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Choose the right Anki deck types for your study material

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How Anki note types shape what you remember

Most people searching for Anki deck types are really asking about note types, the templates that decide how a card is shaped and how many cards each note produces. Choosing the right one matters because the same fact can be tested in very different ways.

Use Basic for single questions with one clear answer, such as a definition.
Use Basic (and reversed card) for pairs you need to recall in both directions.
Use Cloze for sentences where one or more key terms should be hidden.
Use Image Occlusion for labeled diagrams, such as anatomy or circuit drawings.

Example Anki note types, with a sample card for each

What is the Basic note type in Anki?A note type with a Front field and a Back field that makes one card, with the question on one side and the answer on the other.

What does Basic (and reversed card) create?Two cards per note, one testing front to back and one testing back to front, which suits vocabulary pairs.

When is the Cloze note type useful?When you want to hide key words inside a sentence, such as hiding the term in a definition, because each cloze number creates its own card.

What does Type in the Answer do on a card?It asks you to type your answer and then compares it with the stored answer, which helps with spelling and exact recall.

What is Image Occlusion in Anki?A note type that hides labeled regions of an image, such as parts of an anatomy diagram, so you recall each region separately.

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A Basic note makes one card with a question on the front and an answer on the back. Basic (and reversed card) makes two, testing both directions, which suits vocabulary pairs and terms with a clear counterpart. Cloze hides words inside a sentence so you recall the missing piece in context.

When you generate flashcards from your own notes, pick the format that matches the kind of knowledge you are learning. Definitions and dates usually work best as Basic cards, while processes and sentences with key terms often suit Cloze better.

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Frequently asked questions

Which Anki note type should I use for vocabulary?

Basic (and reversed card) works well for word pairs because it tests both directions. Cloze suits words that appear inside a sentence or definition.

How many flashcards should I study in one session?

Keep sessions short enough that you can finish them with full attention. Add new cards gradually as older ones become familiar.

Can I export DeckOwl flashcards to Anki?

Yes, export to Anki is included in the Plus plan at $39/year or $7.99/month, along with PDF, DOCX and CSV export. The free plan lets you study in the browser without exports.

Do I need a credit card to try DeckOwl?

No. You can start on the free plan without a credit card, which includes 3 generations per month.

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