Need an open-source mind map app? Start from your own notes
DeckOwl is a closed, paid product, so you cannot read or modify its code. It does turn your PDFs, DOCX and PPTX files, plain notes, or photos of pages into an editable mind map you can explore.
Why DeckOwl is not an open-source mind map app
Many people looking for an open-source mind map app want to edit their maps freely and keep control of their files. DeckOwl is a proprietary product, so it does not give you source code to change or host yourself. What it does is read your course material and build a mind map you can edit and explore.
- Generates a mind map from PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, and notes
- Reads photos of pages with text recognition
- Lets you edit branches after the map is created
- Works in the browser on the free plan with 3 generations per month
Editable maps
Rename, move, and reorganize branches after generation so the map matches how you think.
Reads your files
Works from PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes, and photos of pages read with text recognition.
Explorable structure
Click through branches to focus on one idea at a time instead of the whole map at once.
How it works
Upload your material
Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text notes, or a photo of a page.
Generate the map
DeckOwl builds a branching mind map from the main ideas in your material.
Edit and explore
Adjust branches, then move through the map to study each part in order.
Mind maps also suit open source topics themselves, such as license types, project history, and how communities govern code. Map licensing into branches like permissive and copyleft, then link each to the rules it sets. Upload your reading and the map shows how the pieces connect.
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AI mind maps from your PDFs and notes, plus how open source mind map tools compare.
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Frequently asked questions
What does open source mean?
Open source software has source code that anyone can view, modify, and redistribute under a license approved by the Open Source Initiative. The license sets the conditions for reuse.
How do I study open source licenses?
Start with the two main families, permissive licenses such as MIT and Apache 2.0 and copyleft licenses such as GPL. Then compare what each requires when you redistribute code.
Is DeckOwl open source?
No. DeckOwl is a proprietary product, but the free plan lets you generate mind maps and study in the browser with no credit card needed to start.
Can I export my mind map?
Exports are a paid feature. The Plus plan at $39/year or $7.99/month includes PDF and DOCX export along with Anki and CSV.
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