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Get a mind map from your notes without a FreeMind download

FreeMind is a desktop app you install yourself. DeckOwl builds an editable, explorable mind map from the PDFs, slides, and notes you already have, with nothing to set up.

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

When you want a mind map without a download

If you came here for a FreeMind mind map download, you are looking for a free desktop program, and that is a different product from DeckOwl. DeckOwl is a browser-based AI tool: you upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes, or a photo of a page, and it produces an editable mind map built from that material.

Works on any device with a browser, including school laptops where you cannot install software
Maps come from your own lecture slides, chapters, and notes
Free plan: 3 generations per month, study in the browser
Plus adds unlimited generations and PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV exports

Example FreeMind download steps and mind map study tips

Getting FreeMind safelyUse the official project page or its linked downloads · Skip mirror sites that bundle extra installers · Confirm the file matches the release you chose

Before you installInstall a current Java runtime · Match the installer to your operating system · Read the release notes for known issues

Opening a .mm fileFreeMind saves maps in the .mm format · The file is XML text · Open it from the File menu in the app

A mind map study routineCover one branch and recall its sub-points · Compare your recall against the source notes · Redraw the map from memory

Troubleshooting a failed launchConfirm Java is installed and found by the system · Check the Java version the release requires · Reinstall if program files are missing

Generate the full set

No install needed

Open DeckOwl in a browser and start with your own file. There is no Java or desktop app to set up first.

Editable, explorable maps

Expand, collapse, and rearrange branches so the map matches how your course organizes the topic.

Starts free

The Free plan includes 3 generations per month and needs no credit card to start.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes, or photos of pages.

Generate the map

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

Edit and explore

Rename, move, and expand nodes until the map fits what your instructor covered.

Mind maps work best when they come from the source you are studying. Start with the central topic from your lecture or chapter, let the generator pull out the main branches, then reorganize the nodes until the structure reflects how the material is actually connected.

The Free plan gives you 3 generations per month with study in the browser. Plus adds unlimited generations and exports for when you need the map outside the site.

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Anki-Ready Concept Maps from Your Notes

Turn PDFs and notes into an editable AI mind map. Anki export is on Plus.

Anki Mind Map Add-On Alternative

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Free mind map app for notes

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

Apps to Make Concept Maps

Turn your notes or PDFs into an editable, explorable concept map with AI.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to install Java to run FreeMind?

FreeMind is a Java application, so it needs a compatible Java runtime installed on your computer. Check the release notes for the version you download before you install it.

How do I study from a mind map instead of just rereading it?

Cover the sub-points of one branch and try to recall them from the branch label alone. Then check your answers against the source notes and redraw the map from memory.

Can I use DeckOwl without downloading anything?

Yes. DeckOwl runs in the browser, and the Free plan includes 3 generations per month with no credit card needed to start.

What does the paid plan add?

Plus costs $39/year or $7.99/month and adds unlimited generations plus PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV exports with spaced repetition. Pro, at $14.99/month, adds a stronger AI model, 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.