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CogniGuide

A Concept Map Tool for Studying Any Topic

See how ideas connect in a finished example map, then use AI to build one from your own notes, PDF or slides.

No credit card required

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Trusted by learners from top universities

University of California, BerkeleyUniversity of MichiganGeorgetown UniversityUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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

What the Concept Map Tool Does

Turn the material you already have into a map you can edit, expand and test yourself with.

Built From Your Files

Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text or image file and get a map of the key concepts.

Linked Ideas and Branches

Concepts are grouped into branches so you can see causes, parts and relationships at a glance.

Quiz and Share

Turn the map into a quiz, export it as PNG or PDF, or share a link with classmates.

How to Make a Concept Map

Three steps from raw notes to a concept map you can study from.

  1. 1

    Add your material

    Upload a file or type the topic you are studying into the tool.

  2. 2

    AI builds the map

    The tool finds the main concepts and links them into expandable branches.

  3. 3

    Study and expand

    Edit nodes, expand weak areas with AI, then quiz yourself or export the map.

Using a Concept Map Tool for Learning

A concept map tool arranges ideas as nodes joined by labeled links, so the relationships between concepts are visible. Most maps start from a central idea, then split into branches such as causes, components, processes and examples. Seeing these links helps you move from memorizing terms to understanding how they fit together.

  • Central idea: the main topic placed at the center of the map
  • Main branches: the major subtopics that split from the center
  • Linking words: short labels that explain how two concepts relate
  • Examples and details: specific facts attached to each branch

Use the map to review before an exam, check gaps in your understanding, or plan an essay. CogniGuide can build a personalized concept map from your own notes in minutes.

Concept Map Tool Questions

Common questions about concept mapping and building maps with CogniGuide.

What is the difference between a concept map and a mind map?

A concept map links ideas with labeled connections and can form networks, while a mind map radiates from one central idea in a tree-like structure. Both help you organize information visually.

Why use a concept map for studying?

Concept maps show how ideas relate, which supports understanding and recall. Tracing the links helps you explain a topic rather than just repeat facts.

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. You can also type a topic instead of uploading.

Is CogniGuide free to use?

Yes. The free plan allows 5 creations a week with no payment needed, and paid plans raise those limits. You can also turn a map into a quiz to test yourself.