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Turn your notes into a mind map in Tony Buzan's style

Upload a PDF, DOCX, slides, or photos of pages and get an editable mind map with central image, keywords, and color-coded branches you can explore.

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Free · First set needs no signup · Creates mind maps in seconds

How mind map software fits Tony Buzan's method

Tony Buzan popularized the mind map as a way to organize a topic around a central image, with branches for each key idea and keywords on each line. Good mind map software keeps that structure and does the sorting for you: upload a PDF, DOCX, slides, or notes, and the tool pulls out the main branches and their sub-points.

  • Central image anchors the whole topic
  • Keywords on branches instead of full sentences
  • Color groups related ideas together
  • Editable maps you can revise as you learn
Example Tony Buzan mind map branches
Central imagePlace a picture at the center · Use it to anchor the whole topic · Images help recall
KeywordsUse single words or short phrases · Avoid full sentences · Each branch holds one idea
Radiant thinkingBranches spread outward from the center · Main branches are key ideas · Sub-branches add detail
Curved branchesDraw lines that curve rather than run straight · Make lines thicker near the center · Put one keyword on each line
Color codingUse color to group related branches · Use different colors for different themes · Color adds memory cues
Generate the full set

Editable mind maps

Rearrange branches, rename keywords, and add your own notes to the map.

Explorable structure

Expand or collapse branches to move from the big picture down to the details.

Works from your files

Upload PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, or a photo of a printed page.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes, or a photo of a page.

Generate the map

DeckOwl pulls out the main branches and their sub-points from your content.

Edit and explore

Adjust branches and expand each section as you study.

DeckOwl builds an editable mind map from your own material, so you can rearrange branches, add your own notes, and explore each section at your own pace. Photos of printed pages are read with text recognition, so a snapshot of a lecture handout works too.

The Free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser. Exports are part of the Plus plan at $39 per year or $7.99 per month, which also includes unlimited generations.

Explore related topics

Frequently asked questions

What are the core rules of a Tony Buzan mind map?

Start with a central image, use color, and write single keywords on curved branches that radiate from the center. Sub-branches add detail under each main idea.

How do I make a mind map for a long textbook chapter?

Put the chapter title in the center and make each heading a main branch. Add keywords under each heading, then review the map before you reread the chapter.

Can I edit a mind map that DeckOwl generates?

Yes. The map is editable, so you can move branches, rename keywords, and add your own notes.

Do I need to pay to export my study material?

No, the Free plan lets you study in the browser with 3 generations per month. Exports to PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV are included with Plus.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.