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Turn your notes into an editable concept map

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX file, text notes or a photo of a page, and get a branching map of the main ideas you can edit and explore.

Create mind maps nowFree · No credit card required

Drop files here or browsePDF, DOCX, PPTX, text or photos of your notes · several files with Plus

Free · First set needs no signup · Creates mind maps in seconds

How a concept map creator app helps with study notes

Students often reach for a concept map creator app when lecture notes are scattered across slides, PDFs and handwritten photos. DeckOwl reads those files and produces an editable mind map with one central topic and labeled branches, so the structure of a unit is visible at a glance.

Upload PDFs, DOCX and PPTX files, notes or page photos
Edit nodes and branches after generation
Free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study
Exports to PDF, DOCX and other formats are on the Plus plan

Example Roman Empire mind map branches

Augustus and the PrincipateBecame the first emperor in 27 BCE · Kept the Senate and republican forms · Reorganized the army and provinces

Pax RomanaRoughly two centuries of relative peace from 27 BCE to 180 CE · Expanded trade across the Mediterranean · Latin and roads as shared infrastructure

Roman roadsBuilt for military movement and administration · Linked provinces to Rome · Milestones marked distances from the capital

Diocletian's TetrarchyFour rulers split administration of the empire · Introduced around 293 CE · Aimed to make defense and succession more manageable

Causes of the Western Empire's collapseEconomic strain and currency debasement · Pressure from migrating peoples on the frontiers · Political instability and rival claimants to power

Generate the full set

Editable maps

Rename nodes and rearrange branches after generation so the map matches how your course organizes the material.

Explorable structure

Expand and collapse branches to focus on one part of a topic at a time instead of scanning a long page of notes.

Works from your files

Start from PDFs, Word documents, slide decks, plain text or photos of pages read with text recognition.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX file, text notes or a photo of a page. No credit card is needed to start.

Generate the map

DeckOwl reads the text and arranges the central topic and main ideas into labeled branches.

Edit and explore

Adjust nodes and branches, then expand each section as you review it before testing yourself.

Strictly speaking, a concept map links ideas with labeled connections, while a mind map radiates outward from a single idea. DeckOwl generates the branching mind map format, which works well for organizing a topic before you quiz yourself on the details.

Explore related topics

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Concept Map Creator for Study Notes

Turn PDFs, slides, or notes into an editable, explorable mind map for studying.

AI Concept Map Creator for Study Notes

Turn PDFs and notes into editable mind maps with AI, with an ancient Egypt example.

Concept Map Maker App from Your Notes

Upload PDFs or notes and get an editable, explorable concept map with AI.

Concept map app for notes

Upload notes or PDFs and get an editable AI mind map you can explore while you study.

Mind map creator app for study notes

Turn PDFs and notes into an editable, explorable mind map with AI.

AI Concept Map from PDF

Turn a PDF or notes into an editable, explorable concept map with AI, free to start.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a concept map and a mind map?

A mind map radiates from one central idea, while a concept map links ideas with labeled connections that show how they relate. DeckOwl produces the branching mind map format, which suits broad topics like the Roman Empire.

How many top-level branches should a Roman Empire mind map have?

Five to seven top-level branches usually cover it well, such as the Republic to Principate shift, key emperors, government, the economy, the military, and the decline in the West. Smaller subtopics belong under those branches.

Can I export the map I create?

The free plan lets you study in the browser without exports. Exporting to PDF, DOCX and other formats is included with Plus, which costs $39 per year or $7.99 per month.

Do I need a credit card to start?

No credit card is needed to start. The free plan includes 3 generations per month, and students can get 40% off Plus with a school email.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.