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Turn any PDF or notes file into an editable concept map

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file, or photo of a page and get a mind map you can edit and click through.

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 concept map software fits into studying

Most concept map software asks you to draw every node yourself, which takes time away from the material you are trying to learn.

Starts from your own PDF, DOCX, PPTX, or notes instead of a blank canvas
Photos of pages are read with text recognition
Editable and explorable, so you can reshape the structure as you learn
The same source file can also produce flashcards and quizzes

Example solar system mind map branches

Inner planetsMercury · Venus · Earth · Mars

Outer planetsJupiter · Saturn · Uranus · Neptune

Gas giants vs ice giantsJupiter and Saturn are mainly hydrogen and helium · Uranus and Neptune contain more water, ammonia, and methane ices

Dwarf planetsPluto · Ceres · Eris · Makemake

Small bodiesAsteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter · Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune · Comets from the outer system

Generate the full set

Editable branches

Rename, move, or add nodes so the map matches how your course organizes the material.

Explorable structure

Expand and collapse branches to see how main ideas connect to supporting details.

Reads photos too

Snap a page of notes and text recognition pulls the words into the map.

How it works

Upload your material

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

Review the map

Edit the branches and reorganize nodes until the structure makes sense.

Study or export

Work through it in the browser on the Free plan, or export files on Plus.

DeckOwl takes a different route: it reads your source file and drafts a map of the main topics and how they connect. You then edit that draft, which is usually faster than starting from a blank canvas. Because the result is a regular map, you can keep refining it as your understanding grows.

Explore related topics

Concept mapping software, compared

How to pick concept mapping software and turn your notes into an editable mind map.

Free Concept Mapping for Students

Turn notes or PDFs into an editable concept map, free to start.

AI Concept Map from PDF

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

AI Concept Map Generator From Text

Turn pasted text or uploaded notes into an editable, explorable mind map with AI.

Sample AI Concept Map for Photosynthesis

See a photosynthesis concept map sample, then build one from your own notes or PDFs.

AI Concept Mapping Tool

Turn PDFs or notes into an editable mind map to study how concepts connect.

AI mind map software for notes

Upload notes or PDFs and get an editable, explorable AI mind map. Free to start.

Immune system concept map from your notes

Turn lecture notes or PDFs into an editable immune system mind map with AI.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a concept map for the solar system?

Begin with the Sun and the two main groups, the inner rocky planets and the outer gas and ice giants. Then add moons, belts, and key facts as sub-branches.

How many branches should a concept map have?

Aim for about five to seven main branches at the top level, each with no more than four or five sub-points. Too many branches at once makes the map hard to scan.

Can I export my map?

Exporting is a paid feature. Free users can study maps in the browser, while Plus adds PDF and DOCX export along with unlimited generations.

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. Plus is $39/year or $7.99/month.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.