Wondering if Anki is safe? Make flashcards from your own notes
Anki is a free, open-source flashcard app. DeckOwl is a separate tool that builds flashcards from the PDFs, slides, notes and images you upload, with spaced repetition built in.
What to check before you trust any study app
Many students want to know whether Anki is safe to install before they trust it with class notes. Anki is a free, open-source program, so its code is public and anyone can review it. Downloading it from the official website, rather than a third-party mirror, is the simplest way to avoid tampered copies.
- Download Anki only from its official website.
- Review add-ons and remove any you do not recognize or use.
- Back up your collection before major changes or updates.
- Read the privacy policy of any study app before uploading personal notes.
Start from your own material
Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text file or a photo of a page. Flashcards are built from what you give it, not from a generic deck.
Spaced repetition
Cards come back at growing intervals so you review material right before you are likely to forget it.
Study in the browser or export
The free plan studies in the browser. Plus adds PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV export if you want your cards in another app.
How it works
Upload your notes
Add a PDF, slide deck, document, text file or image of a page.
Review the flashcards
Check the generated cards and edit anything that needs fixing before you study.
Study with spaced repetition
Work through the cards daily and let the schedule bring back the ones you miss.
Add-ons deserve the same care. Anki supports community add-ons that can read and change your collection, so install only the ones you trust and remove any you no longer use. Keeping regular backups of your collection also protects your cards if something goes wrong.
DeckOwl is a different product. It turns the files you upload into flashcards, quizzes and mind maps, and you can start without a credit card. If you want a card set you can move into Anki later, the Anki export is part of the Plus plan.
Explore related topics
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Frequently asked questions
How do I check that a flashcard app download is legitimate?
Go to the app's official website yourself rather than clicking a link from an ad or message. Compare the publisher name and the file type before you install anything.
What should I look for in a study app's privacy policy?
Check what files are stored, how long they are kept, and whether you can delete them. Avoid uploading anything you are not allowed to share, such as graded exam material from your school.
Does DeckOwl need a credit card to start?
No. You can start on the free plan with 3 generations per month and study in the browser. Paid plans are optional.
Can I export DeckOwl flashcards to Anki?
Yes, but Anki export is a paid feature on the Plus plan at $39 per year or $7.99 per month. The free plan does not include exports.
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