uniquely and professionally.

These five benefits demonstrate why concept maps are powerful techniques in various contexts.

The 5 Best Apps for Creating Concept Maps

1. MindMeister

MindMeister is an easy-to-use online tool that helps you visualize ideas practically with its powerful tools. While it offers more benefits in the paid version, it’s one of the most popular free concept map apps.

Additionally, with this software, you can also create mind maps in just a few steps thanks to its customizable templates.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration for working on concept maps with other users.

• Automatic synchronization across devices.

• Intuitive tools for adding and organizing nodes and connections.

• Customization of shapes, colors, and styles.

• Export options in various formats.

Despite its limitations, you can find basic functionalities to create concept maps in the free version.

2. Lucidspark

It is a virtual whiteboard capable of facilitating the visual organisation of ideas and projects, as well as real-time collaboration. Lucidspark’s popularity stems from its use of freehand drawing to unleash your creativity.

It provides an infinite workspace for creating and organizing your ideas without restrictions.

Key Features:

• Basic organization tools and digital sticky notes.

• A library of templates to quickly start your projects.

• You can add comments and tasks.

• Real-time collaboration for teamwork.

• Tools for presenting and prioritizing ideas.

Lucidspark is among the concept map-making programs because it’s a secure and easy-to-use site. However, its functions are more geared toward its paid plans.

3. EdrawMind

EdrawMind offers versatility in creating concept maps, with a large collection of templates that you can edit to your style. The platform also has features for Gantt charts, flowcharts, and timelines.

Key Features:

• Cloud storage.

• Over 26,000 graphic elements.

• Export in various formats, including HTML, SVG, and Excel.

• Integrated AI assistant.

• Access to themes, pages, and topics.

Additionally, it’s available for download on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

4. GitMind

GitMind is another digital whiteboard powered by AI to stimulate ideas. Its main focus is on creating concept maps and mind maps, flowcharts, organizational charts, and other types of visual diagrams. Its interface is user-friendly, with robust features for its paid plans.

Key Features:

• Smooth navigation for creating and managing concept maps.

• Predefined templates with different types of diagrams.

• Attractive and user-friendly visual design.

• Intuitive tools for creating concept maps.

• Team collaboration.

GitMind is another free concept map app, but like all others, it has its limitations in this version.

5. Coggle

 If you’re looking for an app to create concept maps even more easily, Coggle is the right choice. The platform is ideal for both beginner freelancers and those with an intermediate level. In addition to its simplicity, it’s characterized by being an intuitive and effective interface.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration so multiple users can edit the same concept map.

• Integrated icon library.

• Options to share via public or private links.

• Designs adjustable to different visual needs.

• Tools for creating and organizing connections intuitively.

With this type of app for making concept maps, you can also create powerful flowcharts. Additionally, it has a free version to help you get familiar with the platform first.

Comparison of Apps for Creating Concept Maps

Before choosing one of the online platforms described, consider the associated costs, pros, and cons.

Here’s a comparison chart:

Note: The data in the table was taken from the official website of each application on 12/08/2024. Prices and functions may change in the future.

Conclusion

The apps for creating concept maps on this list have the potential to help you improve the understanding and presentation of your ideas. Each one offers unique features that you can use to your advantage to adapt the design to your specific needs.

Of course, if you try the free versions and find that one of the software options is ideal for you, you can subscribe to one of their paid plans. With DolarApp, you can cover these costs, whether in pesos or dollars. You’ll gain access to advanced features that will further enhance your workflow. Additionally, DolarApp offers favorable exchange rates if you need to convert USD to MXN or vice versa.

So, if what these five free concept map apps offer isn’t enough, pay for the subscription with DolarApp and save on exchange rates.