Turn your notes into a free, editable mind map
Upload a PDF, DOCX, slide deck, text file, or photo of a page and get a mind map you can expand, rearrange, and explore branch by branch. The free plan lets you try it with no credit card.
Free mind map software: what the free plan covers
Students who search for mind map software kostenlos usually want a free way to turn lecture notes into a diagram before paying for anything. DeckOwl's free plan includes 3 mind map or study generations per month, studying in the browser, and no exports.
- 3 free generations per month with no credit card required
- Study and explore maps in the browser on the free plan
- Upload PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text notes, or photos of pages
- Plus adds unlimited generations and file exports for $39 per year or $7.99 per month
Starts from your own material
Upload PDFs, DOCX and PPTX files, plain text notes, or photos of pages. Photos are read with text recognition.
Editable and explorable
Expand or collapse branches, reorganize topics, and move from a broad idea to the details without starting over.
Same source, more study tools
Use the same material to generate flashcards with spaced repetition and quizzes with explanations.
How it works
Upload your notes
Add a PDF, slide deck, document, text file, or a photo of your page.
Generate the map
DeckOwl organizes the main ideas into a mind map with branches for each topic.
Explore and edit
Open branches, adjust the structure, and study the map in your browser.
A mind map works best when the source is organized around one central topic. Upload the chapter or notes you are studying, then check the branches the tool creates and move any ideas that belong under a different heading. That editing step is where most of the learning happens.
If you need files you can keep, the Plus plan at $39 per year or $7.99 per month removes the generation limit and adds PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export. Students get 40% off with a school email.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I make a study mind map from lecture notes?
Start with the main topic as the center, then add one branch for each heading in your notes. Place supporting details under the branch they explain, and keep each branch short enough to recall from memory.
How many branches should a study mind map have?
Most useful maps have 4 to 7 main branches, each with 2 to 5 sub-points. If a branch grows much larger, split it into two linked topics so it stays easy to review.
Is the free plan enough to try DeckOwl?
The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser. Exports are a paid feature, so you need Plus for PDF, DOCX, Anki, or CSV files.
Do I need a credit card to start?
No. You can start on the free plan without a credit card and upgrade later if you need unlimited generations or exports.
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