10 Free Process Mapping Tools in 2021
Process mapping is an integral part in improving efficiency within an organization. Performing this process will open many opportunities for improvement since these organizations will see the lapses within their process. It also provides a platform for teams to organize their work process, and discuss things over. Ultimately, it will help eliminate redundant processes and save time for both consumers and employees. On that note, process mapping is performed by using process maps, hence its name. With that being said, here are some process mapping tool that you should try.
10 Great Process Mapping Tools
1.GitMind
2. Creately
3. Diagrams.net
4. LucidCharts
5. Visual-Paradigm
6. Gliffy
7. Cacoo
8. Visme
9. Canva
10. Google Drawings
- GitMind
First on the list is GitMind. This is an online mindmap and flowchart maker that is perfect for brainstorming and process mapping. The tool supports online collaboration which works well with teams and organizations because it lets them work on a single process map simultaneously, and remotely. GitMind also provides a platform for communication since it allows each collaborators to leave comments on the board. There are also other feature such as exporting files in various formats, and the sharing feature where you can send the process map as a URL. Overall, we can say that this tool deserves great marks since it a free but powerful process mapping tool.
Key features:
- Supports most web-browsers
- Mobile and desktop versions are available
2. Creately
Creately is an infographic tool primarily used to make charts and infographics. The tool has a lot of templates that can be customized according to your needs. There is also the native chart editor that you can utilize to make process maps for your organization. The thing that makes it a perfect fit for process mapping, is the online collaboration feature. However, some of these features are only included in the premium version of the tool. In general, Creately is going to be a great companion for professionals and organizations alike.
Key features:
- Wide-range of shapes and elements
- Remote access is available
3. Diagrams.net
Another free tool on our list is Diagrams.net. You may have encountered this tool before under a different name, which is Draw.io. This freeware is offers an online and desktop version. Upon testing, we found the online version more reliable since its free, and has all of the features that the desktop version possess. The tool doesn’t have an online collaboration feature, but can be used to make process maps, which then can be distributed to your colleagues. The tool is also easy to use since its a straightforward editor. It doesn’t have ready-to-use templates but provides blank templates.
Key features:
- Integrates with other applications like Confluence
- Personal and business use are allowed for free
4. Lucidchart
A more popular option among companies and organizations is Lucidhart. This online chart and map maker is used by professionals to make diagrams that are essential to their work. There are many templates that can be made with this tool such as Process Maps, SIPOC diagram and almost every technical maps that you can think of. However, the tool is not entirely free, but it allows your to use it for a limited duration for free.
Key features:
- Provides an internal cloud for easy storage
- Sharing feature for easy map access
5. Visual-Paradigm
Another great tool that you can use is Visual-Paradigm. Although mainly used by engineers and developers, it can still be used to make process maps. There are many BPMN templates that you can use for free using this tool. The interface very straightforward which makes the tool very natural for first time users. Another good thing about this tool, are the various developer options that you can utilize anytime.
Key features:
- Equipped with Agile features
- Can import charts from other tools
6. Gliffy
Gliffy is a wonderful infographic tool that you can use as a process map maker. The tool is highly similar to Creately, but with other features. One example is the free cloud storage that you can use to store your process maps, and other charts. The tool is available for free, or with a premium subscription so just pick which one suits your needs.
Key features:
- Can retrieve previous versions of the chart you created
- Social media sharing
7. Cacoo
A great collaborative diagram software, Cacoo also made it on our list. As the term collaborative suggests, it allows multiple editors to work on a single chart together. This is a great way to perform process mapping since they can discuss each steps in the entire business process. With this tool, you’ll surely know what is happening with the process map since you’ll get notifications whenever someone is editing. This is a great way to be updated with the changes that happens, especially when you are not around.
Key features:
- Can be integrated with Agile tools
- Multi-editing feature
8. Visme
Visme is a good choice when it comes to creating various infographics. But did you also know that it works for process mapping as well? Yes, that is why it is also included in this list. The tool also doubles as a process mapping application since there are many templates that comes with it. Also, you can utilize various shapes and elements in the editing panel to make your own process map. You can then share the maps to other via URL which makes it great for brainstorming.
Key features:
- Works offline
- Password protection for diagrams
9. Canva
Canva is a popular infographics creator that provides numerous templates for free. Almost anyone can use it immediately because of its drag-and-drop feature. There are a lot of things that you can incorporate your charts such as images and video clips. You can also make appealing process maps that you can download on your PC. Canva is also available on mobile so you can bring it almost anywhere.
Key feature:
- Can upload attachments within the process map
- Can share charts on social media
10. Google Drawings
Last but definitely not least is Google Drawings. Part of the Google office suite, along with Docs and Drive, Google Drawings is an online flowchart maker. It is primarily used to make shareable flowcharts and process maps. The shapes and elements that you can use are vast so that you can include all the information you need. Above all, the app is free to use and can be integrated with Google Drive. You can access all your process maps anywhere via cloud, and even share access with your colleagues.
Key features:
- Online and free
- Free cloud storage
Conclusion
Process mapping is without a doubt very beneficial to organizations and teams. Not only do they get the chance to improve their services, they also get to know which processes are irrelevant and time-consuming. This way, they can formulate ways to mitigate these issues and improve the quality of their services. That is why we created the list above, to give you an idea on which tool to use.
