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CogniGuide

Stakeholder Mind Map for Project Planning

See an example map of internal, external and key stakeholders, then generate your own from project notes, a PDF or a plan.

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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 Your Stakeholder Map Fast

Turn your project documents into a clear map of who matters and why, in minutes.

Map from your own files

Upload a project brief, meeting notes or a PowerPoint plan and the AI pulls out the people and groups involved.

Organized by stakeholder type

Branches separate internal teams, external partners, customers and decision makers so gaps are easy to spot.

Quiz and flashcards next

Turn the map into a quiz to test your knowledge of each group, or create flashcards from the same notes.

How to Create a Stakeholder Map

Three steps from project documents to a shareable stakeholder diagram.

  1. 1

    Add your project material

    Upload a PDF, Word or PowerPoint file, or type the project name and goals.

  2. 2

    AI builds the map

    The AI groups stakeholders into branches such as internal, external and decision makers.

  3. 3

    Expand, edit and export

    Expand any stakeholder with AI, adjust the text, then export as PNG or PDF or share a link.

Stakeholder Mapping Explained

A stakeholder mind map is a visual diagram of everyone who has an interest in or influence over a project, organization or decision. It starts from the central project and branches into the main groups. Each branch then lists the individuals or teams in that group, along with their role, influence and interest. The map helps teams see who must be consulted, who must be informed and where communication may break down.

  • Internal stakeholders: employees, managers, teams and sponsors inside the organization
  • External stakeholders: customers, suppliers, regulators and partners outside it
  • Key decision makers: people with authority to approve, fund or block the work
  • Influence and interest: notes on how much each group can shape the outcome

Use the map to plan communication, prioritize consultation and review who needs updates. CogniGuide can build a personalized stakeholder map from your own project notes, so your diagram reflects your actual project.

Stakeholder Mapping Questions

Common questions about stakeholder maps and how to build one.

What is the difference between internal and external stakeholders?

Internal stakeholders work inside the organization, such as staff, managers and sponsors. External stakeholders sit outside it, including customers, suppliers, regulators and community groups. Both can affect a project's success.

Why do project managers use stakeholder maps?

They show who has influence and who is affected by a project. This helps teams plan communication, prioritize who to consult and avoid missing important groups before decisions are made.

Which files can I use to create a stakeholder map?

You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX) and PowerPoint (PPTX) files, text or Markdown files, or images. You can also type a project topic directly, and the AI will build the map from it.

Can I turn my stakeholder map into a quiz?

Yes. Each map can be turned into a quiz to test your understanding of the stakeholder groups. There is also a free plan with 5 creations a week, and paid plans raise the limits.