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Turn your own notes into a vertical mind map

DeckOwl builds a mind map from the material you already have, so you can explore each branch instead of starting from a blank template.

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 generate a map instead of downloading a template

If you want a ready-made vertical mind map template, a generic layout will not reflect your lecture slides or textbook chapter. DeckOwl starts from your own material, so the central topic and branches match what your class actually covers.

Start from your own PDFs, slides, or notes instead of a generic layout
Explore branches to see how each concept connects to the next
Check every sub-point against your course material before you study
Turn the same content into flashcards or quizzes when the map is done

Example cell biology mind map branches

Cell membranePhospholipid bilayer · Selective permeability · Transport proteins

NucleusNuclear envelope · Chromatin · Nucleolus where ribosomal RNA is made

MitochondriaDouble membrane · Cristae · Site of ATP production in cellular respiration

Endoplasmic reticulumRough ER with ribosomes · Smooth ER for lipid synthesis · Calcium storage

Golgi apparatusModifies and sorts proteins · Packages vesicles · Ships products to their destinations

Generate the full set

Built from your material

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes, or a photo of a page, and get a mind map based on what you actually need to learn.

Editable and explorable

Work with the branches and sub-points directly, adjusting the map as your course material changes.

Study from the same map

Turn the same source into flashcards with spaced repetition or quizzes with explanations when you are ready to test yourself.

How it works

Upload your notes

Add a PDF, slides, a Word file, or text. Photos of pages are read with text recognition.

Generate the mind map

DeckOwl organizes the main topics into branches with supporting sub-points.

Explore and refine

Open each branch, check the sub-points against your course notes, and study from the map.

A mind map works best when each branch holds one idea and its supporting details. Seeing how a concept connects to related topics helps you remember the structure of a subject, not just isolated facts.

Once the map is ready, you can keep it as a reference while you study or convert the same content into flashcards and quizzes.

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Frequently asked questions

How many main branches should a study mind map have?

Most study maps work well with four to seven main branches, each covering one major idea. If a branch has more than five or six sub-points, split it into two smaller branches.

How do I study from a mind map?

Cover the sub-points and try to recall each one from its branch name before you check. Then explain the connections between branches out loud to test your understanding.

Can I export my mind map?

Exports are included with the Plus plan, which also covers PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export. The free plan lets you study in the browser with 3 generations per month.

Is there a free way to start?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study, and you do not need a credit card to begin.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.