Migration guide - anki import csv

How to import Anki CSV into Deckbase

If your cards already live in spreadsheets or exported CSV files, this workflow gives you a fast path into Deckbase without rebuilding cards from scratch.

Deckbase7 min read

When to use this workflow

This guide is for learners moving from Anki or spreadsheet workflows who want to preserve existing card quality while adopting Deckbase for daily review.

Treat this as an operational migration process, not just a one-time file upload. The goal is not only successful import, but better review consistency and lower card maintenance overhead in the weeks after switching.

Pre-import checklist

  • Your CSV has one row per card and consistent column names for front and back.
  • File encoding is UTF-8 so symbols and accented characters are preserved.
  • Deck naming and tags are decided before import to avoid cleanup later.

If one checklist item fails, fix it before import. Upstream cleanup is faster than repairing hundreds of cards after migration.

Recommended field mapping

CSV columnDeckbase fieldWhy it matters
frontCard frontPrompt should be concise and testable
backCard backAnswer should include only essential detail
tagsTagsEnables filtering and focused review batches
sourceNotesKeeps origin context for future edits

Keep mappings stable across related decks. Consistent structure improves batch operations and makes template edits safer later.

Step-by-step migration flow

  1. 1
    Normalize your CSV headers so every row follows the same schema (front, back, tags, source).
  2. 2
    Remove empty rows and duplicate cards, then save as UTF-8 CSV.
  3. 3
    In Deckbase, choose import and map each CSV column to the target card field.
  4. 4
    Run a small preview import first, review 20-30 cards, then import the full file.
  5. 5
    Start one review session immediately to validate card quality in real study mode.

Common errors and fixes

Delimiter mismatch

If commas appear inside fields, quote those fields or export with a safer delimiter and re-import.

Broken characters

Re-export as UTF-8 from your spreadsheet tool, then import again.

Front and back swapped

Use preview mapping first and verify five sample cards before full import.

Duplicate cards

Deduplicate by front+back pair before import, then keep one canonical version.

Use a small pilot deck after each fix. If pilot quality holds, apply the same correction pattern to the full batch.

Example output quality checks

  • Front: What does FSRS optimize for? | Back: Long-term recall with adaptive intervals.
  • Front: Define opportunity cost. | Back: The value of the best alternative foregone.
  • Front: HTTP 404 means what? | Back: Resource not found on the server.

During QA, verify each sample card for clarity, atomicity, and answer precision. Avoid importing cards that only test wording without testing understanding.

A practical test: if you can answer accurately in under 10 seconds during review, the card is usually scoped well. If not, split or rewrite it.

FAQ

Can I import multiple CSV files?

Yes. Start with one pilot file, confirm mapping quality, then import the rest in batches.

Should I clean cards before import or after?

Clean obvious structure issues before import. Save nuanced quality edits for after your first review pass.

What is the safest migration strategy?

Use a small pilot deck first, measure review quality for a week, then migrate larger decks.

Import your first CSV deck in under 10 minutes

Use one real topic, test card quality with a review session, then migrate the rest with confidence.

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Tip: for advanced workflows, keep your original export as backup and track each migration attempt by batch name and date.

Query intent targeted: anki import csv. This guide is reviewed as a practical migration workflow page, not a generic informational article.