Concept maps make it easier to understand complex relationships. For instance, with an organization chart, you can understand the office hierarchy.
It is easy to visualize a nuclear chain reaction if it is in the form of a diagram. An Ichikawa (or fishbone) diagram helps to find the root cause of a problem. These are all different forms of concept maps.
Making concept maps in MS Word is simple.
2 ways to cerate a Concept Map in MS Word
- Use Basic Shapes
- Use SmartArt Templates
Before we begin, ensure you have the basic layout of your concept map ready.
We will show you both methods in simple, step-by-step instructions.
Let’s begin!
Method #1: Concept Map Using Basic Shapes
This method gives you the most flexibility to create the design you want, but it can be more time-consuming than using SmartArt.
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open a new Word document.
Step #2: Insert a basic shape
Click on the Insert tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the section Illustrations, click on the Shapes icon.
A window will open containing a chart with various shapes.
Pick a shape from Basic Shapes by clicking on it.
The window will close, and you need to click on your page to indicate where you want the shape to appear.
The chosen shape now shows in the document.
Step #3: Modify the shape
Click on the handles on the shape and drag to change it. (Handles are the small circles on the corners as well as the circular arrow at the top, shown in red below.)
Once you have the desired size, copy the changed shape by either right-clicking and selecting ‘Copy’ or pressing Ctrl and C on your keyboard.
Now paste the copy elsewhere on the page – Ctrl and V or right click and select ‘Paste’.
Arrange the copied shapes the way you want.
Step #4: Add more shapes
Depending on your planned basic layout, add more shapes from the shapes chart, using the same steps.
Step #5: Add Text Boxes
In the section Text, click on the Text Box icon.
Several Built-In Text box templates will open.
Select the one you prefer.
The text box window will now close, and you have to click on your document, in the place where you want your text box to be placed.
The text box now appears in the document.
Edit and change the text inside the text box to match your basic layout, by clicking on it. You should see a blinking cursor to indicate you can now type inside the text box.
Change the dimensions of the text box to your requirement. You can do that by clicking on the handles, or clicking on the little icon to the right, which give you more options.
Step #6: Complete your Concept Map
Arrange all the shapes to match your basic layout, as you will see in our basic design below.
Method #2: Concept Map Using SmartArt Templates
This method is quick and creates professional-looking Concept Maps if your basic design matches a standardized layout.
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open a new Word document.
Step #2: Insert a SmartArt template
Click on the Insert tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the section Illustrations, click on the SmartArt icon.
This opens the Choose a SmartArt Graphic window.
Step #3: Pick a SmartArt Graphic
The window that opens contains the following:
- The left pane lists various categories of graphs.
- The central pane shows the graphics available under any one category.
- Click on any graphic in the central pane, and the right pane shows the actual graphics in color and with more detail.
Pick a suitable map from the menu by clicking on it, and then click on the OK button.
The chosen map appears in the document.
Step #4: Edit the text and color
Click on each [Text] and edit them to match your concept map.
Right-click on the boundary and change the colors as you wish.
Step #5: Complete your Concept Map
Arrange all the shapes and text to match your basic layout.
Conclusion
We have shown you two simple methods to create a concept map in MS Word.
The first method takes more time, but you can create unique maps. The second method is faster and produces professional concept maps.
Use the method most suitable to your needs.