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Share your Anki decks with classmates in a few quick steps

Export a deck file from Anki, send it to someone, and they can import it in a few clicks. DeckOwl can also generate a new deck from your own notes, PDFs or slides and export it to Anki.

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Sharing an Anki deck step by step

Sharing a deck is quicker than most people expect. In Anki desktop, the core of how to share anki decks is exporting the deck as an .apkg file, which the recipient opens through File and then Import.

Export as Anki Deck Package (.apkg) for the most compatible file.
Tick Include media whenever cards contain pictures, diagrams or audio.
Leave scheduling out when sharing with someone else so they start fresh.
Ask the recipient to import into a new deck name to avoid mixing cards with their own.

Example Anki deck sharing questions and answers

What file type does Anki use when you export a single deck for someone else?An .apkg file, called an Anki Deck Package, which contains the cards and can include media and scheduling data.

How does a recipient import a shared .apkg file into Anki desktop?They choose File and then Import in Anki, select the .apkg file, and the deck is added to their collection.

Why should you tick Include media when exporting a deck with pictures?Images and audio are stored separately from the card text, so without media files those cards will show missing content on the recipient's device.

What does the Include scheduling information option keep in a shared deck?It keeps the review history and due dates, so the recipient continues from where the original user left off rather than starting fresh.

What is a safe way to share a deck with someone who already has cards like it?Import the shared deck under a new deck name so the recipient can compare or study both versions without the cards merging.

Generate the full set

Standard .apkg files

Anki exports a deck as a single package file that anyone with Anki can import, including the cards and their formatting.

Optional scheduling and media

Choose whether to keep review progress and whether to bundle images and audio so the shared cards look complete.

Generate decks from your material

Upload a PDF, slides, notes or photos of pages to DeckOwl, then export the flashcards to Anki when you are ready to share.

How it works

Open the deck in Anki desktop

Select the deck you want to share, then go to File and choose Export.

Pick the export options

Select Anki Deck Package (.apkg), tick Include media if the deck has images or audio, and decide whether to include scheduling information.

Send the file and have it imported

Share the .apkg file by email or cloud link. The recipient opens Anki and selects File, then Import.

Before you send it, decide whether to include scheduling information and media. Scheduling keeps review progress, which mainly helps if the same person keeps studying the cards. Media such as images and audio has to be bundled, or those cards will show blank spaces on the recipient's device.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I include scheduling information when I share an Anki deck?

Include it only if the recipient is going to keep studying from the same review history, such as when you are handing off your own progress. For most classmates, leaving it out gives them a clean start.

Why do some shared cards show missing images?

Images and audio are stored separately from the card text, so the export has to include media for them to travel with the deck. Re-export with Include media ticked and send the new file.

Can DeckOwl export flashcards directly to Anki?

Yes, export to Anki is included in the Plus plan at $39 per year or $7.99 per month, and you can then share the resulting file the same way. The free plan lets you study in the browser but does not include exports.

Do I need a credit card to try DeckOwl?

No, you can start on the free plan without a credit card. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study, while exports require Plus.

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