Turn your PDFs and notes into a free mind map
Upload a PDF, DOCX, slide deck, or photo of a page, and get an editable mind map you can explore branch by branch.
How a free mind map app fits into studying
Most students who look for a free mind map app already have a stack of lecture slides or a long chapter and need a way to see how the ideas connect. A mind map works because it shows the central topic, the main branches, and the details hanging off each one in a single view.
- Start free with no credit card
- Map built from your own PDFs, slides, or notes
- Edit branches to match your course outline
- Study branches in the browser on the free plan
Works with your own material
Drop in a PDF, Word file, PowerPoint, plain text notes, or a photo of a textbook page. Text recognition reads the photos.
Editable branches
Rename, move, or delete branches so the map matches how your course organizes the topic.
Explore instead of scroll
Expand one branch at a time to see the key terms and sub-points without losing the big picture.
How it works
Upload your material
Add the lecture slides, chapter, or notes you need to review. No account setup is needed to start.
Generate the map
DeckOwl pulls the main ideas into branches and sub-points taken directly from your source.
Edit and study
Reshape the map, then quiz yourself on each branch in the browser.
Generating the map from your own material keeps it accurate to your course. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and lets you study in the browser. Paid plans remove the monthly cap and add exports for sharing or review in other tools.
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Frequently asked questions
How many branches should a mind map have?
Four to seven main branches keeps a map readable for most topics. Each branch can hold two to four sub-points, and anything beyond that usually belongs in a separate map.
How do I study from a mind map effectively?
Cover the branches and try to recall each sub-point out loud before you check the original notes. Then turn the hardest branches into quiz questions so you practice recall, not just recognition.
Is there a free mind map app that works with PDFs?
Yes. The free plan lets you generate up to 3 mind maps per month from a PDF or your notes and study them in the browser.
Can I export my mind map?
Exports are part of the paid Plus plan, which costs $39 per year or $7.99 per month. The free plan keeps everything in the browser.
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