Frequently asked
Everything you might want to ask before you commit.
If something here doesn't answer your question, email me directly at ceo@marvex.app — I read every message myself.
PDF to mind map
Yes, with one caveat. If the scan has an OCR text layer (most modern scans do), Marvex extracts the text and builds the mind map normally. Pure image scans with no text layer need a free OCR pass first (Adobe Acrobat, macOS Preview, or PDF24 online) and then Marvex treats them like any other PDF. Native OCR ships in v0.3. Start with the PDF to mind map walkthrough or open the studio.
Getting started
No. Marvex is local-first — your maps live in your browser by default. You only need an account if you want to (a) sync across devices, (b) buy a paid plan, or (c) use the affiliate / press programs. Visit the Studio and start creating, no sign-up required.
Billing & plans
Yes. Click your avatar in Studio → "Manage subscription" → "Cancel plan" (this opens the Stripe Customer Portal). Your plan stays active until the end of the billing period — no early-termination fees, no clawbacks on existing maps. See the pricing page or contact us if Stripe's portal misbehaves.
AI keys & costs
Because we refuse to be a middleman that marks up the LLM bill. Most AI mind map tools charge $30+/month and pocket a fat margin on the inference. We charge $9–15/month for the software, and you pay OpenAI / Anthropic / Google directly for the AI — typically pennies per map. The result: you get to use the latest model whenever you want, and your bill scales with your actual usage instead of a fixed subscription markup.
Privacy & data
By default, in your browser's localStorage / IndexedDB (web) or the desktop app's encrypted local file system (Mac/Windows). Maps never leave your device unless you explicitly sync to cloud (Pro feature) or export. Read the full privacy policy for the technical details.
Support & contact
Yes — and you don't need a Pro plan to access them. Westlaw UK is built in for everyone (free) — Marvex opens Westlaw with your search query pre-filled (you'll need your own Westlaw account for full results). BAILII full-text search (80,000+ UK & Irish judgments) and the LexisNexis BYOK proxy are part of the optional Law Pack add-on ($10 one-off). Plus the always-free Find Case Law service and legislation.gov.uk for primary statutes.