Create a Concept Map Free in Minutes
See how a concept map links ideas with labeled connections, then turn your own notes, PDF or slides into a map with AI at no cost.
No credit card required
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Trusted by learners from top universities
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 Free Concept Map From Your Material
Start from files you already have, or just type a topic and let AI organize the key ideas.
Start From Your Own Files
Upload a PDF, Word file, PowerPoint, text file or image and get a concept map of its main ideas.
Labeled Links Between Ideas
Each branch shows how concepts relate, so you can see causes, parts and connections at a glance.
Quiz and Export Next
Expand any node, export to PNG or PDF, share a link, or turn the map into a quiz to test yourself.
How to Make a Free Concept Map
Three quick steps take you from raw notes to a map you can study and edit.
- 1
Add Your Notes or Topic
Upload a file or type a topic you want to map out.
- 2
AI Builds the Map
The AI finds the central idea, main concepts and the links between them.
- 3
Study, Expand and Export
Edit nodes, expand branches with AI, then quiz yourself or export the map.
Free Concept Map Basics and Best Practices
A concept map is a diagram that shows how ideas relate. It starts with a central question or topic, then places key concepts in nodes and connects them with short linking phrases such as causes, includes or leads to. Good maps read as sentences, so a reader can follow the logic from one concept to the next.
- Focus question: the central prompt the whole map answers
- Concept nodes: key terms, short and specific, usually one to three words
- Linking phrases: labels that explain how two concepts connect
- Hierarchy: broad ideas near the top, examples and details below
- Cross-links: connections between branches that show deeper understanding
Use the finished map to review before exams, plan an essay or explain a process to someone else. CogniGuide can build a personalized concept map from your own notes, so you can start with your material instead of a blank page.
Free Concept Map Questions
Answers about making concept maps and using CogniGuide without paying.
What is the difference between a concept map and a mind map?
A concept map uses labeled links to show how ideas relate, and it can branch in many directions. A mind map radiates from one central idea with branches that usually carry single words or short phrases.
What makes a concept map effective?
Clear concept nodes, brief linking phrases and a focus question at the top. Keep the hierarchy readable so that broad ideas sit above their examples and details.
Which files can I use to create a free concept map?
You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX), PowerPoint (PPTX), text or Markdown files, or images. You can also just type a topic instead.
Can I turn my free concept map into a quiz?
Yes. Once your map is ready, you can turn it into a quiz to test yourself, and the same notes can also become flashcards. The free plan includes 5 creations a week.