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Turn your notes into a hierarchical mind map you can edit

Instead of filling in a blank template, upload your lecture slides, textbook chapter, or typed notes and get a map with a central topic, main branches, and subtopics already arranged.

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Drop files here or browsePDF, DOCX, PPTX, text or photos of your notes · several files with Plus

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Why a hierarchy works better than a blank template

A hierarchical mind map template gives you the boxes, but the hardest part is deciding what belongs under each heading. Generating the map from your own material fills those levels with the terms your instructor actually used.

Start with the broadest headings in your notes as main branches.
Keep each level focused, with two to six children per parent where possible.
Move definitions and examples to the lowest level so the top levels stay scannable.
Re-generate or edit after each new lecture so the map tracks your course.

Example hierarchical mind map branches for biology and civics

Levels of biological classificationDomain · Kingdom · Phylum · Class

Levels of organization in the human bodyCells · Tissues · Organs · Organ systems

Levels of organization in an ecosystemOrganism · Population · Community · Ecosystem

Levels of government in the United StatesFederal · State · County · Municipal

Parts of a typical nonfiction bookFront matter · Chapters · Sections · Index

Generate the full set

Built from your material

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, or a photo of a page. The map follows the headings and structure already in your source.

Editable branches

Rename, move, or delete any node. Adjust the hierarchy until it matches how your course organizes the topic.

Explorable layout

Expand and collapse branches to focus on one level at a time, so large maps stay readable during review.

How it works

Upload your notes

Add a PDF, Word file, slide deck, text file, or image of your pages. No credit card is needed to start.

Generate the map

DeckOwl proposes a central topic, main branches, and subtopics based on the headings and key terms it finds.

Edit and study

Reshape the hierarchy, then study it in the browser. Paid plans can also export the map or its flashcards.

Hierarchy helps you see how ideas relate. A main branch names a category, subtopics break it down, and the lowest level holds definitions or examples. Reviewing one level at a time makes it easier to check whether you understand the structure, not just memorize labels.

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Frequently asked questions

How many levels should a hierarchical mind map have?

Most study maps work well with three or four levels: a central topic, main branches, subtopics, and sometimes details. Going deeper usually makes the map harder to scan during review.

How do I decide which topics become main branches?

Start with the broadest categories in your notes, such as chapter titles or section headings. Put definitions, examples, and supporting facts one level below the topics they explain.

Can I export my mind map?

Exports are part of the paid plans. Plus is $39 per year or $7.99 per month and includes PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export. The free plan lets you study in the browser without exports.

Do I need a credit card to start?

No. You can start on the free plan without a credit card, which includes 3 generations per month. Students can also get 40% off a paid plan with a school email.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.