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Turn your lecture notes into a ready-to-edit mind map

Pre-made templates are generic. DeckOwl drafts a mind map from your own PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes, or page photos, and you edit and explore it from there.

Create mind maps nowFree · No credit card required

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

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

Why a generated mind map beats a generic template

A mind map template saves you from drawing the boxes, but the branches still have to come from your course material, so a generated draft starts where a blank layout cannot.

Start with a central topic taken from your lecture title
Keep each branch to one idea so it is easy to recall
Check the map against your source notes before relying on it
Redraw a branch from memory to test what you retained

Example mind map template layout for note-taking

Central nodeOne topic in 2–5 words · Placed in the center · Matches your lecture title

Main branchesFour to seven per map · Each covers one distinct subtopic · Ordered as the lecture sequence

Sub-branchesTwo to four per main branch · Short phrases, not full sentences · One idea per node

Color or iconsSame color for each main branch · Groups related ideas · Limit to two or three colors

Review methodCover the branches and recall the children · Check against source notes · Redraw from memory weekly

Generate the full set

Built from your material

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text file, or a photo of a page, and the map reflects what you actually need to study.

Editable and explorable

Rename branches, add sub-points, and expand or collapse sections as you review.

Free to start

The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser. No credit card is needed to start.

How it works

Upload your notes

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

Generate the map

DeckOwl builds a mind map with a central topic and main branches.

Edit and explore

Rearrange branches and expand sections until the map fits how you think about the material.

Generic layouts are fine for structure, but they cannot tell you which concepts your professor stressed. Paste in the slides or notes from that week and the map starts from those terms, so each branch links to something you need to recall.

Once the draft exists, you can edit it like any other document. Exports are part of the Plus plan at $39/year or $7.99/month, and students get 40% off with a school email.

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Frequently asked questions

How many branches should a study mind map have?

Most maps work well with four to seven main branches, each with two to four sub-points. If a branch needs more, split it into two maps so each one stays easy to review.

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 your answer against the source notes and redo any branch you missed.

Can I use the mind map in GoodNotes with DeckOwl?

DeckOwl does not connect to GoodNotes directly, so check which export options you need before you start. Exports are a paid feature on the Plus plan.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, with no exports. No credit card is needed to start.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.