Turn your own notes into a mind map with AI
DeckOwl reads your PDF, Word file, slides, notes or a photo of a page and returns an editable mind map you can explore branch by branch. Start free with no credit card.
How to choose among apps to make mind maps
Plenty of apps to make mind maps start from a blank canvas, which means you do the summarizing yourself. A tool that starts from your own material saves that step, especially when a chapter runs to dozens of pages.
- Does it accept the files you already have, including scanned pages?
- Can you rename, move and add branches after the map is generated?
- Does it connect the map to flashcards or quizzes for practice?
- Is there a free tier to test it, and what does exporting cost?
Built from your material
Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text or a photo of a page. Text recognition reads the pages so the map reflects your own course content.
Editable and explorable
Rename branches, add nodes, and expand or collapse sections to focus on one topic at a time.
Study tools beyond the map
Turn the same material into flashcards with spaced repetition or quizzes with explanations.
How it works
Upload your notes
Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file or image of a page.
Generate the map
The AI groups ideas under a main topic with branches beneath it.
Edit and explore
Adjust the structure, then move through it on screen to test your recall.
When you compare options, check three things: whether it reads the files you already have, whether the map stays editable after generation, and whether you can study from it later. DeckOwl takes a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes or a photo and produces an explorable map you can reshape.
Explore related topics
Apps to Make Concept Maps
Turn your notes or PDFs into an editable, explorable concept map with AI.
Creative Mind Map Ideas
Creative ways to build a mind map from your notes, with editable branches.
Easiest Way to Make a Mind Map
Upload notes or a PDF and get an editable, explorable mind map with AI.
Websites to Make Mind Maps
Make an editable mind map from your PDF or notes with AI, and study it in the browser.
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.
Artificial Intelligence Mind Map Maker
Turn your own AI notes or PDF into an editable, explorable mind map.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a mind map from a long reading?
Start with the chapter headings as main branches, then add the key terms and events under each one. Keep each branch to three or four sub-points so you can recall it without the page in front of you.
What should a mind map for a Shakespeare play include?
Put characters, major events, themes and key images on separate main branches. Link each event to the character who drives it so cause and effect stay visible.
Is DeckOwl free to use?
The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser. Exporting files is part of the paid Plus plan, which costs $99.90 per year or $9.99 per month.
Do I need a credit card to start?
No. You can start on the free plan without a credit card, and students with a school email get 40% off paid plans.
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