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CogniGuide

Mind Mapping Tool for Study and Planning

Explore a sample map, then let AI build one from your own PDF, document, slides or typed topic.

No credit card required

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Trusted by learners from top universities

University of California, BerkeleyUniversity of MichiganGeorgetown UniversityUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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 the Mind Mapping Tool Does

Start from your material, then shape the map as you study.

Build From Your Files

Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text, Markdown or image file and get a branched map.

Expand Any Branch

Select a node and let AI add sub-branches so detail grows where you need it.

Quiz and Export

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

How to Use the Mind Mapping Tool

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

  1. 1

    Add Your Material

    Upload a file or type the topic you want to map out.

  2. 2

    AI Builds the Map

    The tool groups ideas into a central topic with main and sub-branches.

  3. 3

    Study, Expand or Quiz

    Edit nodes, expand branches, export, or turn the map into a self-test.

Choosing a Mind Mapping Tool

A mind mapping tool arranges a central idea and its related points as connected branches. Good maps show hierarchy: the main topic sits at the centre, main branches hold major themes, and smaller nodes hold facts, examples and definitions. This layout makes relationships visible at a glance, which helps with memory, essay planning and project outlines.

  • Central topic: the main idea the whole map is built around
  • Main branches: the major themes that split the subject
  • Sub-branches: supporting facts, causes and examples
  • Links and notes: connections between distant ideas

Use the map to revise, plan essays or brief a project. CogniGuide can build a map from your own notes, so your structure matches your course material.

Mind Mapping Tool Questions

Answers about mapping tools and building maps from your files.

What makes a mind mapping tool useful for studying?

It shows how ideas connect in one view. Students can see the main topic, its branches and the details under each branch, which makes revision faster than reading linear notes.

What is the difference between a mind map and a concept map?

A mind map radiates from one central idea. A concept map links ideas with labelled arrows that state how two concepts relate. Both show structure, but concept maps focus more on relationships.

Which files can CogniGuide turn into a mind map?

You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX), PowerPoint (PPTX), text or Markdown files, or images. You can also type a topic instead of uploading.

Is there a free plan, and can I make a quiz from the map?

Yes, there is a free plan with 5 creations a week and no payment needed. Each map can also be turned into a quiz to test yourself.