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Make a mind map from your notes without installing anything

DeckOwl runs in your browser, so there is no app to install. Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes 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

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

Browser-based mind mapping versus a download

Most people who go looking for a mind map app download are really trying to turn a lecture deck or textbook chapter into a clean map they can study from.

  • No install: the free plan runs in your browser
  • Three generations per month on the free plan
  • Upload PDFs, slides, notes, or photos of pages
  • Export options such as PDF and DOCX are on the Plus plan
Example biology mind map branches on cell structure
Cell membranePhospholipid bilayer · Selectively permeable · Embedded proteins · Cholesterol in animal cells
NucleusHolds DNA · Nuclear envelope with pores · Nucleolus makes ribosomal RNA
MitochondriaSite of cellular respiration · Double membrane · Produces most ATP · Own small circular DNA
Endoplasmic reticulumRough ER studded with ribosomes · Smooth ER makes lipids · Smooth ER detoxifies drugs in liver cells
Golgi apparatusModifies and sorts proteins · Packages materials into vesicles · Stacked flattened sacs
Generate the full set

Editable maps

Rename, move, and regroup branches after the AI builds the first draft.

Explore branch by branch

Collapse and expand sections so you can focus on one concept at a time.

Reads your files

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

How it works

Upload your material

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

Let the AI build the map

DeckOwl pulls out the main topics and organizes them into branches.

Edit and explore

Adjust the layout, then move through each branch to test your recall.

DeckOwl runs in the browser, so you can open a map on a school laptop without installing software. The free plan gives you three generations a month and study in the browser, while exports such as PDF and DOCX come with Plus at $39 a year or $7.99 a month.

A useful study map usually starts with one central topic, then gives each major concept its own branch with two or three supporting details. Cover the sub-points and try to rebuild each branch from memory, then check the map to find the gaps.

Explore related topics

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to download an app to make a mind map?

No. DeckOwl runs in your browser, so you upload your material and work on the same page without installing software. Exporting files such as PDF or DOCX is a paid feature on the Plus plan.

How many branches should a study mind map have?

Most topics work well with 4 to 8 main branches, each holding 2 to 4 supporting points. If a branch grows beyond that, split it into sub-topics so each one is easier to recall.

What is the best way to study from a mind map?

Cover the sub-points, rebuild each branch from memory, and compare it with the original. Revisit the branches you missed in later sessions, spacing the reviews over several days.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The free plan includes three generations per month and studying in the browser, and no credit card is needed to start. Unlimited generations and exports come with Plus.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.