The Elements of a Concept Map
See the parts of a concept map laid out as an example, then create 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 Own Concept Map
Turn your study material into a map that shows concepts, links and hierarchy.
Map from your own files
Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text or image file and get a concept map of its key ideas.
Clear hierarchy of concepts
General ideas sit at the top, with specific examples and details branching out beneath them.
Quiz and flashcards next
Test yourself with a quiz built from the map, or create flashcards from the same notes.
How to Make a Concept Map
Three steps from your material to a map you can study and expand.
- 1
Add your material
Upload your notes or slides, or type the topic you want to map.
- 2
AI identifies the elements
The AI picks out key concepts and links them with labelled connections.
- 3
Study, expand and test
Expand any node, edit labels, export the map, or turn it into a quiz.
Parts of a Concept Map Explained
A concept map is a diagram that shows how ideas relate to one another. Its elements are concepts, usually placed in boxes or ovals, and linking words written on the lines between them. Each concept plus its linking phrase forms a proposition, a short statement that can be read as a sentence. Maps are often arranged hierarchically, with broad concepts at the top and specific examples below.
- Concepts: key ideas or terms, usually nouns, placed in nodes
- Linking words: short labels on connecting lines, such as causes or includes
- Propositions: two concepts joined by a link, read as a sentence
- Hierarchy: general concepts at the top, detailed examples beneath
Use these elements to check your understanding: can you read each link as a clear statement? You can generate a personalized concept map from your own notes with CogniGuide.
Explore related topics
Concept Map Elements FAQ
Common questions about the parts of a concept map and how to build one.
What is the difference between a concept and a linking word?
A concept is a key idea, object or event, usually shown in a box or oval. A linking word describes how two concepts relate, such as causes, requires or is part of, and is written on the line between them.
Why does a concept map need a hierarchy?
A hierarchy shows which ideas are general and which are specific. Placing broad concepts at the top and examples below makes the structure of the topic easier to see and revise.
Which files can I use to build a concept 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 anything.
Can I turn my concept map into a quiz?
Yes. Once the map is created, you can turn it into a quiz to test yourself. The free plan includes 5 creations a week.