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Get an XMind-style mind map app that reads your PDFs

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, or a photo of your notes and get an editable, explorable mind map in one pass.

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

How a mind map app helps you study

Many students who want an XMind mind map app end up staring at a blank canvas and spending an hour typing before any structure appears. DeckOwl reads your lecture slides or class notes first, then proposes the main branches and subtopics so you start by editing rather than building from zero.

Start from your own PDFs, slides, or page photos instead of a blank canvas
Edit topics and subtopics freely, then reorganize as your understanding grows
Collapse and expand branches to review one concept at a time
Keep maps in the browser on the free plan; Plus adds PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV exports

Example XMind study map branches for exam review

Core features of XMind for study mapsTopics and subtopics · Markers for priority · Outline and map views

Building a study map step by stepCentral topic first · One branch per concept · Add subtopics for details · Reorder as you review

Using XMind for exam reviewCollapse branches to self-test · Mark weak spots · Link related topics across branches

Mind maps versus outlinesMaps show connections between ideas · Outlines show strict order · Maps suit overviews, outlines suit sequences

Working with topics in XMindEnter adds a sibling topic · Tab adds a subtopic · Drag to move branches

Generate the full set

Branches from your own material

DeckOwl reads your slides, documents, and page photos, then proposes main branches and subtopics drawn from what you actually uploaded.

Editable structure

Rename, reorder, merge, or delete any node. The map is yours to shape, so it matches how your course organizes the material.

Explore by branch

Collapse and expand sections to focus on one area at a time, which makes the map useful for review as well as for overview.

How it works

Upload your notes

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, or a photo of a page. Text recognition handles scanned pages.

Review the generated map

Check the central topic and main branches, then edit anything that is unclear or out of place.

Study the branches

Collapse sections and test yourself on one branch at a time until you can rebuild it from memory.

Every branch stays editable, so you can reorder topics, merge duplicates, and expand only the parts you need. Because the map is explorable, you can collapse sections while you quiz yourself on a single branch.

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Free mind map app for notes and PDFs

Turn PDFs and notes into an editable mind map. Start free, 3 generations a month.

Free mind mapping app for students

Turn lecture notes and PDFs into an editable mind map, free to start, with no credit card needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I use a mind map to study for an exam?

Put the exam topic in the center, then add one branch per major concept from your notes. Add subtopics for definitions, examples, and key steps, and test yourself on each branch from memory.

What should go on each branch of a study mind map?

Keep each branch to one concept and its supporting details. Short phrases work better than full sentences, which keeps the map readable at a glance.

Can I export my mind map?

Mind maps are editable in the browser on every plan. Exports are a paid feature: Plus includes PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, and no credit card is needed to start. Plus is $39 per year or $7.99 per month, and students get 40% off with a school email.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.