Mind Mapping Mac App for Study and Planning
Use CogniGuide in your browser on any Mac to turn a PDF, slides or a typed topic into an interactive mind map you can expand and edit.
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
Built for Mac Study Sessions
Start from the files you already have, then shape the map as you read and review.
Build From Your Own Files
Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text, Markdown or image file and get a mind map from its content.
Expand and Edit Branches
Grow any node with AI, rewrite labels and reorganize branches until the structure matches your course.
Quiz, Export and Share
Turn the map into a self-test, export it as PNG or PDF, or share a link with classmates.
How to Make a Mind Map on Your Mac
Three steps from notes on your Mac to a map you can study and share.
- 1
Add Your Material
Upload a file from your Mac or type the topic you want to map out.
- 2
AI Builds the Map
The AI groups ideas into a central topic with branches and sub-branches you can expand.
- 3
Study, Quiz or Export
Review the branches, test yourself with a quiz, then export a PNG or PDF.
What a Mind Mapping Mac App Should Do
A mind mapping Mac app organizes information around one central idea and draws related ideas as branches. Good apps let you add nodes quickly, reshape the layout, and export the result. A mind map works well for study notes, essay outlines, and project plans, because it shows how each idea connects to the main topic.
- Central topic: the main idea placed at the center of the map
- Main branches: the major themes that split the subject
- Sub-branches: supporting facts, examples and definitions
- Export options: PNG or PDF files for printing or sharing
Once your Mac map is set up, use it to review before a test, outline an essay or plan a project. CogniGuide can build a personalized map from your own notes in a few minutes.
Explore related topics
Mind Mapping Mac App Questions
Common questions about making mind maps on a Mac with CogniGuide.
Do I need to download anything to use it on a Mac?
No. CogniGuide runs in your web browser, so you can use it on a Mac without installing a separate desktop program.
Which file types can I use to make a mind map?
You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX), PowerPoint (PPTX), text, Markdown and image files, or simply type a topic.
Is there a free plan?
Yes. The free plan allows 5 creations a week and needs no payment. Paid plans raise those limits.
Can I turn a mind map into a quiz?
Yes. You can turn a map into a quiz to test yourself, and the same notes can also become flashcards.