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Turn your own notes into a concept map template for GoodNotes

Skip the generic download. DeckOwl builds an editable mind map from your lecture PDF or notes, and you can export it to annotate in GoodNotes.

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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

Why a custom concept map beats a generic GoodNotes template

A concept map template for GoodNotes works best when the branches come from your own lecture material instead of a stock layout with empty boxes. Blank templates show you where to write, but they do not tell you which ideas belong together or how a unit is organized.

Use one central idea per page so the map stays readable on an iPad screen.
Keep node labels to a few words and move detail into notes beside the map.
Label each connecting line with a short verb such as causes, requires, or contrasts with.
Review the map out loud by tracing one branch at a time from center to edge.

Example GoodNotes concept map steps

Starting a new concept map pageCreate a new notebook · Choose a blank or grid paper template · Write the central idea in the middle of the page

Bringing a map PDF into GoodNotesImport the exported PDF into GoodNotes · Open it as its own page · Write over it with the pen tool

Keeping node labels readableUse one to four words per node · Keep branch text in one color · Move longer explanations into notes beside the map

Moving parts of a mapSelect the nodes with the lasso tool · Drag the selection to a new spot · Use undo if a branch lands in the wrong place

Showing how two ideas connectDraw a line or arrow between the nodes · Label the line with one verb · Highlight the key links in a second color

Generate the full set

Built from your material

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes, or a photo of a page. The map branches follow the ideas in your own course content.

Editable and explorable

Rename nodes, add branches, and move ideas around in the mind map, then explore how each concept connects to the next.

Ready for GoodNotes

On Plus, export your map as a PDF and import it into GoodNotes, then write over it with the pen, highlighter, and lasso tools.

How it works

Upload your notes

Add a PDF, slides, a document, or a photo of your handwritten pages. Text recognition reads the photos.

Generate the mind map

DeckOwl turns the material into a central idea with main branches and sub-points you can edit.

Export and annotate

Export the map as a PDF on Plus, import it into GoodNotes, and add your own arrows and examples.

Start with the source you already have. Once DeckOwl produces a mind map, you can rename nodes, prune branches that do not matter for the exam, and add links between related ideas. Keeping the map focused on one chapter or topic makes it much easier to review later.

When the map is ready, export it as a PDF on the Plus plan and bring it into GoodNotes. You can then annotate directly on the page, which keeps your concept map in the same notebook as your other class notes.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use a concept map inside GoodNotes and still edit it?

DeckOwl mind maps are editable in the app. To use one in GoodNotes, export it as a PDF on the Plus plan, import the file, and add your own handwriting or highlights on top.

How many branches should a concept map have?

Most readable maps use four to seven main branches, each with two to four sub-points. Start with the main ideas from a chapter and split them further only where the material supports it.

Does the free plan include exports for GoodNotes?

The free plan includes three generations per month and studying in the browser, but not exports. PDF export is part of Plus, which costs $39 per year or $7.99 per month, and you can start without a credit card.

Is a concept map better than a list for exam review?

A concept map helps when an exam asks how ideas relate, since the links show cause, category, and sequence. For memorizing exact terms, pair the map with flashcards.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.