Mind Map and Concept Map Maker for Students
See how a mind map and a concept map differ, then turn your own notes, PDFs or slides into an interactive map with AI.
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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 Maps From Your Own Material
Start from a file or a topic, then shape the map to fit how you study.
Upload your own files
Add a PDF, Word or PowerPoint file, a text or Markdown file, or an image.
Branches you can expand
Expand any node with AI to add detail, or edit node text to match your course.
Quiz and flashcards next
Turn a finished map into a quiz, or make flashcards from the same notes.
How the Map Maker Works
Three steps from raw notes to a map you can study and share.
- 1
Add your material
Upload a file or type a topic you want to map out.
- 2
AI builds the map
The AI groups key ideas into a main node with linked branches.
- 3
Study, expand and export
Expand branches, quiz yourself, then export as PNG or PDF.
Mind Maps Versus Concept Maps
A mind map and a concept map are both visual notes, but they are built differently. A mind map radiates from one central idea, with branches for related subtopics, and it is best for brainstorming and recall. A concept map links ideas with labeled arrows, so each connection states how two concepts relate, which suits explaining systems and processes. Many students use both, starting with a mind map and refining it into a concept map.
- Central topic: the single idea every branch grows from
- Branches: main subtopics, each with supporting details
- Labeled links: relationships that explain how ideas connect
- Cross-links: connections between branches in a concept map
- Examples: concrete cases that anchor each abstract idea
Use either map to review before a test or plan a project. To create a personalized version from your own notes, try CogniGuide's AI generator.
Common Questions About Map Makers
Quick answers on choosing and using a mind map or concept map maker.
What is the main difference between a mind map and a concept map?
A mind map radiates from one central topic with branches. A concept map uses labeled links to show how ideas relate, which makes it better for explaining systems and cause and effect.
Which should I use for studying a science topic?
Concept maps suit science topics because they show processes and relationships. Start with a mind map to list the parts, then add labeled links to explain how they interact.
Which files can CogniGuide turn into a map?
You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX) and PowerPoint (PPTX) files, text or Markdown files, or images. You can also type a topic and build a map from that.
Can I turn the map into a quiz?
Yes. Once your map is built, you can turn it into a quiz to test yourself. There is a free plan with 5 creations a week.