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Turn your class notes into an editable mind map

Upload PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain notes or photos of pages and get an editable, explorable mind map you can study in the browser.

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

Choosing a mind map app for studying

If you are comparing a mind map app for school, the useful question is what happens to your material after you upload it and how much of the map you can change.

Upload PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain text or photos of pages.
Edit branches and sub-points so the map matches your course.
Study the map in the browser on the free plan.
Plus adds PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV export along with unlimited generations.

Example cell biology mind map branches (general study topic)

NucleusHolds DNA · Controls gene expression · Surrounded by a nuclear envelope

MitochondriaProduces ATP through cellular respiration · Has its own DNA · Double membrane

Endoplasmic reticulumRough ER makes proteins · Smooth ER makes lipids · Connected to the nuclear envelope

Golgi apparatusModifies and sorts proteins · Packages molecules into vesicles · Ships products to other locations

Cell membranePhospholipid bilayer · Selectively permeable · Embedded proteins aid transport

Generate the full set

Reads your files

Works with PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text and photos of pages, which are read with text recognition.

Editable branches

Rename, move or delete any branch so the map matches how your course organizes the material.

Explorable maps

Click through main branches and sub-points to test your recall before you study the next section.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a lecture PDF, a slide deck, a document or a photo of your notes.

Generate the map

DeckOwl groups the content into a central topic, main branches and sub-points.

Edit and explore

Adjust the layout and wording, then work through the branches in the browser.

DeckOwl builds the first draft from your own PDFs, slides or notes, so the branches reflect your course instead of a generic template. You can then edit the map, since a draft is only a starting point until it matches your lectures.

Because the map is built from your files, it works for any subject, from history timelines to lab procedures. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study with no credit card required.

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Free mind map app for notes and PDFs

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

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Turn lecture notes and PDFs into an editable mind map, free to start, with no credit card needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I make a mind map for biology?

Start with one central topic, such as cell structure, and list the main branches first. Then add two to four short sub-points under each branch so the map stays readable.

How many branches should a study mind map have?

Most topics work well with four to seven main branches, each holding two to four sub-points. If a topic grows larger than that, split it into separate maps.

Can I export a DeckOwl mind map?

Exports are a paid feature, so the free plan lets you study in the browser without exporting. Plus includes PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV export.

Is there a free plan?

Yes, the free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study, and you do not need a credit card to start. Plus is $39/year or $7.99/month, and 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.