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CogniGuide

Online Concept Mapping Tools for Study and Planning

See an example concept map showing nodes, links and branches, then build your own from your notes, a PDF or a topic.

No credit card required

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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 a Good Online Concept Mapper Does

The key features to look for when you map ideas online for study or work.

Build from your own material

Upload a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text file or image and let AI draft the first map from it.

Clear linked structure

Nodes connect into branches so you can see how main ideas relate to supporting details.

Next steps from the map

Expand any node, turn the map into a quiz, make flashcards from the same notes, or export it.

How to Make a Concept Map Online

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

  1. 1

    Add your material

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

  2. 2

    AI builds the map

    The generator sorts key ideas into linked nodes and branches.

  3. 3

    Study, expand or quiz

    Edit nodes, expand branches with AI, then test yourself or export.

Online Concept Mapping Tools Explained

An online concept mapping tool lets you place ideas in boxes called nodes and join them with labeled links. A concept map shows how a topic breaks down, usually from a broad central idea into more specific concepts and examples. Good maps make relationships visible, so you can see cause, part, and category at a glance.

  • Nodes: single concepts written as short noun phrases
  • Links: labeled connections showing how two concepts relate
  • Hierarchy: broad ideas at the top, details at the bottom
  • Cross-links: connections between branches that show deeper understanding
  • Examples: specific cases that anchor abstract concepts

Use a finished map to revise, compare topics, or plan a project. CogniGuide can generate a personalized concept map from your own notes or PDF, so the structure fits what you actually studied.

Explore related topics

mind mapping in google docsMind mapping in Google Docs works with drawings and tables, but it is slow. See how to build a map faster from your own notes or PDF with CogniGuide's AI.mind mapping in MS WordLearn how to make a mind map in MS Word, from shapes and SmartArt to layout tips. Then generate an AI mind map from your own notes or PDF.iPad mind mapping appAn iPad mind mapping app turns your lecture notes, PDFs and slides into a clear visual map. Explore an example map, then create your own with CogniGuide.Microsoft mind mapping appLooking for a Microsoft mind mapping app? This page compares Microsoft's built-in mapping options and shows an example map.open source mind mapping toolsOpen source mind mapping tools let you draw, edit and share maps for free. This page covers the main options and what to look for.mind mapping PowerPointMind mapping PowerPoint decks turns slides into a branched visual summary. See an example map of the method and how branches are built, then make your own from your slides.concept map onlineLearn how a concept map online links ideas, with an example and tips to build your own from notes.mind mapping toolsCompare key features of mind mapping tools and see how AI builds a map from your notes.

Common Questions About Online Concept Mapping

Answers on how these tools work and how to use them with your own material.

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

A concept map links ideas with labeled connections and can form loops or cross-links. A mind map radiates outward from one central idea in a tree-like layout with fewer labeled relationships.

What should a concept map include?

It should include a clear central topic, key concepts as nodes, labeled links that explain each relationship, and a few concrete examples. Keep node labels short and specific.

Which files can CogniGuide turn into a map?

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

Can I turn my concept map into a quiz?

Yes. CogniGuide can convert a map into a quiz to test yourself, and it can also make flashcards from the same notes. The free plan includes 5 creations a week.