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Turn your own notes into a concept map in minutes

A concept map shows how ideas connect. Upload your own material and get an editable, explorable mind map to study from.

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What a concept map example looks like

A concept map links ideas with labeled connections, so each relationship is named instead of implied. The Industrial Revolution works well as a test case because it has a clear central topic and several linked causes, inventions, and effects.

Pick one central topic from your lecture or chapter.
Split it into four to six main branches, one per theme.
Add two to four sub-points under each branch.
Check the map against your notes and fill any gaps.

Example Industrial Revolution mind map branches

CausesAgricultural surplus · Coal and iron availability · Growth of trade and capital

Textile industrySpinning jenny and water frame · Power loom · Factories replaced cottage industry

Steam powerJames Watt's improved steam engine · Steam railways · Steamships

Social effectsRapid urbanization · Long factory hours · Rise of labor unions

ReformsFactory Acts limiting child labor · Public health laws · Expanded voting rights over time

Generate the full set

Starts from your material

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain notes, or photos of pages, and the map is built from what you actually need to learn.

Editable branches

Rename, move, or delete any branch so the map matches how your course organizes the topic.

Explore and study

Open branches to see details, then study the map in your browser on the free plan.

How it works

Add your notes

Upload a file or paste text from a lecture, chapter, or slide deck.

Generate the map

DeckOwl turns the material into a central topic with main branches and sub-points.

Edit and review

Adjust the branches, then test yourself by recalling each part from memory before checking your notes.

DeckOwl's AI mind map generator builds a map like this from your PDFs, DOCX or PPTX files, plain notes, or photos of pages read with text recognition. You get a starting structure you can edit, rather than a blank page.

Use the example as a model: one central topic, a handful of main branches, and two to four details under each branch. Then check the map against your own material and fill in anything missing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a concept map and a mind map?

A mind map radiates outward from one central idea, while a concept map links ideas in a network with labeled connecting phrases. Both help you see how topics relate.

How should I study a concept map for the Industrial Revolution?

Cover the branches and try to recall each sub-point from memory, then check your answers against your notes. Come back to the blank map a day later to reinforce the connections.

Can I export my mind map?

Exports are a paid feature. The Plus plan, at $39/year or $7.99/month, includes PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export, while the free plan lets you study maps in the browser.

Do I need a credit card to try DeckOwl?

No. You can start on the free plan without a credit card, and students can get 40% off with a school email.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.