Anki

What is Anki?

Anki is a powerful, open-source flashcard application that uses spaced repetition algorithms to help users memorize information efficiently. The name comes from the Japanese word for “memorization,” and the software has become the gold standard for anyone serious about long-term learning. Originally developed by Damien Elmes, Anki has been adopted by medical students, language learners, law students, and lifelong learners worldwide who need to retain large amounts of information.

What makes Anki revolutionary is its implementation of spaced repetition, a learning technique based on the psychological spacing effect. Instead of showing you every card equally, Anki adjusts review intervals based on how well you remember each item. Cards you find easy appear less frequently, while difficult cards show up more often until they stick. This optimization means you spend your study time where it matters most, dramatically improving retention compared to traditional study methods.

Beyond the algorithm, Anki’s flexibility is remarkable. Users can create cards with text, images, audio, video, and even mathematical equations. The desktop application is completely free and open source, with synchronized mobile apps that let you study anywhere. A massive community shares pre-made decks covering everything from medical terminology to guitar chords to historical dates, though creating your own cards is generally more effective for learning.

Key Features

• Spaced Repetition Algorithm: Scientifically-proven scheduling that shows cards at optimal intervals for memory retention, adapting to your performance on each card.
• Cross-Platform Sync: Study seamlessly across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android with automatic synchronization through free AnkiWeb account.
• Rich Media Support: Cards can include images, audio, video, and LaTeX equations for comprehensive learning material.
• Customizable Card Types: Create basic front/back cards, cloze deletions, image occlusion, and custom card types for any learning need.
• Add-ons and Plugins: Extensive add-on ecosystem extends functionality with features like better images, statistics, and study tools.
• Shared Decks: Access thousands of pre-made decks shared by the community, covering virtually every subject imaginable.
• Detailed Statistics: Comprehensive graphs and statistics track your learning progress, review history, and forecast future workload.
• Customizable Scheduling: Adjust algorithm parameters, set daily limits, and configure review behavior to match your study preferences.
• Tags and Organization: Organize cards with tags, nested decks, and filters for structured study of large collections.
• Offline Study: Download everything locally to study without internet connection on any device.

Recent Updates and Improvements

Anki continues active development with regular updates improving usability, performance, and learning effectiveness.

• FSRS Algorithm: New Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler option provides more accurate scheduling based on modern memory research.
• Improved Editor: Enhanced card editor with better formatting options, improved image handling, and easier media management.
• Native M1/M2 Support: Optimized performance on Apple Silicon Macs with native builds for improved speed and battery life.
• Enhanced Statistics: More detailed and visual statistics helping users understand their learning patterns and optimize study habits.
• Better Mobile Apps: Continued improvements to iOS and Android apps with enhanced features and interface refinements.
• Add-on Compatibility: Improved add-on framework with better compatibility and easier development for community extensions.
• Accessibility Improvements: Enhanced keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and accessibility features for inclusive learning.
• Performance Optimization: Faster sync, improved database handling, and better performance with large collections.

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Any modern processor
• RAM: 512 MB minimum (more for large media collections)
• Storage: 100 MB for installation plus space for your collection

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.13.4 or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon
• RAM: 512 MB minimum
• Storage: 100 MB for installation plus collection space

Linux

• Distribution: Ubuntu 18.04+, Fedora, Arch, or compatible
• Libraries: Qt 6 libraries, Python 3.9+
• RAM: 512 MB minimum
• Storage: 100 MB for installation

Mobile

• iOS: iPhone or iPad running iOS 13 or later
• Android: Android 5.0 or later

How to Install Anki

Windows Installation

1. Download the installer from apps.ankiweb.net
2. Run the downloaded .exe file
3. Follow installation prompts
4. Create free AnkiWeb account for sync (optional but recommended)
5. Sign in within Anki to enable synchronization

# Using Windows Package Manager
winget install Anki.Anki

# Using Chocolatey
choco install anki

# Using Scoop
scoop bucket add extras
scoop install anki

macOS Installation

# Using Homebrew
brew install --cask anki

# Manual installation
1. Download .dmg from apps.ankiweb.net
2. Open the DMG file
3. Drag Anki to Applications folder
4. Launch from Applications

Linux Installation

# Using Flatpak (recommended)
flatpak install flathub net.ankiweb.Anki

# Using distribution packages
# Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S anki

# Ubuntu/Debian (from official package)
wget https://github.com/ankitects/anki/releases/download/24.06.3/anki-24.06.3-linux-qt6.tar.zst
tar xaf anki-24.06.3-linux-qt6.tar.zst
cd anki-24.06.3-linux-qt6
sudo ./install.sh

Creating Your First Cards

# Basic card creation
1. Click "Add" button or press 'A'
2. Select card type (Basic, Basic and Reversed, Cloze)
3. Enter front field content
4. Enter back field content
5. Add tags if desired
6. Click "Add" to save

