CogniGuide

How a Mind Mapping Canvas Is Laid Out

This example map shows the parts of a mind mapping canvas: central topic, branches, nodes and layout. CogniGuide can build one from your own notes, PDF or slides.

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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 Canvas From Your Material

Start from a file or a single topic and let the AI place the branches on the canvas for you.

Start from your files

Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text, Markdown or image file to fill the canvas.

Clear branch structure

Central topic, main branches and sub-nodes arranged so related ideas stay grouped.

Expand and study

Grow any node with AI, edit text, then turn the map into a quiz or export it.

Fill Your Canvas in Three Steps

Go from raw notes to a navigable mind map in a few minutes.

1
Add your material
Upload a file or type the topic you want to map on the canvas.
2
AI builds the layout
The generator creates a central node, branches and sub-nodes automatically.
3
Refine and use it
Expand branches, edit text, then export or quiz yourself from the map.

Mind Mapping Canvas Basics

A mind mapping canvas is the open workspace where you place a central idea and grow branches outward. Each branch holds a main theme, and smaller nodes break that theme into details. Because the layout follows the way ideas connect, the canvas makes relationships easier to see than a linear list.

Central topic: the core idea placed in the middle of the canvas
Main branches: the first-level themes radiating from the centre
Sub-nodes: supporting details attached to each branch
Links and colours: optional cues that show connections and grouping
Export: saving the finished canvas as an image or PDF

Use a canvas to plan projects, organise research or revise a subject. Generate your own map with CogniGuide to fill the canvas from your notes.

Explore related topics

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Mind Mapping Canvas Questions

Common questions about canvas layouts and building your own map.

What belongs on a mind mapping canvas?

A central topic, several main branches for the key themes, and smaller sub-nodes for details. Keep node text short so the layout stays readable.

How many branches should a canvas have?

Most maps work well with four to six main branches. Too many branches make the canvas crowded, so group related ideas under one parent when possible.

Which files can CogniGuide turn into a canvas?

You can upload PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text, Markdown or image files, or simply type a topic, and the AI will build the mind map from it.

Can I turn the canvas into a quiz?

Yes. Once your map is built, you can convert it into a quiz to test yourself. There is a free plan with 5 creations a week.