Skip the blank template and turn your own notes into flashcards
Upload a PDF, slides, notes or a photo of a page and get flashcards you can review with spaced repetition, with no blank grid to fill in.
Why a custom set beats a blank template
A free editable flashcard template PDF gives you the layout, but you still have to write every term and definition yourself, and a blank grid never checks whether you remember them. DeckOwl starts from your own lecture slides or textbook chapter and drafts the cards for you.
- Start from the slides or notes your instructor actually used
- Review each generated card against the source before studying
- Keep each front to one question and each back to one answer
- Export to PDF or Anki with Plus, $99.90/year or $9.99/month
Your own material
Upload PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes or photos of pages. Images are read with text recognition.
Spaced repetition
Cards return at intervals that match how well you know them, so review time goes to the gaps.
Quizzes and mind maps
Get multiple choice, true/false and short answer questions with explanations, plus mind maps of the same material.
How it works
Upload your source
Add a PDF, slides, notes or a photo of a page.
Review the cards
Check the generated fronts and backs against your course material before you study.
Study in the browser
The free plan includes 3 generations per month. Export to PDF, DOCX, Anki or CSV on Plus.
Cards are then scheduled with spaced repetition, so the ones you miss come back sooner. PDF export is part of the Plus plan, while the free plan keeps studying in the browser with 3 generations per month.
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Frequently asked questions
How many flashcards should I make for a biology unit?
Most units work well with 20 to 50 cards, each covering one fact so it can be recalled in a few seconds. Start with the terms your instructor stressed and add cards wherever you keep missing answers.
What makes a good flashcard front and back?
The front should ask one specific question, such as a term or a function, and the back should give a short answer you can check against your notes. Long paragraphs on the back make it hard to tell whether you actually knew the answer.
Can I get a printable PDF of my flashcards?
PDF export is included in the Plus plan, which costs $99.90/year or $9.99/month and also includes unlimited generations and Anki and CSV export. The free plan lets you study the cards in the browser but does not include exports.
Is there a free plan, and do I need a credit card?
Yes, the free plan includes 3 generations per month with studying in the browser, and you do not need a credit card to start. Students with a school email get 40% off paid plans.
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