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CogniGuide

Mind Map App for iPad and Apple Pencil

See how a mind map works on iPad, from a central idea to labeled branches. CogniGuide can also build one from your own PDF, slides or typed notes.

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

Why Mind Map on an iPad

Pencil input suits quick sketching, while a generator handles the structure from your material.

Build From Your Own Files

Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint or text file and get a mind map from its content.

Clear Branches and Subtopics

Each main idea splits into expandable branches, so you can see how the topic fits together.

Quiz and Export Next

Turn the finished map into a quiz, or export it as a PNG or PDF to print or share.

How to Map Notes on iPad

Three steps from your notes or a single topic to a map you can study.

  1. 1

    Add Your Material

    Upload your lecture slides, PDF or notes, or type the topic you want to map.

  2. 2

    AI Builds the Map

    The AI organizes the content into a central node with expandable main branches.

  3. 3

    Study, Edit and Quiz

    Edit node text, expand any branch with AI, then test yourself with a quiz.

Mind Mapping on iPad With Apple Pencil

A mind map is a diagram that starts with one central idea and branches out into related subtopics. On an iPad, the Apple Pencil makes it easy to sketch these branches by hand, reposition nodes and add quick annotations. Typed, AI-generated maps are useful for turning long material into a clear structure you can then refine.

  • Central node: the main topic placed in the middle of the canvas
  • Main branches: the key themes that radiate from the center
  • Subtopics: supporting details attached to each branch
  • Links and notes: connections between branches and short annotations

Use the map to review before an exam, plan a project or outline an essay. To get a map built from your own notes, try CogniGuide.

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iPad Mind Map Questions

Common questions about mapping on an iPad and building maps with CogniGuide.

Can I draw a mind map with Apple Pencil?

Yes. Many drawing and notes apps let you sketch branches and write with Apple Pencil. CogniGuide builds the map from your files or topic, and you can then edit node text in the browser.

What is the difference between a hand-drawn and a generated mind map?

A hand-drawn map gives you full control over layout. A generated map is built from your material first, so the structure is ready sooner and you can refine it.

Which files can CogniGuide turn into a mind 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 CogniGuide free to try?

Yes. The free plan allows 5 creations a week with no payment needed. Paid plans raise those limits, and you can turn a finished map into a quiz.