What Is a Concept Map and How Do You Make One?
See an example concept map with nodes, linking phrases and branches. Then generate your own from your notes, a PDF or a topic.
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CogniGuide at a glance
- What you get
- Interactive mind maps of the main ideas and how they connect. Free: overview maps (detailed maps on your first 3 creations). Plus: detailed maps with supporting concepts.
- Exports
- Your first PDF or PNG export is free; Plus exports anytime.
- Price
- Free plan: 5 creations a week, up to 3 a day. Plus: $9.99/month or $99.90/year (USD; local prices at checkout).
- Sign-up
- A free account is required before you create anything (Google or email). No credit card.
- What you can upload
- PDF, Word (.docx), PowerPoint (.pptx), plain text or Markdown, and images (PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF), or type a topic. One file per creation on the free plan; several at once on Plus.
How it compares: vs Knowt · vs Quizlet · vs NotebookLM · vs Mapify
Build a Concept Map From Your Own Material
Start from the files you already study with and let AI draft the structure for you.
Built From Your Files
Upload a PDF, Word file, PowerPoint, text file or image and get a concept map from it.
Clear Linked Structure
Main ideas sit at the top, with branches connected by short labeled links.
Quiz and Flashcards Next
Turn the finished map into a quiz, or make flashcards from the same notes.
How to Make a Concept Map in Three Steps
Add your notes or type a topic, then let the AI arrange the key ideas into linked branches.
- 1
Add Your Material
Upload your notes, slides or PDF, or simply type the topic you are studying.
- 2
AI Builds the Map
The AI finds the main concepts and draws the links between them as a map.
- 3
Study, Expand, Quiz
Expand any idea, edit the wording, then export or test yourself with a quiz.
Concept Map Basics and Key Parts
A concept map is a diagram that shows how ideas relate to one another. Each idea is placed in a box or node, and short linking phrases explain how two ideas connect. Concept maps usually start with a broad idea at the top and move to more specific ideas below. Unlike a simple list, they show the reasons and relationships behind the facts.
- Concepts: the key ideas, usually written as short nouns or noun phrases
- Linking phrases: words such as causes, requires or includes that explain each connection
- Hierarchy: general ideas at the top, specific examples at the bottom
- Cross-links: connections between branches that show how distant ideas relate
Use a finished concept map to review before an exam, check your understanding or plan a report. Generate a personalized concept map with CogniGuide from your own notes.
Concept Map Questions Answered
Quick answers about concept maps and how to create one from your own material.
What is the difference between a concept map and a mind map?
A concept map uses labeled links to explain how ideas relate, and it can branch in any direction. A mind map radiates outward from one central topic with short branches and usually fewer words per link.
Do concept maps have a fixed format?
No. Concept maps are flexible, but most place broad concepts at the top, connect ideas with short linking phrases and add examples at the lower levels.
Which files can I use to make a concept map with CogniGuide?
You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX), PowerPoint (PPTX), text or Markdown files, or images. You can also type a topic instead.
Is it free, and can I turn the map into a quiz?
There is a free plan with 5 creations a week and no payment needed. Once a map is built, you can turn it into a quiz to test yourself.