The AI learning tool that matches how you think. Highlight what matters. Generate parallel follow-ups. Build a visual knowledge graph.
ChatGPT is a large language model that predicts the next word based on context. It uses a transformer architecture with attention mechanisms to understand relationships in text.
Type a question to start exploring
When you ask ChatGPT about a topic, you might have multiple follow-up questions from just one answer. But you can only ask one at a time.
After a few exchanges, you forget what you originally asked. The conversation becomes a maze with no map.
Previous answers disappear into the infinite scroll. Good luck finding that insight from 10 questions ago.
You can't see how concepts relate to each other. It's all just a linear thread with no structure.
The insight: Learning isn't linear. It's branching, connecting, evolving. That's why we built Nonlinear.
A canvas-based approach that matches how you actually think and learn.
Type your question. Get an AI response as a card on your infinite canvas. No scroll, no disappearing.
Highlight what interests you. Generate multiple follow-up cards at once. Parallel exploration, not linear crawl.
Link cards with typed edges: Definition, Prerequisite, Implication. Build a visual knowledge graph.
Everything you need to explore topics deeply and retain what you learn.
Highlight multiple sections, generate follow-up cards simultaneously. Learn faster with parallel exploration.
Connect cards with meaning: Definition, Prerequisite, Implication, Counterexample, and more.
From ELI5 to Academic—customize response depth for your learning style.
AI references your learning path, summarizing ancestors for focused responses.
Folders, starring, search. Your knowledge graph, organized your way.
Client-side encryption (XSalsa20-Poly1305). Your learning stays yours.
ChatGPT is great for quick questions. For deep learning, you need to see how concepts connect.
| Feature | Nonlinear | ChatGPT | Gemini | Claude | Perplexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Parallel follow-up generation Highlight multiple parts, generate multiple cards on your canvas | |||||
Smart text highlighting Select text to ask targeted follow-ups | |||||
Typed semantic connections Named relationships on your canvas (Definition, Prerequisite, etc.) | |||||
Knowledge graph visualization See how your learning connects visually | |||||
Visual canvas workspace Spatial organization for ideas and answers | |||||
Answer modes ELI5, Academic, Step-by-Step, etc. | 7 modes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Selective context control Choose which cards inform AI responses | |||||
Client-side encryption Data encrypted before leaving device | |||||
Export to Obsidian/Markdown Own your knowledge externally | |||||
Source-grounded responses AI cites specific sources | |||||
Free tier Full features without payment |
Source-grounded responses with web citations is on our roadmap.
Start building your visual knowledge graph today. Free tier available.
Start FreeGot questions? We've got answers.
Nonlinear is a canvas-based AI learning tool. Ask a question, get a card. Highlight what matters, generate parallel follow-ups. Connect your understanding into a visual knowledge graph that you can explore and export.
ChatGPT uses linear chat—previous answers scroll away, you ask one question at a time, and there's no visual organization. Nonlinear uses a canvas where every answer is a card you can organize, connect with semantic edges, and explore visually. Plus, you can highlight multiple parts and generate parallel follow-ups.
Yes! Our free tier includes daily AI queries, card creation, and all core features. No credit card required to get started.
We use OpenAI's GPT models by default, including GPT-4o and GPT-4. You can choose your preferred model in settings based on your needs for speed vs. capability.
Yes. We use client-side encryption (XSalsa20-Poly1305) to encrypt your canvas content before it's sent to our servers. This means even we cannot read your learning content. Your AI prompts are sent to OpenAI for processing, but they don't use API data for training.
Yes! Export single cards to Markdown, or export entire canvases to JSON for backup. We're actively working on direct integrations with Obsidian and Notion.
Typed edges are semantic connections between cards. Instead of just lines, you can specify the relationship: Definition, Prerequisite, Implication, Counterexample, Paraphrase, or Follow-up. This builds a true knowledge graph that shows how your understanding is structured.
We offer multiple answer modes to match your learning style: ELI5 (simple explanations), Concise, Balanced, Comprehensive, Technical (with math/derivations), Visual Deep Dive (detailed with diagrams), and Academic (scholarly with citations).