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Turn your notes into an editable mind map for free

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file, or a photo of a page and get a mind map you can edit and explore. The free plan includes 3 generations per month.

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 · First set needs no signup · Creates mind maps in seconds

How the free mind map app works

Many students searching for a free mind map app want a visual overview of a long reading without redrawing everything by hand. DeckOwl reads your source file and builds the branches for you, so you begin with a structure instead of a blank page.

Start with one central topic and add each chapter as a first-level branch.
Keep each main branch to 2 to 4 sub-points so the map stays readable.
Use the map to find gaps, then return to the source to fill them in.
Generate a new map from each lecture or chapter rather than mixing topics together.

Example biology mind map branches

Cell organellesNucleus · Mitochondria · Ribosomes · Endoplasmic reticulum

PhotosynthesisLight-dependent reactions · Calvin cycle · Chlorophyll · Oxygen release

Cell cycleInterphase · Mitosis · Cytokinesis · Checkpoints

EnzymesActive site · Substrate specificity · Temperature and pH effects · Competitive inhibition

DNA replicationHelicase unwinds the helix · DNA polymerase adds nucleotides · Leading and lagging strands · Ligase seals gaps

Generate the full set

Reads your files

Upload PDFs, Word and PowerPoint files, plain text, or photos of pages. Text recognition handles the photos.

Editable branches

Rename nodes, rearrange sections, and add your own ideas so the map matches how you think about the material.

Explore the structure

Move through the branches to focus on one topic at a time instead of scanning a long set of notes.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file, or a photo of a page. No credit card is needed to start.

Generate the map

DeckOwl pulls the main topics and sub-points from your source and arranges them as branches.

Edit and study

Adjust the branches you want, then explore the map in your browser.

Maps are fully editable, so you can rename branches, move nodes, and add your own connections. Because the result is explorable, you can move through one section at a time before you test yourself.

The free plan gives you 3 generations per month and lets you study in the browser. Exports to PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV are part of Plus at $39 per year or $7.99 per month, and students get 40% off with a school email.

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Turn PDFs and notes into an editable mind map. Start free, 3 generations a month.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I make a biology mind map from lecture notes?

Start with one central topic, such as cell biology, and add the main chapters as first-level branches. Then break each chapter into its key terms and processes.

How many branches should a study mind map have?

Most topics work well with 4 to 7 main branches, each holding 2 to 4 sub-points. If a branch gets crowded, split it into its own map.

Is the free mind map app really free to start?

Yes, the free plan includes 3 generations per month and needs no credit card. Exports are a paid feature, starting with Plus.

Can I export my mind map?

Exports are included in Plus at $39 per year or $7.99 per month. The free plan lets you study in the browser without exports.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.