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CogniGuide

Idea Maps for Organizing Brainstorms and Plans

See an example idea map with its main branches, then have AI build one from your own notes, PDF or slides.

No credit card required

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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 Your Idea Map Can Do

Turn scattered thoughts into a clear structure you can expand, test and share.

Built From Your Material

Upload a PDF, Word file, slides, notes or image, or simply type a topic to start.

Clear Branching Structure

Ideas split into main themes, supporting points and details you can expand with AI.

Study and Share Next

Turn the map into a quiz, make flashcards from the same notes, then export or share a link.

How to Build an Idea Map

Start from a topic or a file and let the AI sort your ideas into branches.

  1. 1

    Add Your Material

    Upload notes or a document, or type the central idea you want to explore.

  2. 2

    AI Builds the Map

    Ideas are grouped into main branches with sub-points you can read at a glance.

  3. 3

    Expand, Edit and Export

    Grow any branch with AI, refine the wording, then export as PNG or PDF.

Idea Maps and How They Organize Thinking

An idea map is a visual diagram that places one central idea at the centre and connects related thoughts around it. Each branch holds a theme, and smaller twigs hold supporting points, examples and questions. Because the structure is visible, it is easier to see gaps, overlaps and the best order for developing a plan or essay.

  • Central idea: the core question or goal at the middle
  • Main branches: the major themes that support it
  • Supporting points: evidence, examples and reasons
  • Open questions: gaps to research or decide next

Use an idea map to brainstorm, plan a project or revise before writing. CogniGuide can build a personalized idea map from your own notes so you can start from what you already have.

Explore related topics

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Idea Map Questions Answered

Quick answers about idea maps and how to build one with CogniGuide.

What is the difference between an idea map and a mind map?

An idea map usually focuses on one central question and how its parts connect, while a mind map is a broader radial diagram of any topic. Both use branches radiating from a central node, so the same tools work for either.

Why use an idea map for brainstorming?

Writing ideas as linked branches shows relationships that a plain list hides. You can spot which themes are strong, which are thin and where new ideas belong.

Which files can I use to make an idea map with CogniGuide?

You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX), PowerPoint (PPTX), text or Markdown files, or an image, or you can just type a topic.

Is it free, and can I turn my idea map into a quiz?

There is a free plan with 5 creations a week and no payment needed. You can also turn a map into a quiz to test yourself.