Concept Map Maker

A free, no sign-up concept map maker that runs entirely in your browser. Connect any idea to any other idea and label each link with a linking phrase — your map autosaves as you go.

Pick a template below or start blank, then use the toolbar to add nodes and drag between them to connect ideas. Nothing is uploaded — your map lives in this browser tab and autosaves locally as you edit.

Click + Node, then drag the blue dot to another node to connect. Click a link label to name it.

What Is a Concept Map Maker?

A concept map is a network diagram where any idea can connect to any other idea, and every connecting line carries a labeled linking phrase that spells out the relationship — "causes", "requires", "is an example of", and so on. Unlike a mind map's single tree radiating from one center, a concept map can show cross-links between branches, which makes it a better fit for showing how a set of ideas actually relate to each other rather than how they nest.

1

Cause and effect

Map a cause out to each of its effects with a labeled "leads to" link, and add cross-links between effects that influence each other. The Cause & effect template below sets this up for you.

2

Studying a topic

Break a topic into its definition, key terms, examples and related concepts, then link related terms to each other directly — something a strict tree can't do.

3

Process and system diagrams

Show how the parts of a process or system feed into one another, with each arrow labeled to explain exactly how one step affects the next.

How to Build Your Map

Start from the Blank template for two empty concepts, or the Cause & effect or Study topic templates for a ready-made network. Add a concept with the toolbar's + Node button, then drag from the small blue dot on a node's edge to another node to draw a link between them. Click a link's "+ label" text to type in a linking phrase, double-click any node to edit its text, drag nodes to reposition them, and scroll to zoom in or out. Everything you build autosaves to this browser as you go — no account, no upload — and when you're ready to share or back up a map, export it as JSON to keep editing later, SVG for a scalable vector image, or PNG for a flat image you can drop into a document or slide deck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a concept map and a mind map?
A mind map radiates outward from one central idea in a strict tree. A concept map is a network — any idea can connect to any other idea, and each connecting line carries a labeled linking phrase (like "causes" or "is part of") that explains the relationship, so it can show cross-links a tree can't.
What are linking phrases?
Linking phrases are the short labels on each line connecting two concepts, describing how they relate — for example "leads to", "requires" or "is an example of". Click the "+ label" text on any link to type one in.
Is the concept map maker free?
Yes. The concept map maker is completely free with no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on the number of maps, nodes or links. It runs entirely in your browser.
How do I export my concept map?
Use the toolbar buttons to download your map as a JSON file (to re-import and keep editing later), an SVG (a scalable vector image), or a PNG (a flat image for sharing or printing).