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Turn your notes into a mind map for brainstorming

DeckOwl builds an editable, explorable mind map from your own PDFs, notes, or photos of pages, so you can brainstorm ideas 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 · First set needs no signup · Creates mind maps in seconds

How a mind map supports brainstorming

A mind map brainstorming app works best when it starts from real material instead of a blank page. You put the central question in the middle, and ideas branch out from there as keywords you can group and connect.

Start with one clear central question so every branch relates to it.
Use short keywords on branches rather than full sentences.
Group related ideas, then rename the groups to name the pattern.
Review the map later to spot weak branches and add missing ones.

Example brainstorming topics for mind maps

Main branch: Ground rules for brainstormingDefer judgment · Aim for quantity · Build on others' ideas

Main branch: Divergent vs. convergent thinkingDivergent generates many options · Convergent narrows to the best · Diverge first, then converge

Main branch: BrainwritingWrite ideas silently in turns · Build on the sheet next to you · Reduces dominance by loud voices

Main branch: SCAMPER promptsSubstitute · Combine · Adapt · Modify

Main branch: Affinity mappingWrite one idea per note · Group related notes · Name each cluster · Look for gaps between groups

Generate the full set

Map from your material

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain notes, or a photo of a page and get a mind map built from what you already wrote.

Editable branches

Rename, move, or add branches as your ideas change, so the map stays useful as you think it through.

Explore at your pace

Expand or collapse branches to focus on one idea at a time instead of staring at a crowded page.

How it works

Add your notes

Paste text or upload a file that contains your topic, reading, or raw brainstorm notes.

Generate the map

DeckOwl turns the material into a central topic with main branches and sub-points.

Edit and explore

Reshape the map, follow each branch, and keep the ideas that hold up.

Brainstorming with a map also makes it easier to see gaps. When one branch has five sub-points and another has none, you know where to think next. DeckOwl keeps the map editable so you can keep reshaping it as the ideas sharpen.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I brainstorm ideas with a mind map?

Write your central question in the middle, then add main branches for the broad categories of ideas. Fill each branch with short keywords, and add sub-branches only when an idea needs more detail.

How many main branches should a brainstorm map have?

Most brainstorms work well with four to seven main branches, which is enough to cover the angles without crowding the page. If you have more, group related ones under a shared heading.

Can I edit the mind map after it is generated?

Yes, the mind map is editable, so you can rename, move, add, or remove branches. You can also explore it by expanding and collapsing sections.

Can I export my mind map?

Exports such as PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV are part of the Plus plan at $39/year or $7.99/month. The free plan lets you use your study materials in the browser with 3 generations per month.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.