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Turn your PDFs and notes into a desktop mind map

DeckOwl runs in your browser on a laptop or desktop, so there is nothing to install. Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file, or a photo of a page and get an editable mind map you can explore 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 browser-based mind map works on a desktop

A desktop mind map app is most useful when it turns the reading you already have into a structure you can check. DeckOwl does that in your browser: upload lecture slides or chapter PDFs, and it produces a map of the main topics and their subtopics. Because the map is editable, you can correct anything the AI got wrong before you study from it.

Runs in the browser on a laptop or desktop with no install step
Editable nodes so you can fix or rename topics
Free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study
Exports to PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV are part of Plus at $99.90/year or $9.99/month

Example desktop computing mind map branches

Core desktop hardwareCPU · RAM · storage drive · motherboard

Desktop operating system basicsFile explorer · taskbar · window management · notifications

Desktop computer form factorsTower · small form factor · all-in-one · mini PC

Desktop publishing workflowPage layout · typography · image placement · export to PDF

Desktop workstation ergonomicsMonitor at eye level · wrists neutral on keyboard · chair back support · regular breaks

Generate the full set

Editable branches

Rename, move, or add nodes after generation so the map matches your course.

Explorable structure

Expand and collapse branches to focus on one topic at a time.

Works from any source

Reads PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, and photos of pages using text recognition.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file, or a photo of a page.

Generate the map

DeckOwl builds a branch structure from the main ideas in your source.

Edit and explore

Adjust the nodes, then move through the map to review each topic.

Desktop study sessions tend to run long, so treat the map as a starting point. Expand one branch, read its sub-points, collapse it, and move on. When you need to test recall, generate flashcards or a quiz from the same source.