The Format of a Concept Map
See a worked example of nodes, linking phrases and hierarchy, then build your own map from your notes or a PDF with AI.
No credit card required
AI Generated Preview
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 the Format From Your Own Material
Turn lecture notes, textbook chapters or slides into a correctly structured concept map.
Start from your own files
Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text or image file, or type a topic, and the AI proposes the concepts.
Clear hierarchy and links
The most general concept sits at the top, with more specific concepts branching beneath it.
Test yourself next
Turn the finished map into a quiz, or make flashcards from the same notes to check recall.
How to Create a Formatted Concept Map
Three steps from raw notes to a map you can study and edit.
- 1
Add your material
Upload your notes, slides or PDF, or type the topic you want to map.
- 2
AI builds the map
The AI picks key concepts and arranges them from general to specific with linking labels.
- 3
Study, edit and export
Expand branches, edit labels, then export as PNG or PDF or quiz yourself.
Concept Map Format Explained
The format of a concept map is a network of concepts placed in nodes, joined by lines with short linking phrases that state the relationship. Concepts are ordered from the most general at the top to the most specific below. Each connection forms a valid proposition, such as "cells contain mitochondria." Cross-links between branches show relationships that span different sections of the topic.
- Nodes: boxes or ovals that hold one concept each, ideally a short noun phrase
- Linking phrases: labels on each line naming the relationship, such as causes or contains
- Hierarchy: general concepts at the top, specific examples and details below
- Cross-links: lines joining concepts in different branches to show connections
- Propositions: each node-link-node chain reads as a complete statement
Use this format to review a topic by reading each proposition aloud and checking it against your notes. To build a map in this format from your own material, CogniGuide can generate one for you in minutes.
Concept Map Format Questions
Answers about layout, labels and building your own map.
What are the basic parts of a concept map?
A concept map has nodes that hold concepts, linking lines between nodes, and linking words on those lines that describe how two concepts relate. Together a node, a link and another node form a proposition.
Should a concept map be hierarchical?
Most concept maps are arranged hierarchically, with broad, inclusive concepts at the top and narrower ones below. Cross-links can then show connections between different branches of the hierarchy.
Which files can CogniGuide turn into a concept map?
You can upload a PDF, Word (DOCX) or PowerPoint (PPTX) file, a text or Markdown file, or an image. You can also type a topic instead.
Is there a free plan, and can the map become a quiz?
There is a free plan with 5 creations a week and no payment needed. Once a map is built, you can turn it into a quiz to test yourself.