Turn your notes into flashcards with AI
Upload a PDF, slide deck, set of notes or a photo of a page. DeckOwl builds flashcards you can review on a spaced repetition schedule.
Should you study from notes or flashcards?
Many students wonder whether notes or flashcards will help more, and the honest answer is that each does a different job. Notes hold the explanation and context, while flashcards force you to pull an answer from memory, which is what makes it stick.
- Flashcards are better for memorizing terms, definitions and facts you need to recall quickly.
- Notes are better for understanding how ideas connect before you start testing yourself.
- Spaced repetition shows you cards just before you would forget them, which saves review time.
- Quizzes with explanations help you check whether you can apply what the flashcards taught.
Works from your own material
Upload PDFs, DOCX or PPTX files, plain text notes, or photos of pages. Text recognition reads images, so handwritten-free printed pages work too.
Spaced repetition built in
Cards come back at the intervals your memory needs, so you review what you are about to forget instead of rereading everything.
Quizzes and mind maps too
Switch to multiple choice, true/false or short answer quizzes with explanations, or map the same material as a mind map.
How it works
Upload your notes or slides
Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, text file or image of your notes. No credit card is needed to start.
Generate flashcards
DeckOwl pulls out the key terms and questions and turns them into a flashcard deck.
Review on a schedule
Study in the browser on the free plan, or export to Anki or CSV on Plus to keep reviewing elsewhere.
The practical approach is to start with your notes, then convert the important parts into flashcards and review them with spaced repetition. DeckOwl handles the conversion, so you spend your time studying instead of writing cards by hand.
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Frequently asked questions
How many flashcards should I make for the periodic table groups?
Start with one card per group name and one per notable member, which is usually 20 to 30 cards. Add more only for groups your course emphasizes.
Is it better to review notes or flashcards for the periodic table?
Flashcards tend to work better for review because they make you recall the group name and properties from memory. Read your notes first to understand why the groups behave as they do.
Can I export my flashcards?
Yes, PDF, DOCX, Anki and CSV export are available on the Plus plan at $99.90/year or $9.99/month. The free plan lets you study in the browser without exports.
Is there a free plan?
Yes, the free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study with no credit card needed. Students get 40% off Plus with a school email.
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