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Turn your PDFs and notes into an editable NotebookLM-style mind map

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, or plain-text notes and DeckOwl builds a mind map you can edit, reorganize, and explore 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

Why a mind map helps when you study from NotebookLM sources

People searching for a NotebookLM mind map app usually have a stack of sources and want one picture of how the ideas connect.

Start with a broad topic branch, then expand only the sub-points you need to memorize.
Keep each branch to one idea so you can check it against your original sources.
Reorganize branches after a first read-through to reflect how your exam is structured.
Use the map as a quick review sheet before turning key branches into quiz questions.

Example NotebookLM study topics for a mind map

What NotebookLM doesAnswers questions from your uploaded sources · Summarizes long documents · Creates Audio Overviews · Keeps notes in a notebook

Source-grounded answersResponses draw on the sources you added · Answers stay limited to uploaded material · Helps you check claims against the original text

Adding sourcesUploaded PDFs and documents · Pasted text and websites · Keep each notebook focused on one course

Study uses for NotebookLMSummarizing reading packets · Preparing exam questions · Comparing sources on one topic · Drafting study guides

Limits to checkVerify answers against the original text · Watch for missing context in short sources · Use your own notes for final review

Generate the full set

Editable branches

Rename, move, or delete any node so the map matches how your course organizes the material.

Explorable structure

Expand and collapse branches to move from a broad topic down to the detail you need.

Built from your sources

Works from PDFs, Word and PowerPoint files, plain-text notes, and photos of pages read with text recognition.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain-text notes, or a photo of a page.

Generate the mind map

DeckOwl organizes the main ideas into branches and sub-points.

Edit and explore

Adjust the map to fit your course, then move through it branch by branch.

DeckOwl does not connect to NotebookLM or read its notebooks. It builds a mind map from the files you upload, so you can work from lecture slides, reading PDFs, or typed notes.

Once the map exists, you can edit it to match your course and use it as a starting point for quizzes or flashcards.

Explore related topics

Make a mind map in NotebookLM, step by step

Steps to make a mind map from your notes, plus an editable AI option for your own PDFs.

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AI Visual Mind Map App

Upload notes or PDFs and get an editable visual mind map you can explore with AI.

Free mind map app for notes and PDFs

Turn PDFs and notes into an editable mind map. Start free, 3 generations a month.

Free mind mapping app for students

Turn lecture notes and PDFs into an editable mind map, free to start, with no credit card needed.

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Best Mind Map App for Apple Pencil

Build an editable mind map from your PDFs and notes to review on iPad.

Frequently asked questions

What is NotebookLM?

NotebookLM is a Google AI research tool that answers questions and summarizes material using only the sources you add to a notebook. It is useful for working through reading packets and long documents.

How do I make a mind map from source material?

Sort the main topics first, then nest supporting details under each one. Keep each branch to a single idea so you can check it against the original text.

Can DeckOwl import my NotebookLM notebooks?

Not directly. Save the source material you need as a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, or plain-text file, then upload that file to DeckOwl.

Is the mind map editable and is there a free plan?

Yes, the mind map is editable. The free plan includes 3 generations per month with study in the browser, and exports to PDF, DOCX, Anki, or CSV are part of Plus.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.