How to make a concept map in Microsoft Word? step by step guide

If it ever happened to you that you need to expose an idea and you don’t know how to do ityou can use a concept map made in Word to solve your problem.

For it, you will need to know all the tools you will have so that your work is done quickly and effectively. Due to this, we have prepared this post so that you know all the secrets of this tool.

In addition, we will explain the steps you will take to make a concept map from scratch. Finally, we will show you the best predesigned templates and other programs outside of Word to create these pictures.

What tools in Word can I use to make a concept map?

To make a concept map with Microsoft Word, you must first use the function “Shapes”. With this you can choose any element to include adjacent concepts as a main idea. They can be from Rectangles to Speech bubbles.

You can also use the “Smart Art” to give your map its own style and thus obtain different types of fonts and images that will help you have a better design.

On the other hand, if you want to embed an image from your computer or from the web, you’ll need to use the “Insert images”. In addition, you will have to order the shapes and any other illustrations using the Bring Forward tool or whatever you need.

What should we take into consideration when making a concept map in Word?

When you have to make a concept map, the first thing you should keep in mind is the general idea you want to convey. For this, you will need to establish some objectives to easily determine which phrases you will include on the map.

For example, you will have to know who the map will be aimed at. It is not the same for you as it is for third parties. And in relation to the latter, it is not the same that these people know about a certain topic as do not have any kind of knowledge about the ideas that you will present on the map.

Later, You will have to propose between 5 and 10 concepts, at most, that you will put on the conceptual map. Once you have determined this, you are going to have to do a pre-design to see if the result is clear with the reading. If it is not, you will have to edit it again until it is correct.

Finally, you will have to establish a design that is consistent with the concept map itself. By this we mean that the format that you will give it must match the tastes of the people to whom your work is directed.

Steps to create a concept map in Microsoft Word from scratch

The steps you will need to do to create a concept map in Word are as follows:

• Open a Microsoft Word file.
• Go to the menu “Insert” and then choose the group “Illustrations”.
• Select the function “Shapes”.
• Choose the figure that you like the most. In our case we will use a “Rectangle”.
• Right click on the figure and choose “Add text”.
• Write the idea you want to be in the center.
• Then look for another function in “Shapes”.
• Join this element with the rectangle you just made. To do this, you will have to choose an arrow that will be in the section “Block Arrows”of the function “Shapes”.
• Repeat these steps until you complete the map you need.

If you want to add another reason you can go to the tool “Smart Art” and choose, for example, “Cycles”. In case you want to give a special style to the letter you can choose, once you have selected the font, the function “Text effects and typography”located on the home tab and in the group “Font”.

List of the best Word templates to make concept maps

Take a look at the best Word templates so you can concept map like an expert:

• Professional: You can find in this conceptual map a professional design that will allow you to unite ideas in a simple way. The union of ideas is highlighted through interconnected circles, which you can edit in a simple way.
• Multicolored: The design of this template promotes the reader’s attention. This is because you will have a large number of forms that you will have to fill in with words and in this way you will be able to carry a main idea through its different ramifications.
• Minimal Business: it is ideal for sharing essential information within an organization. Its minimalist design offers the possibility that any reader can interpret the ideas that are exposed in this map in a quick and agile way.
• Funny: His name says it all. It is a design intended for young people in which you can incorporate the central idea in the middle of the page and release the different notices or concepts that you want to develop from that idea. It has a very striking background, which represents a sheet of paper.
• Business plan: It is very useful when you want to expose a business plan to other people. Its design is casual and the font format will allow you to display everything you want in a friendly way.
• Business Mind Maps: With this template you can have a map with a professional style in which you can dump all the ideas related to a certain sector of your company. It is ideal to share with employees from the same area so that they can learn about the work and functions of their colleagues.
• Rectangles: If what you want is to expose an informal concept map, but at the same time simple, this template is ideal for you. You will be able to insert the central idea and then derive other connections in a very simple way.
• Retro Microchip: When you’re looking for a template that has a retro style for its colors and is simple to interpret, this concept map is ideal for you. You will be able to add the different concepts in a very easy way, thanks to its editing tools.
• Clouds: In case you need to expose a concept map to children, you can use this fun design that will have clouds as its main shapes. Its edition is very simple and it is compatible with Microsoft Word.
• Brain with icons: With this template you will be able to design a conceptual map in an agency way that will have the main idea that will be united by different connectors with very fun and multi-colored icons.

The best external programs to Word to make concept maps like a professional

We will show you below the best programs, other than Microsoft Word, that you can use to make concept maps:

lucidchart.com

This online site will allow you to make concept maps quickly. You will be able to visualize the connections that exist between different topics, notes or events so that you can have a better planning in the study plans.

With this tool you will be able to share your maps with other users, being able to use integrations of the Google tool, G Suite. In addition, you will be able to modify the style of your map as many times as you want, since you will have functions that will allow you to choose the format in very simple steps.

mindmeister.com

It is one of the most used online tools users when they need to create concept maps. Its use is not free, but it has a trial period in which you will be able to see all the available functions of this site.

It is available for any type of operating system and you will not need to receive updates, since everything will be done from the cloud. When you share your concept map, those people can see it on any mobile, laptop, or desktop device.

Cmap.ihmc.us

With this tool you can choose different types of backgrounds, as well as colors and font styles. This will allow you to have a unique conceptual map and thus be able to share your document with other people so that they can evaluate it.

If you wish, you can make changes online so that other users can observe those changes. You can use it on both Windows and MacOS.

Creately.com

You will find on this site a very easy-to-use tool, since you only you will need to drag the layout shapes onto the canvas so you can join it with default connectors. It is ideal for teamwork and for different users to incorporate their criteria.

You’ll have hundreds of predesigned templates so you don’t waste time choosing the best design.

xmind.net

Making a concept map has never been so easy since this website exists. You will have a free version and a paid version in which you will find more shapes and styles to use. It is characterized by having tools that will allow you to edit the theme, export images and modify the font.

You can share the mental map that you will create with this site with different people and make adjustments in a simple way. If you prefer, you can download software so you can work on a Windows or MacOS computer.