How to Start a Concept Map
See a worked example of a first concept map, then let AI build one 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
Start Faster From Your Own Material
Skip the blank page. CogniGuide turns your reading into a concept map you can refine.
Build From Your Notes
Upload a PDF, Word file, PowerPoint or text file, and the AI proposes the main concepts and links.
Expand Any Concept
Select a node and let AI add sub-concepts, so you can deepen a branch without starting over.
Turn It Into a Quiz
Convert your finished map into a quiz to check whether you can explain each link.
How to Start, With CogniGuide
Three steps take you from raw notes to a concept map you can study.
- 1
Add your material
Upload your notes or type the topic and the focus question you want to answer.
- 2
AI drafts the map
The AI pulls out key concepts and draws labeled links between them as a starting structure.
- 3
Study, refine and export
Edit wording, expand branches, then export to PNG or PDF or share a link.
Starting a Concept Map: Method and Example
To start a concept map, first write a focus question that your map must answer. Next, list the key concepts related to that question, usually 10 to 20 terms. Then connect the concepts with short linking phrases such as causes or is made of, so each link forms a clear statement. Begin with the broadest idea at the top and move toward specific examples below.
- Focus question: the single question the whole map answers
- Key concepts: the main terms pulled from your source
- Linking phrases: short labels that explain each relationship
- Hierarchy: broad ideas at the top, examples at the bottom
- Cross-links: connections between distant branches that show deeper understanding
Once your first draft is down, revise it by checking every link reads as a true sentence. You can then build a personalized map from your own notes with CogniGuide.
Common Questions About Starting a Concept Map
Answers for beginners and for building your first map with CogniGuide.
What should I write first on a concept map?
Write a focus question that your map will answer, then list the main concepts that relate to it. Starting with a clear question keeps the map focused and stops it from becoming a long list of unrelated terms.
How many concepts should a beginner map have?
Most beginner maps work well with 10 to 20 concepts. Fewer may miss important links, and more can make the map hard to read. You can always add more later.
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 an image. You can also type a topic instead of uploading anything.
Can I turn my CogniGuide concept map into a quiz?
Yes. Any map can be turned into a quiz to test yourself on the concepts and links. The free plan allows 5 creations a week, with no payment needed.