Send an Anki deck by email in a few minutes
Export your cards as one package file, attach it to an email, and let a classmate import the whole deck into Anki. DeckOwl can create the flashcards from your own PDFs, slides, notes or images.
Why emailing a deck as one file works best
Sharing a flashcard set with a classmate is simpler than most people expect, and the key is to email an Anki deck as one package file instead of copying cards by hand. The package carries the card content and any images you included, so the recipient can start studying as soon as they import it.
- Export only the deck you want to share, not your full collection backup.
- Include media when your cards contain images, or the pictures may be missing for the recipient.
- Keep attachments under your email provider's limit, which is often 25 MB.
- Ask the recipient to import the file into Anki rather than opening it as a text document.
Anki export on Plus
Plus users can export DeckOwl flashcards in Anki format, then attach the file to an email for a classmate.
Spaced repetition built in
Cards are scheduled for review, so you can study in the browser first and share the deck once it is ready.
Built from your own material
Upload PDFs, slides, notes or photos of pages and get flashcards generated from that exact content.
How it works
Export the deck from Anki
On desktop, open the deck, choose File, then Export, and select the Anki Deck Package option. Tick the media option if any cards contain images.
Check the file size
Most email providers cap attachments around 25 MB, and Gmail uses that limit. If the file is larger, upload it to cloud storage and send the link.
Attach and send
Attach the package file to your email and send it. The recipient opens the file in Anki or uses File and Import to add the deck.
Before you hit send, check the file size and whether your cards use pictures. Images can push a deck past the attachment limit quickly, so if the file is too large, upload it to cloud storage and share a link instead.
If your flashcards began as lecture slides or notes, you do not have to build the deck yourself. DeckOwl turns PDFs, slides, notes and photos of pages into flashcards with spaced repetition, and Plus lets you export them to Anki so you can share the result.
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Frequently asked questions
Will importing a shared Anki deck erase my existing cards?
No. Importing a deck package adds its cards as a separate deck and leaves your other decks in place. Only a full collection backup replaces everything, so share a deck package instead.
How big can an Anki deck be before email fails?
Many providers, including Gmail, cap attachments around 25 MB. If your deck is larger, especially with many images, send it through cloud storage and share the link.
Can I export my DeckOwl flashcards to Anki?
Yes, but Anki export is a Plus feature, which costs $99.90 per year or $9.99 per month. The free plan lets you study in the browser without exports.
Do I need a credit card to try DeckOwl?
No, you can start without a credit card. Students also get 40% off with a school email.
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