Turn your notes into an editable mind map on Windows
DeckOwl builds a mind map from your PDF, document, or photo of notes. It runs in your Windows browser, so there is nothing to install.
Choosing mind map software on Windows
Most people who want free mind map software for Windows are really trying to turn a chapter of lecture notes into a picture they can study from. A mind map works best when the central idea sits in the middle and each branch holds one concept, with its details as smaller twigs.
- Works in any modern Windows browser with no installer
- Starts from your own PDFs, notes, or photos of pages
- Branches can be edited, moved, and expanded
- Same material can also become flashcards or quizzes
Built from your own material
Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file, or a photo of a page. The main ideas become branches you can rearrange.
Editable and explorable
Expand or collapse any branch to focus on one topic at a time, and adjust the layout to match how you think.
Study tools from the same source
Turn the same material into flashcards with spaced repetition or into quizzes with explanations.
How it works
Upload your notes
Drop in a PDF, a Word file, or a photo of a textbook page from your Windows computer.
Review the generated map
Check the central topic and branches, then drag, rename, or regroup them as needed.
Explore and study
Open branches one by one, or switch to flashcards and quizzes built from the same material.
DeckOwl creates that structure automatically from your own files. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser. Plus adds unlimited generations and exports, and Pro adds a stronger AI model and bulk upload.
Explore related topics
Free Mind Mapping Software for Windows
Free mind mapping for Windows: turn your PDFs and notes into an editable AI mind map.
Free Mind Map Software for Windows
Make mind maps from your notes in the browser on Windows. No download needed to start.
Free Mind Map Software for Windows 10
Browser-based mind maps from your notes or PDFs. Free to start, nothing to install.
AI mind map software for notes
Upload notes or PDFs and get an editable, explorable AI mind map. Free to start.
Concept mapping software, compared
How to pick concept mapping software and turn your notes into an editable mind map.
Free Mind Mapping Software for Students
Turn lecture notes and PDFs into editable mind maps. Free plan, no credit card needed.
Mind Map Software for Students
Turn your PDFs and notes into editable, explorable mind maps for studying.
Best Mind Map Software for iPad
Compare mind map tools for iPad and build one from your own notes with AI.
Frequently asked questions
How should I organize lecture notes into a mind map?
Start with one central topic, such as cell biology, and make each major subtopic a main branch. Put definitions, functions, and examples as smaller branches under each one.
How many main branches should a study mind map have?
Most useful maps have about 4 to 7 main branches. If a branch needs more than 5 or 6 sub-points, split it into two linked branches.
Is there a free Windows download for DeckOwl?
DeckOwl runs in your browser on Windows, so there is no separate program to download. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser.
Can I export my mind map or study materials?
Exporting is a paid feature. Plus includes PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export, and the free plan keeps your study materials in the browser.
Keep exploring the topic
Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.
A-Level Biology Flashcards from Your Notes
Turn your A-Level biology notes and PDFs into flashcards with spaced repetition.
Best AI Flashcard Generator for Students
Compare what to look for in an AI flashcard generator and try it on your own notes free.
AI Exam Quiz Maker from Your Notes
Build practice exam quizzes from your notes, with explanations for every answer.
Vocabulary Quiz Ideas From Your Notes
Build vocabulary quizzes from your own word lists, with explanations for every answer.