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Turn your lecture notes into a concept map with AI

Upload a PDF, slide deck, or set of notes and get a mind map of the main ideas, with branches you can rearrange, edit, and explore.

Create mind maps nowFree · No credit card required

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

How a concept map builder fits into studying

A useful concept map builder starts with your own material, not a blank canvas. DeckOwl reads your PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain notes, or a photo of a page, then arranges the main ideas into branches you can rearrange and explore.

  • Shows how the main ideas of a chapter relate before you memorize specifics
  • Builds from PDFs, slides, Word files, and photos of handwritten or printed pages
  • Lets you reorganize branches so the map follows your lecture outline
  • Pairs with flashcards and quizzes made from the same source material
Example mind map branches: the solar system
Inner planetsMercury · Venus · Earth · Mars
Gas giantsJupiter · Saturn · Uranus · Neptune
Dwarf planetsPluto · Ceres · Eris · Haumea
The SunHydrogen and helium · Nuclear fusion in the core · Gravity keeps planets in orbit
Asteroid beltLies between Mars and Jupiter · Rocky and metallic debris · Ceres is its largest object
Generate the full set

Starts from your material

Upload PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, or a photo of a page, and the ideas are pulled out for you.

Editable branches

Rename nodes, move branches, and reshape the map so it matches how your course organizes the topic.

Explorable structure

Click through main branches and sub-points to see how each idea connects to the rest of the subject.

How it works

Upload your notes

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file, or a photo of your pages.

Generate the map

DeckOwl sorts the key concepts into a mind map with main branches and sub-points.

Edit and study

Adjust the layout, then turn the same material into flashcards or quizzes when you are ready.

Once the map exists, you can edit labels, move branches, and click through sub-points to see how each idea connects to the rest. Mind maps work well for seeing the big picture of a chapter before you drill the details with flashcards or quizzes.

Explore related topics

Frequently asked questions

How do I decide which ideas belong as main branches in a concept map?

Start with the broad topics a lecture or chapter names in its headings, since those usually become main branches. Put the supporting details, examples, and definitions underneath them as sub-points.

How many main branches should a concept map have?

Most topics read clearly with about four to seven main branches. If a map needs more, split it into two maps so each one stays easy to scan.

Can I export my mind map?

Exports such as PDF and DOCX are included in the Plus plan, which costs $99.90/year or $9.99/month. The Free plan lets you study in the browser without exports.

Is there a free plan, and do I need a credit card to start?

The Free plan includes 3 generations per month with browser study. No credit card is needed to start, and 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.