Making Concept Maps Online, Step by Step
See an example concept map and how its ideas link together. Then generate your own map from your notes, a PDF or a topic you type in.
No credit card required
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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
Why Make Your Concept Map Online
Online tools keep your map editable, shareable and easy to revise as your notes change.
Build from your own material
Upload a PDF, Word or PowerPoint file, or a text file, and the AI turns it into a linked concept map.
Clear linking structure
Concepts sit in nodes and connecting lines show how they relate, so you can see the whole topic at once.
Study beyond the map
Turn the map into a quiz to test yourself, or use the same notes to make flashcards.
How to Make a Concept Map Online
Three steps take you from raw notes to a map you can study, expand and export.
- 1
Add your material
Upload a file or type a topic. Notes, slides and textbook extracts all work.
- 2
AI builds the map
The AI finds the key concepts and links them into branches you can expand.
- 3
Study, edit and export
Edit nodes, expand any branch, take a quiz, then export as PNG or PDF.
Online Concept Mapping: Method and Key Parts
A concept map is a diagram that shows how ideas relate. Each concept sits in a node, and labelled links explain each connection, such as causes, parts or examples. Making one online means you can start from a topic or your own notes and let the structure grow as you learn.
- Core concept: the main idea placed at the centre or top
- Linking phrases: short labels that explain each connection
- Branches: groups of related concepts, such as causes or stages
- Examples: specific cases that support each concept
- Cross-links: connections between different branches
Use the map to revise, check gaps and plan essays. CogniGuide can build a personalized concept map from your own notes or PDF, so your study map matches your course.
Concept Map Questions Answered
Common questions about making concept maps online and building them from your own notes.
What is the difference between a concept map and a mind map?
A concept map links ideas with labelled connections and can form networks, while a mind map radiates outward from one central idea in a tree shape. Concept maps suit showing relationships between facts.
How many concepts should a concept map have?
Most useful maps have roughly 10 to 30 concepts. Fewer may miss relationships, and more can become hard to read. Focus on the ideas that matter for your topic.
Which files can I use to make a map with CogniGuide?
You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX), PowerPoint (PPTX), text or Markdown files, or images, or simply type a topic.
Can I turn my online concept map into a quiz?
Yes. CogniGuide can turn a map into a quiz to test yourself. The free plan includes 5 creations a week, with no payment needed.