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CogniGuide

Obsidian Concept Map Example and How to Build One

See how a concept map organizes linked ideas into branches. 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 Map From Real Material

Start from the notes you already have, then use the map to study, revise and test yourself.

Build from your own files

Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text or Markdown file and get a map of the main ideas.

Clear branches and links

Each concept is a node, with related ideas grouped as expandable branches you can follow.

Quiz and flashcards next

Turn the same map into a quiz, or make flashcards from your notes to practice recall.

How to Make a Concept Map From Your Notes

Three steps take you from scattered notes to a map you can expand, edit and study.

  1. 1

    Add your notes or topic

    Upload your notes file or PDF, or type the topic you want to map.

  2. 2

    AI builds the map

    The AI groups key concepts into a branching map you can read at a glance.

  3. 3

    Study, expand and export

    Expand any node, edit the text, export as PNG or PDF, or quiz yourself.

Understanding Concept Maps in Obsidian

An obsidian concept map is a visual layout of notes and the ideas that connect them. Obsidian stores notes as linked files, and a concept map turns those links into a diagram. Each main idea becomes a hub with supporting concepts branching out, so you can see how the parts relate before you read the details.

  • Core concepts: the central ideas that anchor each area of your notes
  • Supporting details: definitions, examples and evidence linked to each concept
  • Relationships: connections showing cause, part-of or contrast between ideas
  • Sources: the notes or pages each concept comes from, for quick review

Use the map to review a topic, spot gaps in your notes, or plan a study session. CogniGuide can create a personalized map from your own notes so you can start from your material.

Obsidian Concept Map Questions

Answers about linking notes into a concept map, and how to make one with CogniGuide.

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

A concept map links ideas with labeled connections and can form a network, while a mind map radiates outward from one central topic in a tree shape. Both help you see structure, but concept maps show how ideas relate to each other.

Why use a concept map with linked notes?

Linked notes show connections between files, but a map shows the big picture at once. It helps you find the central ideas, see which topics are weakly connected, and decide what to study next.

Which files can I use to make a map with CogniGuide?

You can upload a PDF, Word or PowerPoint file, a text or Markdown file, or an image, or simply type a topic. The AI turns that content into an interactive mind map.

Can I turn my map into a quiz for free?

The free plan includes 5 creations a week and needs no payment. From a map you can create a quiz to test yourself, and paid plans raise the limits.