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CogniGuide

How to Create Mind Maps From Your Notes

See a complete example map, learn how to organize ideas into branches, then let AI build one from your own PDF, slides or topic.

No credit card required

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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

Build Mind Maps Faster

Start from your own material and refine the structure as you study.

Build From Your Files

Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text or image file and get a structured map in minutes.

Expandable Branches

Expand any node with AI to add detail, or edit the wording to match your own understanding.

Study Beyond the Map

Turn the same map into a quiz to test yourself, or export it as a PNG or PDF to share.

Create a Mind Map in Three Steps

A simple process that works for lectures, reading and project planning.

  1. 1

    Add Your Material

    Upload a file or type a topic to start your mind map.

  2. 2

    AI Builds the Map

    The AI groups ideas into a central topic with main and sub-branches.

  3. 3

    Study, Expand and Quiz

    Edit nodes, expand weak areas, then test yourself or export the map.

How to Create a Mind Map That Works

A mind map starts with one central idea placed in the middle of the page. Main branches radiate outward for the major themes, and smaller branches hold the supporting details. Keep each label short, usually one to three words, so the structure stays easy to scan and revise.

  • Central topic: the main subject, placed at the center
  • Main branches: the major themes or categories
  • Sub-branches: supporting facts, examples or steps
  • Keywords: short labels that are easy to recall

Once your map is built, use it to review before exams, plan a project or outline an essay. CogniGuide can create a personalized map from your own notes in a few minutes.

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Mind Map Questions

Common questions about making mind maps and creating one with CogniGuide.

What should go in the center of a mind map?

Place the main subject or question in the center. It should be a short phrase that every branch relates back to, so the whole structure stays focused on one core idea.

How many branches should a mind map have?

Most useful maps have four to six main branches. Too few makes the map shallow, and too many makes it hard to scan. Add sub-branches for detail rather than more main branches.

Which files can I use to create a mind map with CogniGuide?

You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX), PowerPoint (PPTX), text or Markdown files, or images. You can also type a topic and let the AI build the map from it.

Can I turn my mind map into a quiz?

Yes. CogniGuide can turn a map into a quiz so you can test yourself on each branch, and the same notes can become flashcards. A free plan includes 5 creations a week.