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CogniGuide

Mind Map macOS: Create One from Your Files

See an example mind map and learn how the AI builds branches from your notes, PDFs, slides or a simple topic you type in.

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 Can Do on Your Mac

Turn your study material into a clear, expandable map you can open in any browser on your Mac.

Build from your own files

Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text, Markdown or image file, and the AI turns it into a map.

Expand and edit branches

Open any node to expand it with AI, edit its text, and reorganize the structure as you learn.

Quiz yourself and export

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

How to Make a Mind Map on macOS

Three steps from your notes to a map you can study, quiz or export.

  1. 1

    Add your material

    Upload a file from your Mac or type a topic into the generator.

  2. 2

    AI builds the map

    The AI groups your content into main topics with expandable branches.

  3. 3

    Study, quiz or export

    Expand weak areas, test yourself, then save the map as a PNG or PDF.

Mind Mapping on Mac: How It Works

A mind map is a diagram that starts with one central idea and branches outward into related subtopics. On a Mac, you can build one with any drawing app, but a digital mind map built from your own notes saves time. Branches show how ideas relate, which makes large topics easier to scan, review and remember.

  • Central topic: the main idea placed in the middle
  • Main branches: the major themes that split from the centre
  • Sub-branches: supporting facts, examples and definitions
  • Connections: links that show cause, sequence or relationship

Use the map to revise before an exam or plan a project. Generate your own personalized mind map with CogniGuide from your notes or a PDF.

Mind Map macOS Questions

Common questions about making and using mind maps on a Mac.

Do I need to install an app to make a mind map on a Mac?

No. You can create a map in your browser. Upload your notes or type a topic and the map opens online.

What is the best way to structure a mind map?

Start with one central idea, add four to six main branches, then break each branch into smaller points with short labels.

Which files can I use to create a map?

You can upload PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text, Markdown or image files, or simply type a topic to start.

Can I turn my mind map into a quiz?

Yes. You can turn the map into a quiz to test yourself, and the same notes can also become flashcards.