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Map out your notes with free mind map software

Upload a PDF, Word file, or photo of a page and get an editable mind map you can explore branch by branch. Start on the free plan with no credit card.

Create mind maps nowFree · No credit card required

Free account · 3 sets a month · Creates mind maps in seconds

How free mind map software fits into studying

Most people looking for free mind map software want to see how a long chapter fits together before an exam. DeckOwl starts from your own pages, so the branches reflect your course rather than a generic template.

  • Branches drawn from your own PDF, DOCX, PPTX, or notes
  • Photos of pages read with text recognition
  • Explore the map in the browser on the free plan
  • Exports to PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV are available on Plus
Example Roman Empire mind map branches
Augustus and the PrincipateFirst emperor, 27 BCE · Reformed the army and provinces · Presented power as a restored Republic
Crisis of the Third CenturyRapid turnover of emperors · Inflation and currency debasement · Military pressure on frontiers
Diocletian's reformsTetrarchy with four rulers · Provinces split into smaller units · Edict on Maximum Prices in 301 CE
Causes of the Western collapseMigration pressure from Goths and Huns · Reliance on federate armies · Political instability and fiscal strain
Constantine and ConstantinopleEdict of Milan in 313 · Founded Constantinople in 330 CE · Shifted imperial power east
Generate the full set

Built from your own material

Branches come from your PDFs, DOCX and PPTX files, plain text notes, or photos of pages read with text recognition.

Editable and explorable

Open the map in your browser, expand the branches you need, and adjust the structure as your understanding grows.

Free to start

The free plan includes three generations per month and studying in the browser. No credit card is needed to begin.

How it works

Upload your notes

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file, or a photo of a page.

Generate the map

DeckOwl builds a mind map with main branches and sub-points taken from your content.

Explore and edit

Click through the branches in your browser and change anything that does not match your course.

The free plan gives you three generations a month and lets you study in the browser. Exporting to PDF, DOCX, Anki, or CSV is part of Plus, which costs $99.90 a year or $9.99 a month.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I organize a mind map for a history chapter?

Start with the chapter's central question, then add one main branch for each cause, event, or figure. Keep sub-points to short phrases so the map stays readable when you review it.

What should a Roman Empire mind map include?

Group material by period, such as the Principate, the Crisis of the Third Century, and the late empire. Under each period, list the rulers, reforms, and events that shaped it.

Is the DeckOwl free plan actually free?

Yes. The free plan includes three generations per month and studying in the browser, and no credit card is needed to start.

Can I export my mind map?

Exporting is a paid feature. Plus, at $99.90 a year or $9.99 a month, includes PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.