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Make a clear English mind map from your own reading notes

Upload a PDF, DOCX, slides, typed notes or a photo of a page, and get an editable mind map you can explore branch by branch.

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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

Why a visual map helps with English

A strong English mind map starts with one central topic, such as a novel's themes or the parts of a persuasive essay, and branches out into supporting ideas. Drawing one by hand works, but organizing every quote, rule and example takes time.

Start with one central idea that fits your reading, essay or grammar unit.
Keep main branches to five to seven so the map stays easy to scan.
Use short phrases, and put quotes or examples in sub-branches.
Revise by turning branches into flashcards or quiz questions.

Example branches for an English literature mind map

Parts of speechNoun · Verb · Adjective · Adverb

Elements of a short storyPlot · Character · Setting · Theme

Essay structureThesis · Body paragraphs · Evidence · Conclusion

Rhetorical appealsEthos · Pathos · Logos

Literary devicesMetaphor · Simile · Personification · Irony

Generate the full set

Built from your material

Upload a reading, lecture slides or handwritten notes and the mind map is organized from what you actually studied.

Editable branches

Rename, move or add branches as your understanding changes, so the map stays useful for exams and essays.

Study from the map

Turn branches into flashcards or quiz questions when you want to test recall, not just look at the layout.

How it works

Pick a central topic

Choose one idea for the center, such as a novel's themes, the parts of a persuasive essay, or a grammar unit.

Add main branches

Create five to seven first-level branches for the major categories, using a single word or short phrase for each.

Fill in supporting details

Add quotes, examples and rules as sub-branches, then check that each one links back to its main branch.

DeckOwl reads PDFs, DOCX and PPTX files, plain notes and photos of pages using text recognition, then builds a mind map you can edit and explore one branch at a time.

The free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study. Plus, at $39/year or $7.99/month, adds unlimited generations and exports to PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I start an English mind map?

Write the main topic in the center, then add the major categories as first-level branches. Keep each branch to a word or short phrase so it is easy to scan.

How many branches should an English mind map have?

Most readers find three to seven main branches manageable. Add sub-branches only where your notes show a clear supporting detail, such as a quote or a grammar example.

Can I export my mind map?

Exports to PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV are part of the Plus plan, which costs $39/year or $7.99/month. The free plan lets you study 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. Students get 40% off with a school email.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.