Turn your English vocabulary lists into study-ready Anki cards
Upload a reading list, a vocabulary handout or a photo of your notes. DeckOwl builds flashcards you can review on a spaced repetition schedule, so new words move into long-term memory.
How to build an English vocabulary deck for Anki
Vocabulary sticks when words come back at the right moments, which is why an English vocabulary Anki deck works better than a list you reread once. Start with the words from your course reading, a novel, or a test prep book, and keep each batch small enough to review without dread.
- Keep each deck focused on one source, such as a single chapter or reading list
- Write definitions in your own words and add an example sentence
- Mark cards you find hard so they come back more often
- Review daily for short sessions instead of long sessions before a test
Works from your own material
Upload PDFs, DOCX or PPTX files, plain text notes, or photos of pages. Text recognition reads the words so the cards match your course.
Spaced repetition built in
Cards come back at growing intervals, with harder words shown more often. You spend less time rereading lists the night before a quiz.
Export to Anki on Plus
Plus exports your deck to Anki, along with PDF, DOCX and CSV. The Free plan lets you study the cards in your browser.
How it works
Upload your word list
Add a PDF, slides, notes or a photo of a vocabulary handout. Plain text works too.
Generate flashcards
DeckOwl creates one card per term with a definition on the back. Review them and remove any you do not need.
Study or export
Study in the browser on the Free plan, or export to Anki on Plus and keep the schedule going there.
Good cards are short. Put the word or phrase on the front and a plain definition on the back, then add one example sentence if you can. Seeing the word in a sentence helps you recall how it is used, not only what it means.
Review a little every day rather than cramming. Spaced repetition handles the timing, so the cards you miss return sooner and the ones you know fade into longer gaps.
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Frequently asked questions
How many words should one English vocabulary deck include?
Smaller decks of a few dozen new words are easier to keep up with than a long list added all at once. You can always build a second deck from the next reading.
What should each vocabulary card include?
Put the word or phrase on the front and a short definition on the back, with an example sentence if possible. Reviewing the word in context makes it easier to use later.
Can I export my deck to Anki?
Yes, Anki export is a Plus feature, along with PDF, DOCX and CSV export and unlimited generations. The Free plan includes 3 generations per month and study in the browser.
Is there a free plan?
Yes. The Free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study, and you do not need a credit card to start. Students can get 40 percent off with a school email.
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