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Map any topic clearly, then let AI draft it from your notes

Learn the steps for a clear mind map, then upload your PDFs or notes and get an editable, explorable map to study from.

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How to make a mind map as a student

Good mind map instructions for students start with one central idea and branches that each hold a single concept. Resist the urge to copy whole sentences from your reading; short labels force you to restate the idea in your own words, which is most of the learning.

Use one word or short phrase per node so the structure stays readable.
Limit each branch to two to four sub-points before splitting it into a new branch.
Color or number branches only if the color or number carries meaning for you.
Redraw the map from memory a day later to see which parts you actually retained.

Example mind map branches for a biology unit

Cell respiration: main stagesGlycolysis · Krebs cycle · Electron transport chain

Photosynthesis: light-dependent reactionsOccur in thylakoids · Produce ATP and NADPH · Split water and release oxygen

Mitosis: phases in orderProphase · Metaphase · Anaphase · Telophase

Osmosis: what drives water movementWater moves across membranes · Toward higher solute concentration · Through aquaporins or the lipid bilayer

Enzymes: factors affecting activityTemperature · pH · Substrate concentration

Generate the full set

Editable branches

Rename, move, or add nodes so the map matches how you think about the material.

Explorable structure

Expand and collapse branches to focus on one idea at a time while you review.

Built from your own material

Start from PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain notes, or photos of pages instead of a blank canvas.

How it works

Write the central topic

Put the main idea in the center of the page in a few words, such as Cell respiration or The French Revolution.

Add main branches

Draw four to six branches for the major subtopics, and keep each label short enough to scan quickly.

Add sub-points and links

Hang two to four details off each branch, then draw cross-links where two ideas relate.

Once the basic map exists, check it against your lecture notes or textbook headings and fix anything that is missing or out of order. A map you can explain from memory, branch by branch, is ready to turn into review questions.

If you would rather not start from a blank page, upload your notes and get a first draft to edit. You still need to read the draft critically, because the map is only as accurate as the source material you give it.

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Frequently asked questions

How many branches should a student mind map have?

Most students find four to six main branches easy to read and review. If a topic needs more, group related branches under a new parent node instead of adding more at the top level.

How do I study from a mind map instead of just looking at it?

Cover the branches and recall each one aloud, then uncover the map to check what you missed. Turning each branch into a question is a strong next step for review.

Can I export my mind map?

Mind maps can be used in the browser on the free plan. Exporting to other formats is part of the paid Plus plan, which costs $39 per year or $7.99 per month.

Do I need a credit card to try the mind map generator?

No, you can start without a credit card. Students can also get 40% off a paid plan with a school email address.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.