Migration guide - anki import tsv

How to import TSV flashcards into Deckbase

TSV is useful when comma-heavy text causes CSV issues. This workflow keeps parsing predictable and easy to debug.

Deckbase6 min read

When to use this workflow

For users exporting from tools that handle tab-separated values more reliably than comma-separated files.

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

  • Tab-separated file with consistent row structure.
  • UTF-8 encoding and no hidden delimiters in cells.
  • Front/back fields validated in plain text editor before upload.

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

Step-by-step migration flow

  1. 1
    Open TSV in a plain text editor and verify tab delimiters are consistent.
  2. 2
    Check sample rows for escaped characters and line breaks.
  3. 3
    Import into Deckbase and map fields to card front, back, and tags.
  4. 4
    Run sample preview, then execute full import.
  5. 5
    Review 20 cards to validate parsing fidelity.

Common errors and fixes

Tabs replaced with spaces

Re-export from source and avoid manual edits in tools that alter delimiters.

Inconsistent row length

Normalize rows so all required columns are present.

Corrupted special characters

Confirm UTF-8 and re-save before import.

Trailing hidden characters

Trim whitespace and control characters before upload.

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: Define entropy. | Back: Measure of disorder or energy dispersal in a system.
  • Front: What is polymorphism? | Back: One interface, many implementations.
  • Front: GDP formula? | Back: C + I + G + (X - M).

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

Is TSV better than CSV?

It can be better when your content contains many commas that otherwise need quoting.

Can I convert TSV to CSV first?

Yes, but only if conversion preserves encoding and field boundaries.

How do I validate quickly?

Use pilot import plus one real review session before full migration.

Import TSV safely with a pilot first

Use a small batch to verify parsing, then complete full deck migration.

Import TSVFix import issues

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 tsv. This guide is reviewed as a practical migration workflow page, not a generic informational article.