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Turn your research papers into a clear, editable mind map

Upload PDFs, DOCX files or typed notes and get a mind map of your sources, questions and findings that you can edit and explore branch by branch.

Create mind maps nowFree · No credit card required

Drop files here or browsePDF, DOCX, PPTX, text or photos of your notes · several files with Plus

Free account · 3 sets a month · Creates mind maps in seconds

How a research mind map keeps a project organized

Long reading lists pile up faster than a literature review can absorb them, and research mind maps show how the pieces connect before you write a single paragraph.

Start with one central research question and keep it short enough to fit on one line.
Use separate branches for methods, sources, findings and limitations so comparisons are easy.
Add the author and year to each source node so you can trace claims back quickly.
Revisit the map after each reading session and mark which branches are now supported.

Example research methods mind map branches

Research questionSpecific · Answerable with data or sources · Tied to a gap in the literature · Narrow enough for the project timeline

Quantitative vs qualitativeNumbers and statistical tests · Interviews and open-ended text · Mixed methods combine both · Choice depends on the question

Literature reviewSearch databases with set terms · Screen by title and abstract · Group sources into themes · Note gaps and conflicts

Validity vs reliabilityValidity: measures what it claims to measure · Reliability: gives consistent results on repeat · A study can be reliable but not valid

Sampling methodsRandom · Stratified · Convenience · Purposive · Each choice limits who the results can generalize to

Generate the full set

Branches from your own sources

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text or a photo of a page, and the main ideas are arranged as branches you can read at a glance.

Editable nodes

Rename, move, merge or add nodes as your argument changes, so the map stays useful as your thinking develops.

Explorable structure

Expand and collapse sections to focus on one method or one theme at a time without losing the overall layout.

How it works

Upload your material

Add the paper, chapter, lecture slides or notes you want to organize. Scanned pages can be read with text recognition.

Review the generated map

Check the central question and main branches against your source, then edit any node that is off or missing.

Explore and refine

Expand branches to add detail, then study from the map or export it if you are on a paid plan.

A useful map starts with the research question in the center, then branches into methods, key sources, findings and open gaps. Seeing those branches side by side makes it easier to spot where two studies disagree or where no one has tested an idea yet.

Because the map is editable, you can revise it as your question narrows. Keep the branches that hold up against your sources and move the rest into a separate list.

Explore related topics

Qualitative research concept map

Map qualitative research methods, coding and trustworthiness from your own notes.

Quantitative research concept map

Map quantitative research design, variables and statistics from your own notes.

Research Concept Map Generator

Turn papers and notes into an editable research concept map with AI.

Research Paper Concept Map Generator

Turn a research paper PDF or notes into an editable mind map of its main ideas.

Qualitative research mind map

Explore qualitative research methods and terms as an editable mind map.

Anki-Ready Concept Maps from Your Notes

Turn PDFs and notes into an editable AI mind map. Anki export is on Plus.

Anki Mind Map Add-On Alternative

Turn your PDFs and notes into an editable mind map, with Anki export on Plus.

Free mind map app for notes

Turn PDFs and notes into an editable mind map, free to start with 3 generations a month.

Frequently asked questions

How do I structure a mind map for a literature review?

Put the review question in the center, then add branches for themes, key studies and disagreements. Under each study, note the method and main finding so you can compare them at a glance.

What should go in the center node of a research mind map?

Use the single question or thesis your project is trying to answer. If you do not have a question yet, the topic plus the population or problem you care about is a reasonable starting point.

Can I export my research mind map?

Exporting is a paid feature: the Plus plan at $99.90/year or $9.99/month includes PDF and DOCX export. The free plan lets you study in the browser with 3 generations per month.

Is there a free plan to try it?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study, and you do not need a credit card to start. Students can get 40% off with a school email.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.