Turn your notes into an editable mind map with AI
DeckOwl is a separate web app, not an Obsidian plugin. Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, or plain notes and get a mind map you can edit and explore.
Mind maps for Obsidian users, built from your own material
Obsidian keeps each note as a plain Markdown file tied together by wikilinks, which makes it a strong home for research. Some people want a mind map obsidian app that works alongside that vault, and DeckOwl covers part of that need by reading your PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, or notes and returning an editable, explorable map.
- Works with PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, and photos of pages
- Maps stay editable after generation, not a static image
- No plugin install needed, since it runs in the browser
- Free plan includes 3 generations per month with no credit card
From any source
Upload PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, or photos of pages read with text recognition.
Editable branches
Rename, move, or reshape nodes after the map is generated.
Explorable structure
Expand and collapse branches to move from the big picture down to the details.
How it works
Upload your material
Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes file, or a photo of a page.
Generate the map
DeckOwl proposes a central topic with main branches and sub-points.
Edit and explore
Adjust nodes and follow branches as you study.
DeckOwl runs in the browser and does not sync anything into your vault. Use it to turn a lecture PDF or textbook chapter into a map, then copy the key structure into your Obsidian notes by hand or study directly from the map.
The free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study. Plus, at $39/year or $7.99/month, removes the generation limit and adds PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV exports.
Explore related topics
AI Mind Map Generator App
Turn PDFs and notes into an editable mind map. Includes a sample on US government branches.
AI Mind Map Maker App
Upload PDFs or notes and get an editable, explorable AI mind map.
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.
Best Mind Map App for Apple Users
Turn your PDFs and notes into an editable, explorable mind map with AI.
Best Mind Map App for Apple Pencil
Build an editable mind map from your PDFs and notes to review on iPad.
Mind Map App for Students
Turn lecture notes and PDFs into an editable, explorable mind map for class.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a good mind map of an Obsidian topic?
Start with one central idea, then add a branch for each major concept. Keep sub-points short, around two to four words each, so the map stays readable.
How many branches should a study mind map have?
Most readable maps have 4 to 7 main branches, each with 2 to 4 sub-points. If a branch grows beyond that, split it into its own map.
Does DeckOwl sync mind maps into Obsidian?
No. DeckOwl is a separate web app and does not connect to your Obsidian vault. You can copy the structure into your notes manually.
Is the mind map feature free?
The free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study. Plus, at $39/year or $7.99/month, gives unlimited generations and PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV exports.
Keep exploring the topic
Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.
GoodNotes Flashcards to PDF Guide
Turn GoodNotes pages into flashcards, then export the deck to PDF on Plus.
Chemistry Flashcards: How to Make Them
Write strong chemistry flashcards and generate a spaced-repetition deck from your own notes or PDFs.
TCS Compliance and Conduct Quiz Practice
Practice quiz from your compliance and conduct notes, with explanations for every answer.
Aintree Pub Quiz Question Maker
Pub quiz questions on Aintree trivia from your own notes, with answers and explanations.