Turn your lecture notes into a mind map notebook
DeckOwl reads your PDFs, DOCX files, PPTX slides, or typed notes and builds a mind map you can edit and explore branch by branch.
Keeping one mind map notebook for every course
Many students start a mind map notebook with blank pages and a box of colored pens, then stall once the lecture slides move faster than the sketch. DeckOwl skips the blank page: it reads the material you already have and proposes a map of main ideas, sub-points, and links that you can reshape as you go.
- Start from your own PDFs, slides, or notes rather than a generic template
- Edit nodes and branches as your understanding changes
- Expand one branch at a time to review without visual clutter
- Keep maps for each course in one place for exam review
Editable branches
Rename, move, or add nodes so the map matches how your class covered the material.
Built from your files
Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text file, or a photo of a notebook page, which is read with text recognition.
Explore at your pace
Expand and collapse branches to focus on one topic at a time during review.
How it works
Upload your notes
Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file, or a photo of a page from your notebook.
Generate the map
DeckOwl drafts the main branches and sub-points from your own material.
Edit and explore
Adjust the layout, then expand branches as you review each section.
Keeping a separate map for each course helps you see how units connect before an exam. When a chapter changes or your instructor adds a slide, you edit the branch instead of redrawing the whole page.
If you were hoping for a printable template, the custom route works better: the map comes from your own notes, so the branches reflect what your class actually covered.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I organize class notes in a notebook so they are easy to review?
Leave a narrow column on the left for cue words and write the main idea at the top of each page. Finish each page with a short summary, and review that summary before rereading the full notes.
Should I use a mind map or an outline for lecture notes?
Outlines suit lectures that follow a strict order, while mind maps suit topics with many links between ideas. Many students use an outline during class and convert it to a mind map when studying.
Can I export my mind map?
Exports are part of the paid plans: Plus at $39/year or $7.99/month includes PDF and DOCX export. The free plan lets you study in the browser without exports.
How many mind maps can I make for free?
The free plan includes 3 generations per month. Plus includes unlimited generations and starts with no credit card needed.
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