Turn your own notes into a mind map, not a generic Excel template
A blank spreadsheet grid does not know what your reading says. Upload your PDF, DOCX, slides, or notes and get a mind map with the main ideas already branched out.
Why a generated map beats a blank template
A ready-made file is a fine starting point for layout, but a mind map Excel template holds none of your material, so you still have to read, sort, and summarize everything yourself. DeckOwl reads your own PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes, or page photos and builds the first draft of the map from what your sources actually say.
- Start from your own PDFs, notes, or slides instead of an empty grid
- Edit every branch and node after the map is generated
- Free plan includes 3 generations per month with no credit card
- Paid plans add exports, including CSV that spreadsheet programs can open
Starts from your material
Upload PDFs, DOCX or PPTX files, plain text notes, or photos of pages. Text recognition reads the photos.
Editable branches
Rename nodes, move branches, and add your own details as your course changes.
Explore in the browser
Expand and collapse branches to focus on one topic at a time, then test yourself with the flashcards and quizzes made from the same material.
How it works
Upload your notes
Add a PDF, document, slide deck, text file, or photo of a page.
Review the branches
DeckOwl proposes a central topic with main branches and sub-points you can edit.
Adjust and study
Reshape the map, then explore it or generate flashcards and quizzes from the same content.
Mind maps stay editable, so you can rename branches, merge overlapping nodes, and add examples from class as the course moves along. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, with no exports. Plus, at $39/year or $7.99/month, adds unlimited generations and PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export.
Pro, at $14.99/month, adds a stronger AI model, bulk upload for large folders of readings, and QTI 2.1 and Moodle XML export for instructors who manage their own question banks.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an Excel mind map template I can download from DeckOwl?
No. DeckOwl creates a mind map from the material you upload, so there is no ready-made template file. Paid plans include CSV export, which Excel can open.
How many main branches should a study mind map have?
Most useful maps have 4 to 7 main branches, each covering one distinct idea from the chapter. If a branch needs more than four sub-points, split it into two branches.
How do I study from a mind map without just memorizing the layout?
Cover the map and try to recall each branch from its central topic, then check your answers against the original notes. Repeat with the sub-points in a different order to make recall more flexible.
Is DeckOwl free to start?
Yes. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, and no credit card is needed. Students get 40% off with a school email.
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