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A mind map app that is easy to use for class notes and PDFs

Drop in a PDF, DOCX, slide deck, or a photo of your notes. DeckOwl reads the text and builds a mind map you can rearrange, expand, 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 mind map app

Most students want an easy to use mind map app that does not need a tutorial before it is useful. The best ones start from the material you already have, so you spend your time thinking about the topic instead of typing out every node by hand.

Works from PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, and photos of pages
Every branch can be edited, moved, or expanded
Study in the browser on the free plan
Export to PDF or DOCX with a paid plan

Example cell biology mind map branches

Cell membranePhospholipid bilayer · Embedded proteins · Selective permeability

MitochondriaSite of cellular respiration · Double membrane · Produces ATP · Contains its own DNA

Endoplasmic reticulumRough ER has ribosomes on its surface · Smooth ER synthesizes lipids · Smooth ER helps detoxify drugs

NucleusHolds chromosomes · Surrounded by a nuclear envelope · Site of DNA replication and transcription

Golgi apparatusModifies and sorts proteins · Packages materials into vesicles · Ships products to other parts of the cell

Generate the full set

Starts from your material

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, or a photo of a page, and the mind map is built from your own content.

Editable branches

Rename, move, or add branches so the map matches how you think about the topic, not a generic template.

Explore at your own pace

Expand one branch at a time to focus on details, then collapse it to see the big picture again.

How it works

Upload your notes

Add a file or paste text. Photos of handwritten or printed pages are read with text recognition.

Review the map

Check the main branches and sub-points, then reorganize anything that does not fit your course outline.

Study from the map

Open any branch to recall it from memory, then turn the same material into flashcards or a quiz when you are ready.

A map is only useful if you can change it. Look for a tool that lets you rename, move, and expand branches, and that keeps the structure readable when you zoom in on a single idea. DeckOwl builds the first draft from your PDF or notes, and you adjust it from there.

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Step-by-step guide to making and exploring an AI mind map from your own PDFs and notes.

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Turn PDFs and notes into an editable mind map. Includes a sample on US government branches.

AI Mind Map Maker App

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

AI Visual Mind Map App

Upload notes or PDFs and get an editable visual mind map you can explore with AI.

Free mind map app for notes and PDFs

Turn PDFs and notes into an editable mind map. Start free, 3 generations a month.

Free mind mapping app for students

Turn lecture notes and PDFs into an editable mind map, free to start, with no credit card needed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I organize a mind map for a biology unit?

Put the unit topic in the center, then add one branch for each major concept such as cell membranes, organelles, or transport. Place supporting details as sub-branches under the concept they explain.

How big should each branch in a study mind map be?

Keep each branch short enough to recall from memory without looking. If a branch grows crowded, split it into its own smaller map so each part stays easy to review.

Is the mind map app free to use?

The free plan includes 3 generations per month and lets you study in the browser, but it does not include exports. Plus, at $39/year or $7.99/month, adds unlimited generations and PDF and DOCX export.

Can I export my mind map to share or print?

Exports are a paid feature. PDF and DOCX export are included with Plus, and Pro adds a stronger AI model along with bulk upload and QTI 2.1 and Moodle XML export.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.