Top 4 WBS Creators to Make Work Breakdown Structure Diagram
Work breakdown structure (WBS) is a project management tool that breaks down large projects into smaller and more manageable tasks. Therefore, it is usually used in managing large projects. Using it to assign tasks can effectively avoid omissions and better track the progress of the project. So, how do we create a WBS diagram? This article will review 4 work breakdown structure creators from features, pros, cons, pricing, and more to help you make a smart and quick decision.
Part 1. MindOnMap
MindOnMap is a free and easy-to-use mind-mapping software based on the human brain’s thinking patterns. It can be used online or downloaded on Windows and Mac.
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This WBS software has a variety of mind mapping templates to help you create your mind maps, such as Org-Chart maps, Tree maps, Fishbone maps, etc. It also has various use scenarios such as creating character relationship maps, work or life plans, class or book notes, and, of course, most importantly, the work breakdown structure in project management, which is the topic of our article.
In addition, when creating charts, MindOnMap offers many options to personalize your charts, such as various icons with unique styles, optional themes, and colors for text boxes.
Pricing
MindOnMap has the following three pricing plans.
• Free Plan.
• Monthly Plan: $ 8.00
• Annual Plan: $ 48.00 (Avg. $4.00/month)
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
- A large number of multiple and practical templates.
- Save automatically at regular intervals if you stop working.
- Export the mind map to JPG, PNG, PDF, and other formats.
- Share the mind map with others freely and effortlessly.
CONS
- Free users can export common quality JPG and PNG images with watermarks only.
Real User Comments
According to some real users’ comments on the G2 website, the advantages of MindOnMap include the intuitive interface that is easy to use, lots of good-looking templates to select, and customized options in creating the chart. The disadvantage is that the free version has export limitations.
Part 2. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is an intelligent diagramming application that is available for PC, Mac, iOS, and Linux and runs on all major browsers and device operating systems online. It is also a good tool for creating the WBS. Supported by AI technology, it allows members of a remote team to collaborate in real-time, such as drawing WBS diagrams and assigning work tasks, which can greatly improve communication and work efficiency for each member of the team.
Pricing
Lucidchart has four pricing plans.
• Individual: $9.00 per month.
• Team: $30.00 per month.
• Enterprise: $36.50 per month.
Reminder: Lucidchart has a free version, but there is a limit to the number of editable documents and templates for use.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Real-time collaboration function.
- In-edit chat with team members.
- Optional diagramming templates to manage projects.
CONS
- Large and sophisticated program designs.
- Complex program sometimes reduces its performance and leads to faults.
Real User Comments
According to real user comments on the App Store, Lucidchart’s strengths mainly include cross-platform and real-time collaboration; its weakness is that the program is complex, and sometimes glitches occur.
Part 3. EdrawMax
EdrawMax is another good choice for creating a WBS diagram, which supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and online. It enables users to freely develop diagrams anytime and anywhere, as long as they have the browser open.
Moreover, it has the feature of personal cloud and group management, which can facilitate collaboration in a term. After creating, you can choose to export to various formats including but not limited to HTML, MS Office, Visio, etc., and share it to different social media.
Pricing
EdrawMax’s pricing plans are divided into Individuals, Team& Business, and Education.
Individuals:
• Semi-Annual: $69
• Annual: $99
• Lifetime: $198
Team& Business:
• Annual: $119 for 1 user and $505.75 for 5 users.
Education:
• Semi-Annual: $62
• Year: $85
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Compatible with almost all platforms.
- All files are automatically saved in the personal cloud.
- Auto-create slides in presentation mode, no need to go to PowerPoint.
CONS
- No tablet support.
- A little bit expensive price.
- No free trial for the downloadable version.
Real Use Comments
According to user comments on the App Store and Google Play, most people think that the lack of an iPad version and the fact that it's more expensive are its drawbacks; and its advantages include that it can be used to create many types of charts such as WBS charts, timelines, etc., as well as a lot of templates and stickers that can be used!
Part 4. Canva
As the name implies, Canva is an online tool on Canva Whiteboards for creating WBS charts by drawing on a canvas. Users can create what they want with its infinite canvas and whiteboard tools. At the same time, when the team needs to discuss complex work, with access to edit or view the whiteboard, members can suggest ideas or tag other members on it. All of these can make team collaboration smoother.
Pricing
Canva has four pricing plans as follows.
• Individuals: $120 per year.
• Teams: $100/year (per person)
• Organizations: Contact for pricing.
Reminder: Canva offers a free version that can be used, but some templates and materials require the Pro or Canva for Teams subscription.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Shared collaboration access to members of the team.
- Infinite canvas, whiteboard tools, and data visualization.
- Interesting icons and all kinds of colors for each deliverable.
CONS
- Limited colors of text and background available.
- Generic and lacking in uniqueness templates.
- Slow response errors affecting workflow.
Real User Comments
According to user comments on G2, the common advantages are that Canva is considered to have multiple styles, fonts, icons, etc., and the ability to collaborate remotely to speed up projects. Its disadvantages are that it sometimes works poorly with delays and sometimes even crashes.
Part 5. FAQs
How to create WBS for free?
It can be created with the help of some free tools like MindOnMap, Microsoft Excel, etc. Here is an example of MindOnMap and brief steps of it.
Step 1. Click the New button on the left panel and select the type of WBS chart you want to create.
Step 2. Double-click the Central Topic button to enter the subject of the WBS chart.
Step 3. Then, click the Topic button in the upper sidebar to bring up branches. If you have subtopics to add, you can click the Subtopic button, and a smaller branch will appear.
Step 4. Finally, after finishing, you can click the Export button in the upper right corner to save it!
What are the AI tools to make a work breakdown structure?
Lucidchart and EdrawMax are good AI tools to make a work breakdown structure.
Is a Gantt chart a work breakdown structure?
Yes, the Gantt chart is a work breakdown structure. It is a visual project management tool that combines the spreadsheet and timeline, using bars to illustrate the timeline of the project activities.
Conclusion
This article introduces a total review of four WBS creators, mainly in terms of price, pros and cons, and real user comments. Among them, MindOnMap really is a good choice. After all, its price is the cheapest, and it also has many other advantages, such as an intuitive interface, simple operation, and lots of templates to choose from. All of the above features can meet the most basic requirement of creating WBS charts.
It is believed that after reading this article you are bound to find the WBS tool you need. If you feel that this article is helpful to you, please like and comment more in the comment section!