# Cloze deletion example
Text: {{c1::Paris}} is the capital of {{c2::France}}
Creates two cards testing each hidden portion

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Proven Effectiveness: Spaced repetition is scientifically validated as one of the most effective study techniques for long-term retention.
• Free and Open Source: Desktop application is completely free with full features, and source code is available for review.
• Incredible Flexibility: Customize everything from card appearance to algorithm parameters to match your learning style.
• Massive Community: Thousands of shared decks, active forums, extensive add-ons, and helpful user base.
• Cross-Platform Sync: Study anywhere with seamless synchronization across all your devices.
• Privacy Focused: Your data stays on your devices and encrypted on AnkiWeb servers.
• No Subscription: One-time purchase for iOS app (Android is free), no recurring fees for full functionality.

Cons

• Steep Learning Curve: Many features and customization options can overwhelm new users initially.
• Basic Interface: The UI is functional but dated compared to polished commercial alternatives.
• iOS App Cost: The iPhone/iPad app costs $24.99, which surprises users expecting a free mobile app.
• Card Creation Takes Time: Making effective cards requires thought and effort; poor cards lead to poor retention.
• Requires Consistency: Skipping days leads to review backlogs that can be discouraging.

Anki vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Anki?

Anki is ideal for:

• Medical Students: The go-to tool for memorizing vast amounts of medical terminology, drug information, and clinical knowledge.
• Language Learners: Those serious about vocabulary acquisition benefit enormously from spaced repetition for long-term retention.
• Law Students: Memorizing legal concepts, case names, and statutory information becomes manageable with systematic review.
• Professional Certification: Anyone studying for exams requiring memorization of facts, procedures, or regulations.
• Lifelong Learners: Those committed to continuous learning who want to actually retain what they study.
• Technical Professionals: Developers, engineers, and scientists memorizing syntax, formulas, and technical specifications.

Anki may not be ideal for:

• Casual Learners: Those looking for a more guided, gamified experience may prefer Quizlet or Memrise.
• Concept Understanding: Anki is for memorization; understanding concepts requires other study methods first.
• Quick Study Sessions: Those wanting pre-made content without card creation effort might prefer alternatives.
• Technology-Averse Users: The interface and setup can frustrate those uncomfortable with software configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Anki iOS app so expensive?

The $24.99 iOS app price funds development of the entire Anki ecosystem, including the free desktop apps, Android app, and AnkiWeb sync service. The developer chose to make most platforms free while charging for iOS as a sustainable funding model. Many users consider it worthwhile given the app’s quality and the value of mobile study time. The Android app is completely free, made by a different developer.

How long should I spend on Anki each day?

Most users find 15-60 minutes daily is sustainable and effective. The key is consistency rather than duration. Starting with 10-20 new cards daily and reviewing due cards is typical. Anki will estimate your daily review time based on your collection. It’s better to do brief daily sessions than long sporadic ones, as the spaced repetition algorithm depends on consistent review timing.

Should I make my own cards or use shared decks?

Creating your own cards is generally more effective because the creation process itself aids learning, and you can tailor cards to your understanding. However, shared decks save significant time and can be excellent for standardized content like language vocabulary or medical terms. Many users download shared decks and modify them, or use them as supplements to self-made cards.

What are the best Anki settings?

Default settings work well for most users. Key adjustments include: New cards per day (start with 10-20, adjust based on review load), Maximum reviews (unlimited if possible), and Learning steps. The new FSRS algorithm is more accurate than the default SM-2 for many users. Avoid changing too many settings initially; the defaults are based on years of research and user feedback.

How do I recover from a large backlog of reviews?

If you’ve missed many days, you’ll have accumulated reviews. Options include: working through gradually over several days, suspending some cards temporarily, or using the “Reschedule cards” feature. Some users filter to only high-priority cards initially. The key is resuming consistent study rather than abandoning Anki due to the backlog. The algorithm will readjust as you resume.

Final Verdict

Anki stands alone as the most powerful spaced repetition tool available. Its scientifically-backed algorithm, extensive customization, and cross-platform synchronization create an unmatched learning platform for anyone serious about long-term retention. Medical students have made it nearly mandatory in their field, and language learners consistently credit Anki for vocabulary breakthroughs that seemed impossible before.

The learning curve is real—Anki rewards users who invest time understanding its features. Creating effective cards is a skill that improves with practice. But for those willing to climb that curve, the payoff is extraordinary. Information that would slip away after traditional study sticks for months or years. The time invested in Anki multiplies the return on all other study efforts.

For students, professionals, and anyone facing memorization challenges, Anki deserves serious consideration. It’s free to try on desktop, and the concepts apply even if you eventually choose alternatives. But most users who give Anki an honest try find nothing else quite matches its effectiveness. When you need to remember something long-term—and really remember it—Anki is the tool that delivers.