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Turn your notes into a concept map in minutes

Upload a lecture PDF, a set of notes or a photo of a textbook page. DeckOwl reads the text and builds a mind map you can edit, reorganize and explore branch by branch.

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

What to look for in a concept map making tool

Choosing a concept map making tool comes down to whether it can read your actual material and still leave you in control of the layout. DeckOwl takes PDFs, DOCX and PPTX files, plain notes, or photos of pages, then builds a mind map you can edit and explore node by node.

Reads PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text and photos of pages
Editable nodes so you can reshape the map after it is generated
Explorable branches for drilling down from a main idea to its details
Free plan includes 3 generations a month, with exports on paid plans

Example renewable energy sources mind map branches

Solar powerPhotovoltaic panels · Concentrated solar thermal · Solar water heating

Wind powerOnshore turbines · Offshore turbines · Capacity factor and intermittency

Hydroelectric powerRun-of-river dams · Reservoir storage · Pumped storage

Geothermal energyFlash steam plants · Binary cycle plants · Ground-source heat pumps

Biomass energySolid biomass combustion · Biogas from anaerobic digestion · Biofuels from crops

Generate the full set

Reads the files you already have

Upload PDFs, DOCX and PPTX files, plain text notes, or photos of pages. Images are read with text recognition, so handwritten-to-print slides and scanned handouts still work.

Editable, not a locked picture

Rename nodes, move ideas under a different parent, add your own branches and delete anything the source did not say. The map stays yours to shape.

Explore from the center outward

Expand any branch to see its sub-points, then collapse it to keep the view clear. It works well for seeing how a big topic breaks into smaller parts.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file or photos of pages. Longer sources can be split into sections so each map stays focused.

Review the mind map

Check the main branches against your source, then edit wording and move nodes until the structure matches how your course organizes the topic.

Study it or export it

Explore the map in your browser on the free plan. Paid plans add PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV export, so the map can go into your notes or your flashcards.

Start with the source you already have, such as a lecture slide deck or a chapter of a textbook. The generated map is a starting point: rename branches, move ideas under a different parent, and delete anything the source did not actually say.

Once the map matches your course, you can turn the same material into flashcards with spaced repetition or quiz questions with explanations, so the map becomes the base for review rather than a one-time diagram.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I start a concept map for renewable energy sources?

Begin with one central node such as renewable energy, then add main branches for solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass. Under each branch, list how the source produces power, its main advantage and its main limitation.

What should a renewable energy concept map include?

Focus on how each source generates electricity, where it works best and its main trade-offs, such as intermittency for solar and wind. Link sources that share a limitation so those connections are visible when you review.

Can I export my mind map?

Exporting is a paid feature. Plus includes PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV export, and the free plan lets you study maps in the browser.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study, and no credit card is needed to start. Students get 40% off with a school email.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.