Turn any PDF or notes into an editable mind map online
Upload your lecture slides, textbook chapter, or typed notes and get a branching map of the main ideas you can change and explore.
Why a mind map beats a flat list of notes
A nice mind map online helps when your notes run long and the ideas are linked in ways a plain list hides. Placing a central topic at the center with branches for each subtopic shows which concepts sit under which, so you can see the structure before you memorize details.
- Start from a central topic and branch out by subtopic
- Edit any node before you study from the map
- Expand and collapse sections to test recall one branch at a time
- Export to PDF or DOCX on Plus, $39/year or $7.99/month
Editable branches
Rename, move, or add nodes so the map matches how you think about the material.
Explorable structure
Expand and collapse sections to focus on one topic at a time instead of the whole page.
Built from your files
Works from PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, and photos of pages read with text recognition.
How it works
Add your material
Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, your notes, or a photo of a page.
Generate the map
DeckOwl builds a branching map of the main ideas and the details under each one.
Edit and explore
Adjust any branch in the browser, then study by opening one section at a time.
DeckOwl reads your uploaded file and proposes the branches, then leaves them open to change. You can reword a node, move a subtopic, or delete a branch that does not belong, since the first draft is only a starting point.
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Frequently asked questions
How many branches should a mind map for a chapter have?
Most chapters work well with 5 to 8 main branches, each with 2 to 4 sub-points. If a branch grows beyond that, split it into its own map so each one stays readable.
How do I study from a mind map instead of rereading it?
Cover the sub-points and try to recall each branch from its main topic, then check yourself. Redrawing the map from memory afterward tests understanding better than rereading does.
Can I make a mind map online for free?
Yes. The free plan gives you 3 generations per month and lets you study in the browser. Exporting is part of the Plus plan at $39/year or $7.99/month.
Does it work with photos of handwritten notes?
Photos of pages are read with text recognition, so clear printed pages give the best results. Check the generated map against the original, because recognition can misread messy handwriting.
Keep exploring the topic
Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.
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