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Create a mind map from any PDF or set of notes

Upload your PDFs, slides, or notes and get an editable, explorable mind map you can study from.

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How to plan a mind map that you can actually study from

Knowing how to create a mind map starts with having the right material. Instead of building a diagram node by node, you can upload lecture slides, a textbook chapter, or photos of handwritten notes and let the AI pull out the main ideas and group them into branches. The result is a map you can edit, so you control the final structure.

  • Put the central topic in the middle of the page.
  • Limit each branch to a single idea with two to four sub-points.
  • Use short labels so you can recall each node from memory.
  • Cover one branch at a time and explain it aloud to test recall.
Example climate and weather mind map branches
Weather vs. climateWeather is short-term conditions on a given day or week · Climate is the average pattern over long periods · Climate is usually measured over 30-year periods
Greenhouse effectSunlight warms Earth's surface · The surface emits infrared heat · Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane trap some of that heat
Drivers of climateSolar output · Ocean currents · Volcanic eruptions · Greenhouse gas concentrations
Air masses and frontsLarge bodies of air with similar temperature and humidity · Cold fronts bring sharp temperature drops · Warm fronts bring gradual warming and steady rain
Atmospheric pressureHigh pressure usually brings clear, calm skies · Low pressure tends to bring clouds and precipitation · Isobars on weather maps show pressure differences
Generate the full set

Upload any source

Start from PDFs, DOCX or PPTX files, plain text notes, or photos of pages read with text recognition.

Editable branches

Rename, move, or delete nodes so the map matches how you think about the topic.

Explorable structure

Expand and collapse branches to focus on one section at a time while you study.

How it works

Add your material

Upload a PDF, slides, or notes, or paste plain text.

Generate the map

The AI groups the main ideas into branches and sub-points.

Edit and study

Adjust the layout, then explore the branches or turn them into flashcards and quizzes.

A good map follows the logic of the subject. Put the central topic in the middle, then give each major idea its own branch, and keep sub-points short enough to recall from memory. Covering one branch at a time and explaining it aloud is a quick self-test that shows where your recall is weak.

Explore related topics

Frequently asked questions

How many branches should a mind map have for a climate topic?

Most useful maps have four to seven main branches, with two or three sub-points under each. Start with the big categories in your notes, such as causes, effects, and measurements, and add detail only where your material supports it.

What is the difference between weather and climate for an exam?

Weather describes atmospheric conditions over hours or days, while climate describes average conditions over a long period, usually 30 years. Exams often test this contrast, so put it on its own branch near the top of the map.

Can I export my mind map?

Exporting is a paid feature: the Plus plan at $39 per year or $7.99 per month includes PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export. The free plan lets you create and study maps in the browser with 3 generations per month.

Do I need a credit card to try it?

No. You can start on the free plan without a credit card, and students get 40% off with a school email.

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Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.