Litmaps

Litmaps is a web-based research tool built around citation relationships. Instead of relying only on keyword search, it lets you start from a paper you already trust and then visualizes the network of work that cites it or is cited by it. The result is an interACTive map that helps researchers see how a field is connected, spot inFluential papers, and uncover relevant studies that a plAIn search might miss.

What it does

At its core, Litmaps turns a seed paper, a set of references, or a saved search into a visual literature map. Each node represents a publication, and connections reflect citation links. From this map you can expand outward to related work, filter by date or relevance, and follow how IDEas spread across a research area. It is designed to support Literature Reviews, topic exploration, and ongoing monitoring rather than to replace a full reference manager.

Key capabilities

• Citation mAPPing: Build a visual graph of papers connected through citations, starting from one or more seed articles.
• Related paper discovery: Find work that is close to your topic through shared references and citers rather than keyword matching alone.
• Literature monitoring: Track a map over time so newly published papers that fit your topic appear as they become available.
• Search and filtering: Combine search terms with map-based exploration and nARRow results by publication date and relevance.
• sharing and export: Organize maps for projects and move selected references into your existing research workflow.

Who it is for

Litmaps is aimed at graduate students, academic researchers, and research teams who need to orient themselves in an unfamiliar field or keep pace with a fast-moving one. It is also useful for analysts and librarians who want a visual overview of how a body of literature is structured. Users who mainly need writing assistance or General chat may find a different type of tool more suitable.

How to get started

1. Create an account on the Litmaps website.
2. Add a seed paper by title, DOI, or search, or upload a list of references.
3. Generate a map and expand it by adding related papers or adjusting the date range.
4. Save the map to a project and revisit it to monitor new publications.

Pricing and access

Litmaps offers a free entry point with liMITed features and paid plans that add more maps, larger projects, and expanded monitoring. Exact limits and prices may change and may vary by plan or region, so check the official site before committing. The service runs in a web browser and requires an internet connection. Some features may depend on plan level, and availability of specific data sources can vary.