What is Anki?

Anki is a free, open-source flashcard application that utilizes an intelligent spaced repetition system (SRS). It is not a content generator but a smart learning aid designed to optimize the human memory process. Its core algorithm schedules review sessions based on your personal memory strength for each card, focusing your effort on material you are about to forget, thereby maximizing long-term retention. It is cross-platform and supported by a vast community with shared resources.

Main Features

- **Spaced Repetition Algorithm**: The intelligent core that schedules reviews at optimal intervals for durable memory.

- **Rich Media Cards**: Create cards with text, images, audio, video, and scientific markup (LaTeX).

- **Cloud Sync & Cross-Platform**: Synchronize your progress across Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS via free AnkiWeb.

- **High Customizability**: Fully customize card templates, styling, and review scheduling parameters.

- **Large Deck Management**: Efficiently handle decks containing hundreds of thousands of cards.

- **Extensible with Add-ons**: Active community provides numerous add-ons to extend functionality.

- **Shared Deck Library**: Download pre-made decks from the community on countless subjects for fast learning.

Use Cases

- **Language Learning**: Memorize vocabulary, phrases, grammar, and listening comprehension.

- **Exam Preparation**: Retain vast amounts of information for professional tests in medicine, law, programming, etc.

- **Academic Study**: Master terminology, concepts, formulas, and citations.

- **General Knowledge Retention**: Solidify long-term memory of facts like historical dates, geography, or art.

- **Skill Memorization**: Learn speeches, code snippets, musical instrument fingerings, or procedures.

Common Questions

- **Q: Is Anki free?**

A: Yes. The desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and Android (AnkiDroid) versions are completely free. The official iOS app (AnkiMobile) is a paid one-time purchase, which supports development.

- **Q: How do I sync between devices?**

A: Create a free AnkiWeb account and log into it on all your Anki clients to enable fast, automated synchronization.

- **Q: Can I use pre-made decks?**

A: Absolutely. The AnkiWeb site hosts 'Shared Decks'—a large library of user-contributed decks on many subjects.

- **Q: Does spaced repetition really work?**

A: Yes. It is a learning method with a strong foundation in cognitive psychology, proven to significantly improve long-term memory retention, which is Anki's core strength.