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CogniGuide

Free Mind Map for Mac, No Download Needed

Browse a sample mind map and see how a map is structured. Then build your own from notes, a PDF or a typed topic in your browser.

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 You Get on Mac

CogniGuide runs in your Mac browser, so there is nothing to install or update.

Build from your own files

Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text or image file and get a mind map from it.

Expandable branches

Expand any node with AI to add detail, and edit node text as you study.

Quiz and export

Turn the map into a quiz, export it as PNG or PDF, or share a link.

How to Make a Mind Map on Mac

Three steps from your material to a map you can study and share.

  1. 1

    Add your material

    Upload a file from your Mac or type the topic you want to map.

  2. 2

    AI builds the map

    The AI turns your content into a map with main branches and sub-branches.

  3. 3

    Study and export

    Expand branches, quiz yourself, then export a PNG or PDF.

Free Mind Mapping on a Mac

A free mind map for Mac can be made in a browser without installing desktop software. A mind map starts with a central idea and branches out into related themes, then smaller details. The layout helps you see how ideas connect, which is useful for essays, revision and project planning. Free tools usually limit how many maps you can create, so check the plan before you start.

  • Central topic: the main idea placed at the center of the map
  • Main branches: the key themes that support the central idea
  • Sub-branches: supporting facts, examples and definitions
  • Connections: links that show how branches relate to each other

Use the map to plan an essay, review a chapter or outline a project. CogniGuide can build a personalized map from your own notes, so you can start from your material instead of a blank page.

Explore related topics

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Mind Map for Mac Questions

Common questions about free mind mapping on a Mac.

Do I need to download software to make a mind map on a Mac?

No. CogniGuide works in your Mac browser, so you can create and edit maps without installing an app.

What is the main structure of a mind map?

A mind map has a central topic, main branches that cover key themes, and sub-branches with details. Good maps keep labels short.

Which files can I use to build a map?

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

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

There is a free plan with 5 creations a week and no payment needed. Maps can also be turned into a quiz to test yourself.