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CogniGuide

GitMind Tutorial for Building Your First Mind Map

See the main steps of mapping a topic, from outline to branches to export, with a worked example. Then build a map from your own 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

What You Can Do With a Mind Map

A mind map turns a long document into branches you can scan, expand and test yourself on.

Build from your own material

Upload a PDF, Word file, PowerPoint or text notes and get a mind map in one step.

Expand any branch

Select a node and add sub-branches with AI to fill gaps in your understanding.

Turn the map into a quiz

Test yourself on the map, then export it as PNG or PDF to share or print.

How to Make a Mind Map in Three Steps

The same workflow used in most mind mapping tools, applied to your own notes.

  1. 1

    Add your material

    Upload a file or type the topic you want to study.

  2. 2

    Let AI build the map

    The main idea sits in the centre, with branches for each major section.

  3. 3

    Study, expand and quiz

    Edit nodes, expand branches, then test yourself or export the result.

GitMind Tutorial: How Mind Mapping Works

A mind map is a diagram that places one central idea in the middle and draws branches outward for related topics. Each branch splits into smaller nodes, so the structure shows how ideas connect. Learners use this layout to see the big picture before memorizing details.

  • Central node: the main topic or question
  • Main branches: the major sections or themes
  • Sub-branches: supporting facts and examples
  • Links and notes: connections between distant ideas

Once you know the basic steps, you can revise faster by reviewing the branches from memory. CogniGuide builds a personalized mind map from your own notes, so you can start studying without drawing every node by hand.

Explore related topics

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GitMind Tutorial Questions

Common questions about getting started with mind maps.

What is the first step in a mind mapping tutorial?

Write the central topic in the middle of the page. Then add the main subtopics as branches. Starting with a clear centre keeps the rest of the map organized.

How many branches should a mind map have?

Most useful maps have four to six main branches. Each branch can hold two to five child nodes. Fewer branches keep the map easy to scan.

Which files can CogniGuide turn into a mind map?

You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX), PowerPoint (PPTX), text or Markdown files, or images. You can also type a topic instead.

Can I turn a CogniGuide mind map into a quiz?

Yes. Any map can be converted into a quiz to test yourself. The same notes can also become flashcards. There is a free plan with five creations a week.