Turn your own notes into a blank concept map you can fill in
Printable blank templates are fixed, so DeckOwl builds a concept map from your material instead, with branches you can edit, reorder and explore.
Why a blank map works better than a ready-made one
A blank concept map example is most useful when you can test yourself on it. A finished template shows you the answer before you have tried to recall anything, which makes it easy to skim past the hard parts.
- Start with one central idea and add only the branches your source material supports.
- Hide labels on a copy of the map and try to rebuild them from memory.
- Compare your rebuilt map with the original and note which links you missed.
- Revisit the same map a few days later to see what you still remember.
Built from your material
Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text or a photo of a page, and get a map of the main ideas and how they connect.
Editable branches
Rename, move, add or delete nodes so the map matches your course, then leave the detail blank for yourself to fill in.
Explorable structure
Expand and collapse branches to move from the big picture to the details without losing your place.
How it works
Add your notes
Upload a file or paste your notes. Photos of pages are read with text recognition.
Generate the map
DeckOwl creates a mind map with a central topic, main branches and sub-points.
Edit and fill in
Remove the labels you want to recall, then rebuild them from memory and check against your notes.
Build the map from your own lecture slides or textbook chapter instead. The branches reflect what your instructor actually covers, and you can blank out nodes to quiz yourself.
Once the map is drafted, export it or keep studying in the browser. Exports are included on paid plans.
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Frequently asked questions
How many branches should a study concept map have?
Most useful maps have a handful of main branches, each with two to four short sub-points. If a branch grows much larger, split it into two linked branches.
How do I study a concept map so I remember it?
Redraw the map from memory, then check it against your notes. Explaining each link out loud also strengthens recall better than rereading.
Can I export my concept map?
Studying in the browser is included in the free plan, which allows 3 generations per month. PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV export are available on Plus at $39/year or $7.99/month.
Do I need a credit card to try it?
No. You can start on the free plan without a credit card. Students with a school email get 40% off paid plans.
Keep exploring the topic
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