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Get a free mind map from any PDF or notes, right in your browser

DeckOwl has no desktop installer. It runs in your browser, so you upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file or photo of your notes and get a mind map you can edit and explore.

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

Why a free mind map tool helps with studying

A blank page is the hardest part of mind mapping, so a free mind map tool that reads your own notes can do the first pass for you.

Works in any modern browser with no download or install
Accepts PDFs, Word and PowerPoint files, plain notes and photos of pages
Lets you edit and rearrange every branch before you study from it
Free plan includes 3 generations per month for trying it on real coursework

Example cell biology mind map branches

Cell membranePhospholipid bilayer · Selective permeability · Embedded transport proteins

MitochondriaSite of cellular respiration · Inner membrane folded into cristae · Contains its own DNA

NucleusNuclear envelope with pores · Chromatin holds DNA · Nucleolus assembles ribosome parts

Endoplasmic reticulumRough ER has attached ribosomes · Smooth ER makes lipids · Both connect to the nuclear envelope

Golgi apparatusModifies and sorts proteins · Packages cargo into vesicles · Sends products to their destinations

Generate the full set

Editable branches

Rename, move or delete any node so the map matches how your course organizes the material.

Explorable structure

Expand and collapse branches to focus on one topic at a time instead of scanning a crowded page.

Works from your own material

Your mind map is built from the document you upload, so it reflects your lecture notes and readings.

How it works

Upload your notes

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text file or a photo of a page. Photos are read with text recognition.

Generate the map

DeckOwl organizes the content into a main topic with branches and sub-points you can edit.

Explore and edit

Open branches, adjust the layout and keep the parts you need for review in your browser.

Nothing needs to be installed. The free plan lets you build and study maps in the browser with 3 generations a month. Exports to PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV are part of the paid Plus plan, which costs $99.90/year or $9.99/month.

Students with a school email get 40% off, and no credit card is needed to start.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a free mind map tool I can install on my computer?

DeckOwl does not offer a desktop installer. It runs in your browser, and the free plan works there with 3 generations a month.

How do I make a mind map for cell biology?

Start with the main structures, such as the nucleus, cell membrane and organelles, as first-level branches. Then add each structure's function and location as sub-points underneath.

How many branches should a study mind map have?

Five to seven main branches usually stays readable. Put the detail on a second level so you can expand only the topics you are reviewing.

Can I export my mind map on the free plan?

No, exports are paid features. Plus at $99.90/year or $9.99/month includes PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV export with unlimited generations.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.