When it comes to visualizing complex concepts and ideas, a concept map could be the perfect tool for the job. With its hierarchical, spider, and flowchart templates, you can map out connections between different ideas, identify relationships between concepts, and simplify information in a visually stunning format. In this post, we’ll explore 40+ concept map templates that you can use to organize your thoughts, plan your projects, and communicate your ideas effectively. Whether you’re a student, teacher, researcher, or professional, these templates can help you create clear and concise visual representations of any topic. So, let’s dive in and take a look at some of the best concept map templates out there! Hierarchical Concept Map Templates Hierarchical concept map templates are perfect for mapping out relationships between different ideas in a hierarchical structure. These templates consist of a central idea and branches that radiate outwards from that idea, with each branch representing a sub-idea or concept related to the central idea. Here are some of the best hierarchical concept map templates you can use. 1. Mind Mapping Template Mind maps are a popular form of hierarchical concept maps that help you brainstorm ideas and visually organize them. With this mind mapping template, you can place your main idea in the center and branch out to related sub-ideas. Use different colors and shapes to differentiate between different types of ideas. ![Mind Mapping Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/concept-map-template-05.jpg “Mind Mapping Template”) 2. Tree Map Template A tree map is another form of hierarchical concept map that helps display information in a structured and organized way. Use this template to create a tree map of your ideas, with the main idea at the top and branches representing sub-ideas. ![Tree Map Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tree-Map-Template-17.jpg “Tree Map Template”) 3. Circle Map Template A circle map is a hierarchical concept map that is used to brainstorm and organize ideas. With this template, you can place your central idea in the center and branches radiating outwards, with each branch representing a related sub-idea or concept. ![Circle Map Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Circle-Map-Template-30.jpg “Circle Map Template”) 4. KWL Chart Template KWL charts are a popular form of hierarchical concept map used in education. The acronym stands for “What I Know,” “What I Want to Know,” and “What I Learned.” Use this template to create a KWL chart and brainstorm information related to a topic or idea. ![KWL Chart Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/concept-map-template-10.jpg “KWL Chart Template”) 5. Bubble Map Template A bubble map is a hierarchical concept map that is used to brainstorm and organize ideas. With this template, you can place your central idea in the center and use bubbles to represent related sub-ideas or concepts. ![Bubble Map Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bubble-Map-Template-10.jpg “Bubble Map Template”) Spider Concept Map Templates Spider concept map templates are used to visualize ideas or concepts that are connected in multiple ways. In this type of concept map, the central idea is surrounded by branches or lines that connect to related ideas or concepts. Here are some spider concept map templates you can use. 6. Spider Map Template With this spider map template, you can create a visual representation of your ideas or concepts. Use the central idea as your focus and connect related ideas with branches or lines. Customize the template with different colors and designs. ![Spider Map Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Spider-Map-Template-01.jpg “Spider Map Template”) 7. Multi-Flow Map Template Multi-flow maps are spider concept maps that are used to show relationships between several sub-ideas and concepts. With this template, you can create a multi-flow map that connects related sub-ideas and concepts to the main idea. ![Multi-Flow Map Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Multi-Flow-Map-Template-07.jpg “Multi-Flow Map Template”) 8. Spider Diagram Template A spider diagram is a spider concept map that is used to show relationships between different ideas or concepts. With this template, you can create a spider diagram that connects related sub-ideas and concepts to the main idea. ![Spider Diagram Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Spider-Diagram-Template-14.jpg “Spider Diagram Template”) 9. Radial Map Template A radial map is a spider concept map that is used to organize and connect related ideas or concepts in a radial structure. With this template, you can create a radial map that visualizes the relationships between your ideas or concepts. ![Radial Map Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Radial-Map-Template-10.jpg “Radial Map Template”) Flowchart Concept Map Templates Flowchart concept map templates are used to show the steps or processes involved in completing a task or project. These templates consist of a series of steps connected by arrows or lines, with each step representing a specific action or concept. Here are some flowchart concept map templates you can use. 10. Process Map Template A process map is a flowchart concept map that is used to visualize a process and its individual steps. With this template, you can create a process map that outlines the sequential steps involved in completing a task or project. ![Process Map Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Process-Map-Template-25.jpg “Process Map Template”) 11. Swim Lane Template A swim lane is a flowchart concept map that is used to visualize the tasks or processes involved in completing a project or task. With this template, you can create a swim lane diagram that identifies the different stakeholders or departments involved in the process. ![Swim Lane Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Swim-Lane-Template-27.jpg “Swim Lane Template”) 12. Workflow Template A workflow is a flowchart concept map that is used to visualize the steps involved in completing a project or task. With this template, you can create a workflow diagram that identifies the processes and activities involved in a project. ![Workflow Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Workflow-Template-21.jpg “Workflow Template”) 13. Data Flow Diagram Template A data flow diagram is a flowchart concept map that is used to identify and visualize the processes involved in a system. With this template, you can create a data flow diagram that identifies the inputs, outputs, and processes involved in a system. ![Data Flow Diagram Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Data-Flow-Diagram-Template-15.jpg “Data Flow Diagram Template”) 14. Value Stream Mapping Template Value stream mapping is a flowchart concept map that is used to identify and eliminate waste in a process or system. With this template, you can create a value stream map that identifies the steps involved in completing a project or task and eliminates any unnecessary steps. ![Value Stream Mapping Template](https://templatelab.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Value-Stream-Mapping-Template-07.jpg “Value Stream Mapping Template”) Conclusion The concept map templates we’ve explored in this post are just a few of the many available online. Whether you’re organizing your thoughts, planning a project, or communicating your ideas, these templates can help you visualize your ideas and simplify complex information. Remember to choose the template that best suits your needs, customize it to fit your specific requirements, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and designs. With these concept map templates, you can create stunning visual representations of your ideas and concepts that are sure to impress!