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Learn how to make a concept map from your own notes

Upload a PDF, DOCX, or photo of your notes and get an editable mind map you can explore, rearrange, and study from.

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What a concept map shows and how to build one

A concept map works best when you start with one central idea and connect related terms with short labeled links. Drawing one by hand is useful, but it gets slow when your source is a 40-page chapter.

Put the central question or topic in the middle, not a long title.
Use one to four words per node so the map stays readable.
Label every link with a verb such as causes, requires, or limits.
Revisit the map after a day and redraw it from memory to find gaps.

Example mind map branches for the US Constitution

Separation of powersLegislative, executive, and judicial branches · Checks and balances · Articles I, II, and III

FederalismPowers shared between national and state governments · Tenth Amendment reserves unlisted powers to the states

Bill of RightsFirst ten amendments · Ratified in 1791 · Protects individual liberties from federal action

Amendment processTwo-thirds of both houses of Congress propose · Three-fourths of the states ratify · Described in Article V

Legislative branchCongress has a House and a Senate · Makes laws, declares war, and levies taxes · Described in Article I

Generate the full set

Starts from your material

Upload PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes, or photos of pages, which are read with text recognition.

Editable and explorable

Rename branches, move nodes, and expand each idea to see how it connects to the rest of the topic.

Study from the map

Turn the same material into flashcards with spaced repetition or quizzes with explanations.

How it works

Pick your central idea

Choose the main concept your notes are about, such as a chapter title or a guiding question.

Upload your notes

Add a PDF, DOCX, or text file and DeckOwl builds a starting mind map from it.

Connect and refine

Drag branches, rename nodes, and add links until each idea explains the next one.

Start with the main concept, list the five to ten terms that matter most, and then group them into branches. Check each link by reading it aloud as a sentence: if it does not make sense, the relationship is probably wrong.

DeckOwl can draft the first version from your PDF or notes, and you then edit it to match what your course emphasized. The map stays editable, so you can rework it as you learn more.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you start a concept map?

Choose one central idea, then list the main terms related to it from your notes. Group those terms into branches and connect them with labeled links.

How many branches should a concept map for the US Constitution have?

Most topics work well with four to seven main branches, such as separation of powers, federalism, and the Bill of Rights, each with a few sub-points. If a branch needs more than that, split it into a second map.

Can I export my mind map?

Export to PDF, DOCX, and Anki is part of the Plus plan, which costs $39/year or $7.99/month. The free plan lets you create mind maps and study them in the browser, with 3 generations per month.

Is the free plan enough to try it?

Yes, the free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study, and no credit card is needed to start. 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.