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Turn your notes into a mind map with AI

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file, or photo of a page and get an editable mind map you can click through branch by branch.

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 mind map helps when you study from notes

A mind map works best when its branches come from your own course material, so the first step is getting that material in one place. With DeckOwl you can make a mind map from PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain notes, or photos of pages, and the result is an editable, explorable map rather than a static picture.

Works from PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain notes, and photos of pages
Branches you can rename, move, and collapse while you review
Start free with 3 generations per month and no credit card
Students get 40% off with a school email

Example cell biology mind map branches

Cell membranePhospholipid bilayer · Selectively permeable · Embedded proteins · Passive and active transport

MitochondriaSite of cellular respiration · Double membrane · Produces ATP · Own circular DNA

NucleusHolds genetic material · Nuclear envelope · Nucleolus makes ribosomal RNA · Pores control transport

Endoplasmic reticulumRough ER has ribosomes · Smooth ER makes lipids · Smooth ER detoxifies drugs

Golgi apparatusModifies and sorts proteins · Packages vesicles · Ships products to the cell membrane

Generate the full set

Starts from your own material

Upload PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain notes, or photos of pages. The mind map is built from the content you already study.

Editable and explorable

Rename branches, reorder ideas, and expand or collapse sections so the map matches how you think about the topic.

Study from the same map

Turn the same material into flashcards with spaced repetition or quizzes with explanations when you are ready to test yourself.

How it works

Add your material

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, or notes, or photograph the pages you need. No credit card is needed to start.

Generate the mind map

Choose mind map as the output and let the AI group the main ideas into branches and sub-points.

Edit and explore

Adjust any branch that is off, then expand each section to review the details before your next study session.

If you already use NotebookLM for research, you may still want a map you can reshape by hand. Editing branches lets you move a subtopic under the heading where it belongs, which often reveals gaps in your understanding faster than rereading.

Keep the free plan for light use, since it allows 3 generations per month and browser study. Plus, at $99.90/year or $9.99/month, removes the generation limit and adds PDF and DOCX export.

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Frequently asked questions

How many branches should a study mind map have?

Aim for 4 to 7 main branches, each covering one concept from the lecture or chapter. Put supporting details under those branches so the top level stays easy to scan.

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

Cover one branch and try to recall its sub-points out loud, then uncheck the cover and compare. Repeat this for each branch, and turn any sub-point you miss into a flashcard.

Can I export my mind map?

Export is a paid feature, and PDF and DOCX export are included with Plus at $99.90/year or $9.99/month. The free plan lets you study in the browser without exports.

Do I need a credit card to try it?

No. You can start on the free plan with 3 generations per month and study in the browser without adding a payment method.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.