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Take notes as mind maps you can edit and explore

Upload lecture slides, textbook chapters or scribbled notes and get a mind map with a clear central topic, branches and sub-points you can rearrange.

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

Mind map note taking software that starts from your own material

Lecture slides, textbook chapters and handwritten notes rarely arrive in a shape that suits a blank page. Mind map note taking software that starts from your own files saves the first hour of sorting ideas into a structure you can actually review.

Upload PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text or a photo of a page
Get a map with a central topic and branches you can rearrange
Expand or collapse branches to study one idea at a time
Turn the same material into flashcards or quizzes when you need practice

Example note-taking methods as mind map branches

Cornell methodCue column · Notes column · Summary section

Outline methodHierarchical headings · Indented subtopics · Bullets for details

Charting methodColumns for main topics · Rows for details · Quick side-by-side scanning

ZettelkastenAtomic notes · Unique identifiers · Links between related notes

Mind mappingCentral topic · Branches for main ideas · Keywords on each branch

Generate the full set

Editable branches

Rename, move or delete any branch so the map matches how your course is organized.

Works from your material

Upload PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text or a photo of a page, and the text is read for you.

Explore at your own pace

Expand or collapse branches to focus on one idea at a time instead of the whole lecture.

How it works

Upload your notes

Add the file or photo you already have from class or your reading.

Review the generated map

See the main topic, key ideas and supporting details laid out as branches.

Edit and study

Adjust the map, then turn the same material into flashcards or quizzes when you need practice.

A good map shows how ideas connect: the course topic sits in the center, major concepts form the first branches, and examples or definitions hang off those as smaller sub-branches. Because the map is editable, you can reshape it as your understanding changes after each class.

The free plan lets you generate maps three times per month and study in the browser. Plus adds unlimited generations and export options for paid users, so you can keep your maps alongside your other study materials.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I organize class notes into a mind map?

Start with the course topic in the center, then add one branch for each major idea from the lecture. Put examples and details on sub-branches and keep each label to a few words.

Is mind mapping better than outlining for taking notes?

Neither is better for everyone. Mind maps show how ideas relate at a glance, while outlines suit linear material such as step-by-step procedures or ordered arguments.

Is there a free mind map note taking tool?

The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser. Exports are not included on the free plan.

Can I export my mind maps and notes?

Exports to PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV are paid features on Plus, which costs $39/year or $7.99/month. 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.