Turn design lecture notes into an editable mind map
Upload your slides, PDFs, or sketchbook notes and DeckOwl builds a branching map of the principles, terms, and process stages you need for critique and exams.
Why map design material before you study it
Design courses pack many terms, principles, and critiques into a single lecture, and AI-made design mind maps help you see how those pieces connect. DeckOwl reads your own slides or notes and sorts them under a central topic with branches you can rename, move, and expand.
- Upload slides, PDFs, or photos of sketchbook notes
- Keep every branch editable after generation
- Switch from the map to flashcards or quizzes using the same notes
- Start free with 3 generations per month and no credit card
Editable maps
Rename, move, and reorganize branches after generation so the map matches your course terms.
Explorable branches
Expand and collapse sections to focus on one design topic at a time.
Built from your files
Upload PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes, or photos of pages read with text recognition.
How it works
Upload your material
Add a PDF, slide deck, or notes from your design course.
Generate the map
DeckOwl builds a branching mind map from the main ideas in your files.
Edit and explore
Adjust branches, then turn the same material into flashcards or quizzes.
Because the map comes from your material, it reflects your instructor's terminology and examples rather than generic design advice. Review it once, fix anything that is off, and use it as a study guide before a critique or exam.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I make a design mind map from lecture notes?
Upload or paste your notes, then generate the map and rename branches to match your course terms. Start with the main principle or project as the central topic and let the subtopics branch out from there.
What should a design mind map include?
Group core principles, process stages, and vocabulary under separate branches, and add one short example under each term. A branch works best when you can explain it in a sentence without looking at your notes.
Can I edit the mind map after it is generated?
Yes, you can rename, move, and reorganize branches. Exporting to PDF, DOCX, or Anki is a paid feature on Plus, while the free plan lets you study in the browser.
Is there a free plan?
Yes, the free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study. Plus is $39/year or $7.99/month with unlimited generations and exports, and students get 40% off with a school email.
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