Turn your notes into an editable mind map online
Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, or photo of your notes and get a mind map you can edit and explore. It is not a freeform whiteboard, so start from your own material.
Mind maps online, built from your own material
A blank whiteboard is good for sketching first ideas, but most study sessions start with a lecture deck or a chapter that already has the material. DeckOwl reads that material and drafts online whiteboard mind maps you can then reshape by hand.
- Start with one central topic written as a short phrase.
- Keep main branches to a few words each so they are easy to scan.
- Limit each branch to four or so sub-points to stay readable.
- Redraw the map from memory after a day to check what stuck.
Starts from your material
Upload PDFs, DOCX or PPTX files, plain text notes, or photos of pages. Photos are read with text recognition.
Editable and explorable
Expand branches, collapse sections, and adjust the map so it matches how you think about the topic.
Pairs with other study modes
Build flashcards with spaced repetition and quizzes from the same notes once the map shows you the structure.
How it works
Add your notes
Upload a file or paste text. A lecture slide deck or a chapter works well.
Generate the map
DeckOwl proposes a central topic with main branches and sub-points drawn from your material.
Edit and explore
Rename, move, or add branches until the map reflects the way you want to study it.
The map is editable, so you decide which branches matter for an exam. Use it to see how subtopics connect before you switch to flashcards or quizzes. Free accounts can study in the browser, and exports are a paid feature.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I organize a whiteboard mind map for studying?
Put the central topic in the middle, then add three to six main branches for the major themes. Add only the details you need to recall under each branch.
How many branches should a study mind map have?
Most useful study maps have between three and seven main branches. Too many branches usually means the topic needs to be split into two maps.
Is DeckOwl a free online whiteboard?
No, DeckOwl generates and edits mind maps from your uploaded material rather than offering a freeform drawing canvas. The free plan includes three generations per month and browser study.
Can I export my mind map?
Exports such as PDF and DOCX are paid features. The Plus plan is $39/year or $7.99/month and includes unlimited generations and exports.
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