How to Create Your Concept Map Step by Step
See a sample concept map, learn how concepts and linking phrases fit together, then generate your own map from your notes, 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 Your Concept Map Faster
Start from your own material and let AI draft the structure, so you can focus on checking and refining the links.
Built From Your Files
Upload a PDF, Word or PowerPoint file, a text or Markdown file, or an image, and get a draft map.
Concepts Organized Into Branches
Main ideas become branches with supporting concepts, so the hierarchy is clear at a glance.
Quiz and Export Next
Turn your finished map into a quiz, export it as PNG or PDF, or share a link with classmates.
Three Steps to Your Concept Map
Start with your notes or a topic, let AI draft the map, then review, expand and test yourself.
- 1
Add Your Material
Upload your notes or slides, or type the topic you are studying.
- 2
AI Drafts the Map
Key concepts are pulled out and arranged into linked branches you can edit.
- 3
Review, Expand and Quiz
Check the links, expand weak branches with AI, then turn the map into a quiz.
How a Concept Map Creation Works
To create your concept map, start with a central question or topic and list the key concepts that relate to it. Place the most general ideas near the centre and the more specific examples further out. Connect related concepts with short linking phrases such as "causes", "is part of" or "leads to", so each link reads as a clear statement.
- Focus question: the central topic that anchors every branch
- Core concepts: the main ideas placed close to the centre
- Linking phrases: short labels that explain how two concepts relate
- Examples: specific cases that support each concept
- Cross-links: connections between branches that show deeper understanding
Use your finished map to review before an exam, check gaps in your notes, or plan an essay. CogniGuide can build a personalized concept map from your own material so you can start studying faster.
Concept Map Questions Answered
Common questions about creating a concept map and building one with CogniGuide.
What should I put in the center of a concept map?
Put the main topic or focus question in the center. Every branch should connect back to it, so the map stays focused on what you are studying.
How many levels should a concept map have?
Most useful maps have three to four levels: the central topic, main concepts, supporting details and examples. More levels can work for complex subjects, but keep each link clear.
Which files can CogniGuide use to create my map?
You can upload a PDF, Word or PowerPoint file, a text or Markdown file, or an image. You can also type a topic instead.
Can I turn my 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.