Turn your notes into a free, editable mind map
Upload a PDF, slide deck, or photo of a page and get a mind map of the main ideas you can explore, edit, and study from.
Why start with your own material
A free mind map maker is most useful when it starts from the reading you actually have to learn, not a generic template. DeckOwl builds the map from your own PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes, or page photos, so the branches match your course instead of someone else's outline.
- Upload PDFs, slides, Word files, notes, or photos of pages
- Get an editable, explorable mind map of the main ideas
- Study maps in the browser on the free plan with 3 generations per month
- Upgrade to Plus for unlimited generations and PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export
Works from your material
Reads PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes, and photos of pages using text recognition.
Editable and explorable
Expand branches, reorganize ideas, and follow connections between topics instead of rereading linear notes.
Study mode in the browser
The free plan lets you study your maps directly in the browser with no software to install.
How it works
Upload your notes
Add a PDF, slide deck, document, or photo of your textbook page.
Generate the map
DeckOwl pulls out the main topics and builds a branched mind map from them.
Edit and study
Adjust branches to match your course, then study the map in your browser.
The free plan includes 3 generations per month and lets you study in the browser. Exporting maps is part of the Plus plan at $39/year or $7.99/month, so if you need to bring a map into another app, that is where you would upgrade.
Map out a chapter before a test, then use the branches as prompts: cover one branch, say the sub-points out loud, and check yourself against the map.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I build a mind map for a biology chapter?
Start with the chapter's main topic in the center, then add one branch per major heading. Keep each sub-point short, such as a term or a single cause, so you can recall it without rereading.
How many branches should a study mind map have?
Most chapter maps work well with five to seven main branches and two to four sub-points under each. If a map has far more, it is probably copying the text instead of organizing it.
Is the free mind map maker really free?
Yes, the free plan includes 3 generations per month and lets you study in the browser. Exporting is a paid feature on Plus at $39/year or $7.99/month.
Can I edit the mind map after it is generated?
Yes, the map is editable, so you can change branches after it is generated. Exports to PDF, DOCX, and other formats require a paid plan.
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