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Get an editable mind map from your PDFs and notes

DeckOwl is a hosted web tool, not a downloadable package. Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes, or a photo of a page and get an AI mind map you can edit and explore in your browser.

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Drop files here or browsePDF, DOCX, PPTX, text or photos of your notes · several files with Plus

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Open source tools versus a hosted study generator

Developers and students who want open source mind map software usually care most about being able to inspect, modify, and host the tool themselves. DeckOwl takes a different route. It is a hosted web app where you upload notes and get an AI-built mind map you can edit and explore.

Open source mind map software can be inspected and self-hosted, which matters for some teams.
A hosted generator needs no installation and runs in your browser.
The free plan includes 3 generations per month with study in the browser.
Plus adds unlimited generations and PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export.

Example open source topics for a mind map

Permissive open source licensesMIT · Apache 2.0 · BSD

Copyleft open source licensesGPL · LGPL · AGPL

Core Git conceptsCommits · Branches · Merges and pull requests

Forking a projectCopy the repository · Make changes independently · Propose them upstream with a pull request

Role of the Open Source InitiativeMaintains the Open Source Definition · Reviews licenses for approval · Publishes the list of approved licenses

Generate the full set

Editable mind maps

Start from your own material, then adjust branches to match how you think about the topic.

Explorable structure

Expand and collapse branches to move from the main topic down to the details.

Study tools included

The same source can also produce flashcards with spaced repetition and quizzes with explanations.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text file, or a photo of a page.

Generate the map

DeckOwl builds a mind map from your content using AI.

Edit and explore

Rearrange branches and open sub-points as you review.

If your goal is studying rather than running your own server, the practical question is how quickly you can get from a lecture PDF to a usable map. Upload the material, and the map is generated from that content, so the branches reflect what you actually need to learn.

Explore related topics

Open source AI mind maps from notes

Hosted AI mind maps from PDFs and notes, with a note on open source options.

Free Mind Map for Open Source Topics

Turn open source notes or PDFs into an editable mind map. Free to start.

Open-source mind map app alternative

AI mind maps from your PDFs and notes, with a note that DeckOwl is not open source.

Mind Map Web App for Study Notes

Turn PDFs and notes on web and open source topics into an editable, explorable mind map.

Open source mind map maker alternative

AI mind maps from your PDFs and notes, plus how open source mind map tools compare.

AI mind map software for notes

Upload notes or PDFs and get an editable, explorable AI mind map. Free to start.

Concept mapping software, compared

How to pick concept mapping software and turn your notes into an editable mind map.

Free Mind Mapping Software for Students

Turn lecture notes and PDFs into editable mind maps. Free plan, no credit card needed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between permissive and copyleft open source licenses?

Permissive licenses such as MIT and Apache 2.0 let you reuse code with few conditions. Copyleft licenses such as GPL require derivative works to stay open under the same terms.

How do I start contributing to an open source project?

Read the project's CONTRIBUTING file and pick an issue labeled good first issue. Make a small change on your own fork, then open a pull request with a clear description.

Is DeckOwl open source software?

DeckOwl is a hosted web tool you use in the browser, not a downloadable package. You can start without a credit card.

Do I need to pay to export my study materials?

Yes, exports are a paid feature. Plus at $39/year or $7.99/month includes PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export, while the free plan is limited to browser study.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.