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CogniGuide

Where to Make a Concept Map Online

Pick a free online tool, then turn your PDF, slides or notes into a clear concept map. CogniGuide's AI does the first draft for you.

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

Build Your Concept Map in Minutes

Start from your own study material or a single topic, then refine the map as you learn.

Start From Your Own Files

Upload a PDF, Word or PowerPoint file, a text or Markdown file, or an image to get a first draft.

Expand Any Branch

Open a node with AI to add detail, or edit node text so the map matches your course.

Study With a Quiz

Turn the finished map into a quiz, or make flashcards from the same notes.

How to Make a Concept Map Here

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

  1. 1

    Add Your Material

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

  2. 2

    AI Builds the Map

    Concepts and links are arranged into branches you can expand.

  3. 3

    Study, Edit and Export

    Refine nodes, take the quiz, then export a PNG or PDF or share a link.

Where to Make a Concept Map and What to Include

A concept map is a diagram that shows how ideas connect. Concepts sit in nodes and labeled links explain how they relate, such as causes, parts or examples. You can draw one by hand, use a general diagram app, or use an AI tool that builds the map from your notes. The best choice depends on whether you want to start from scratch or from existing material.

  • Core concepts: the main ideas placed at the top level
  • Linking phrases: short labels that explain each relationship
  • Supporting examples: details attached to each concept
  • Cross-links: connections between different branches

Once the map is built, use it to revise, spot gaps and explain the topic in your own words. CogniGuide can create a map from your own notes so you can start studying right away.

Concept Map Questions Answered

Common questions about making a concept map and using one with CogniGuide.

What is a concept map used for?

Concept maps show how ideas relate to each other. Students use them to organize a topic, see connections between terms and check what they understand before an exam.

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

A mind map radiates from one central idea. A concept map links many concepts in a network, and each link is labeled with how the two ideas relate.

Which files can CogniGuide turn into a concept map?

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

Is CogniGuide free to use for concept maps?

Yes. The free plan allows 5 creations a week with no payment needed, and you can turn your finished map into a quiz.