Turn any PDF into flashcards with AI
Upload a lecture PDF, slides, notes or a photo of a page. DeckOwl reads the text and builds flashcards you can review on a spaced repetition schedule.
How to create flashcards with PDF notes
Most course PDFs run to dozens of pages, and rereading them is slow. To create flashcards with PDF material, start by uploading the file you already have, whether it is a chapter, a lecture handout or a scanned worksheet.
- Works with PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, notes and images
- Scanned pages and photos are read with text recognition
- Cards are spaced so hard ones return sooner
- Free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study
Reads the PDF you upload
Text-based PDFs are read directly, and scanned pages are read with text recognition, so photos of a textbook page work too.
Spaced repetition built in
Cards come back at growing intervals, so you see the ones you struggle with more often and the easy ones less often.
Cards from your own material
Every card is generated from the file you upload, so the deck matches your course readings rather than a generic template.
How it works
Upload your PDF
Drag in a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file or image. No account setup is needed to try it.
Review the generated cards
Read through the flashcards, keep the ones that fit your course and edit any that need changes.
Study on a spaced schedule
Review each day in the browser. The schedule adjusts based on how well you recall each card.
Good cards ask one thing each: a term, a rule, or a short question with a short answer. Keep each card to a single idea so you can recall it in a few seconds, and skip cards that only repeat a paragraph.
Once the deck is made, review it in short daily sessions instead of one long cram. Spaced repetition shows the hard cards more often, which is what makes the time spent pay off before an exam.
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Frequently asked questions
How many flashcards should I make for Spanish present-tense verbs?
Start with the 20 to 30 most common verbs and their six present-tense forms, then add more once those feel automatic. Smaller decks you review daily tend to work better than one large deck you rarely open.
How often should I review present-tense verb cards?
Review a short set every day rather than a long session once a week. Spaced repetition handles the timing, so you only need to rate how well you recalled each card.
Can I export the flashcards I create from a PDF?
Exports to PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV are included in the Plus plan, which is $39/year or $7.99/month. The free plan lets you study the cards in the browser without exports.
Do I need a credit card to try it?
No. You can start on the free plan with 3 generations per month and no credit card. Students with a school email get 40% off Plus.
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