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CogniGuide

Collaborative Concept Mapping for Study Groups and Teams

See an example of a shared map built by a group, with its main branches and links. Then build your own from class notes, a PDF or slides.

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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 Shared Maps From Group Material

Turn the readings and notes your group already has into one map everyone can work from.

Start from shared files

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file or image, and the AI builds the first version of the map.

Organize ideas into branches

Concepts are grouped into clear branches, so each member can see how the topic connects.

Expand, then test

Expand any node with AI, then turn the finished map into a quiz to check the group's understanding.

How Group Concept Mapping Works

Three steps from shared notes to a map the whole group can use.

  1. 1

    Share your material

    Add the group's notes, slides or readings, or type the shared topic.

  2. 2

    AI builds the map

    The AI pulls out the main concepts and arranges them into linked branches.

  3. 3

    Review, expand and export

    Edit the nodes, expand weak areas, then export as PNG or PDF or share a link.

Collaborative Concept Mapping Explained

Collaborative concept mapping is a method where a group builds one shared diagram of a topic. Each concept is a node, and labeled links show how concepts relate. Working together, members compare sources, agree on key terms and spot gaps in understanding before an exam or project.

  • Core concepts: the main ideas that anchor the topic
  • Linking phrases: labels that explain how two concepts relate
  • Evidence nodes: sources, examples or data supporting each claim
  • Open questions: gaps the group still needs to research
  • Summary branch: the overall conclusion the map leads to

Use the finished map to revise together, divide up research or plan a presentation. CogniGuide can generate a personalized shared map from your group's own notes.

Explore related topics

types of mind mappingTypes of mind mapping explained: radial, tree, flow and concept map styles, with an example map of each. Build your own map from notes or a PDF with CogniGuide.concept mapping sampleA concept mapping sample shows how ideas link through labeled arrows, from core concept to supporting details.mind mapping activityA mind mapping activity turns a topic into a branching visual map. This page covers the steps, a sample map and ideas for classrooms.introduction to mind mappingIntroduction to mind mapping: this page explains what a mind map is, its core parts and how to start one.how mind mapping is doneMind mapping is done by writing a central topic, then adding branches for its main ideas. This guide shows the method with an example map.mind mapping book guideA mind mapping book explains how to turn chapters into branches, keywords and links. This page shows an example book map. Build your own from any chapter or PDF in minutes.collaborative mind mappingLearn how collaborative mind mapping helps groups build one shared map of ideas and plans.collaborative concept mapLearn how a collaborative concept map helps groups share ideas and spot gaps before exams.

Collaborative Concept Mapping Questions

Common questions about working on concept maps as a group.

What is the main benefit of collaborative concept mapping?

It makes each member's understanding visible. Differences in how people link ideas show up quickly, so the group can discuss and correct them before studying or presenting.

How many people should work on one concept map?

Small groups of three to five work well. Larger groups can split the map into branches, with each person responsible for one section and a shared review at the end.

Can I build a group map from our own files with CogniGuide?

Yes. Upload a PDF, Word or PowerPoint file, a text or Markdown file, or an image, and the AI builds an interactive map you can edit and expand.

Is it free, and can the map become a quiz?

There is a free plan with 5 creations a week and no payment needed. Any map can also be turned into a quiz to test the group.