Turn your research project notes into a mind map
Upload your PDFs, notes or slides and get an editable mind map of your research project, ready to explore branch by branch.
How a research project mind map helps you organize your work
Your sources are scattered across PDFs, lecture slides and handwritten notes, and a mind map for your research project pulls them into one view.
- Spot gaps in your literature before you start writing
- Keep methods, data and findings linked to the right sources
- Show your supervisor the structure of the project at a glance
- Revisit the map as your research question narrows
Editable branches
Rename, move or add nodes so the map matches how your project is actually structured.
Explorable maps
Expand and collapse each branch to move from broad themes down to specific sources and quotes.
Built from your files
Works with PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes and photos of pages read with text recognition.
How it works
Upload sources
Add your PDFs, DOCX or PPTX files, or paste your notes.
Generate the map
DeckOwl proposes a main-branch structure drawn from your material.
Edit and explore
Reshape the branches, then click through to check each point against its source.
A useful research project map usually starts with the research question at the centre, then branches out to literature, methods, data and findings. Because the map is generated from your own sources, the branches reflect what your papers actually say, which makes gaps easier to spot.
Treat the first version as a draft. Rename nodes, merge overlapping themes and delete anything your sources do not support, then use the finished structure as an outline for your proposal or literature review.
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Frequently asked questions
How many main branches should a research project mind map have?
Most projects work best with a handful, usually one per research question, method, or theme. If you have far more, the scope probably needs narrowing.
What should go in the central node of a research project mind map?
Put your research question there, stated as one sentence. Every branch should then answer part of it, so you can check whether anything is off-topic.
Can I export my mind map?
Exports to PDF and DOCX are part of the Plus plan at $39/year or $7.99/month. The free plan lets you explore maps in the browser without exports.
Do I need a credit card to try it?
No. You can start on the free plan with 3 generations per month and no credit card. Students get 40% off Plus with a school email.
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