Free mind map software for your Mac, with no download required
Upload a PDF, Word file, slide deck, or your typed notes and get a mind map you can edit and explore. It runs in your browser on your Mac, so there is nothing to install.
What to know before you download anything
When you need free mind map software for Mac, the first question is usually whether it has to be installed at all. DeckOwl does not require a download. You open it in your browser on your Mac, upload your material, and get a mind map you can edit.
- No installation needed, so it works on a Mac without an installer
- Free plan with 3 generations per month to try it on real course material
- Mind maps are editable, so you can fix branches the AI got wrong
- Students with a school email get 40% off Plus
Built from your own material
Upload PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes, or photos of pages. The map is drawn from your content, not a generic template.
Editable branches
Rename, move, or delete branches after generation so the map matches how your course organizes the topic.
Explore at your own pace
Expand and collapse branches to focus on one section at a time, then turn the same material into flashcards or a quiz.
How it works
Open DeckOwl in your browser
No download or installer is needed. Start on the free plan without a credit card.
Upload your notes or a PDF
Add the file or paste your text. Photos of pages are read with text recognition.
Edit and explore the map
Adjust branches, then study in the browser. Exporting to a file is part of the paid plans.
The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, but it does not include exports. If you want to save a copy as a PDF or DOCX, or export flashcards to Anki or CSV, that requires Plus, which is $99.90/year or $9.99/month with unlimited generations.
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Frequently asked questions
How many branches should a study mind map have?
Start with the main themes of the chapter as first-level branches, usually somewhere around five to seven. Put supporting details under each branch so no single branch becomes too crowded to scan.
How do I study from a mind map instead of rereading it?
Cover the sub-points and try to recall each one from its main branch, then check yourself against the map. Repeating this from memory a day or two later works better than rereading the same map.
Does DeckOwl need to be installed on a Mac?
No. DeckOwl runs in your browser, so you can use it on a Mac without downloading an app. You can start without a credit card.
Can I export my mind map on the free plan?
The free plan lets you study in the browser but does not include exports. PDF and DOCX exports, along with Anki and CSV exports, are part of Plus, which is $99.90/year or $9.99/month.
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