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Turn your notes into Moodle quiz questions in Aiken format

Upload a PDF, slide deck or set of notes and get multiple-choice, true/false or open questions with explanations. Then write them in the plain-text layout Moodle expects.

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How the Aiken layout works in Moodle

Moodle quiz Aiken format is a plain-text layout for importing multiple-choice questions into a Moodle question bank. Each question is a single line, followed by options on their own lines labeled with capital letters, and an ANSWER line that names the correct letter.

Put the question on one line with no line breaks inside it.
Label options with capital letters followed by a period, such as A. B. C. D.
End each question block with an ANSWER line that names one letter.
Leave one blank line between questions and save the file as plain text.

Example Moodle Aiken format quiz items

In Aiken format, which line marks the correct answer?The line that begins with ANSWER: followed by the option letter, such as ANSWER: C, because Moodle uses it to set the correct choice.

How should answer options be labeled in an Aiken question?With a capital letter and a period, such as A. B. C. D., one option per line, because Moodle matches the answer by that letter.

What separates one Aiken question from the next in a text file?A blank line, because each question block ends at the empty line before the next question text begins.

How would you write a true/false question in Aiken format?List two options such as A. True and B. False, then add an ANSWER line, because Aiken has no separate true/false question type.

Why should an Aiken file be saved as plain text?Word processors add hidden formatting and smart quotes that can break the import, so saving as plain text in UTF-8 keeps the layout intact.

Generate the full set

Built from your material

Questions come from the PDFs, slides, DOCX files, text notes or photos of pages you upload, so the quiz covers your course rather than generic content.

Explanations for every answer

Each question includes a short explanation of why the correct option is right, which helps you check the quiz before you import it.

Three question types

Choose multiple-choice, true/false or short answer questions depending on what you need to test and how much time you have.

How it works

Upload your notes

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text file or a photo of a page. Images are read with text recognition.

Generate and review

Pick a question type and review the output, keeping the questions that match your learning goals.

Format for Moodle

Copy questions into the Aiken layout, or export Moodle XML on the Pro plan for direct import.

Blank lines separate one question from the next. Because the file is plain text, formatting such as bold type or curly quotes added by a word processor can break the import, so save the file as plain text with UTF-8 encoding.

Writing questions by hand is slow when you are working from a long lecture or textbook chapter. Generating a first draft from your own material and then editing it into Aiken layout keeps the questions tied to what you actually studied.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I write a question in Aiken format?

Type the question on one line, list the options on separate lines labeled A. through D., and add an ANSWER line with the correct letter. Separate each question from the next with a blank line.

How many answer options should a multiple-choice question have?

Four is common and easy to scan, but three to five works if every wrong option is plausible. Keep options similar in length so the correct answer does not stand out.

Can DeckOwl export Moodle XML?

Yes, Moodle XML export is included on the Pro plan at $14.99 per month. The Free plan covers studying in the browser, but exports are not included.

Is there a free way to try DeckOwl?

Yes, the free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, and no credit card is needed to start. Students with a school email get 40% off paid plans.

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