Anki

Anki is a free, open-source desktop flashcard program that schedules reviews using spaced repetition. Create notes and card templates, organize decks and tags, and rate your recall during review so the scheduler can determine when to show a card again. It suits language learners, students and anyone building a long-term study routine; learning outcomes still depend on card quality and regular review.

Features

• Create cards with text, images, audio, video and mathematical notation.
• Customize note types and card templates, including multiple cards from one note.
• Browse, edit, tag and organize a local collection.
• Review scheduled cards and inspect learning statistics.
• Use the FSRS scheduler and its configurable review settings.
• Import and export supported collections, decks and text data.
• Extend the desktop program with community add-ons.
• Optionally synchronize supported study data and media through AnkiWeb.

Install and compatibility

Install with brew install --cask anki, or download the official Mac disk image and drag Anki into Applications. The current official download page provides separate Apple Silicon and Intel builds, both requiring macOS 13 or later. Select the build for your processor; the catalog's 26.09.3 download URL specifically points to the Apple Silicon DMG, not a Universal or Intel installer. Windows and Linux desktop builds are available separately.

The official packaged application includes its runtime dependencies; ordinary Mac installation does not require separately installing Python, Qt or a database server. Building Anki from source is a different workflow with its own development requirements. The cask records no additional formula dependency or explicit conflicting cask. Older-system downloads are historical versions with different requirements and security coverage, not evidence that the current release supports older macOS.

Accounts, synchronization and backups

Local desktop study does not require an AnkiWeb account and can work offline. AnkiWeb synchronization is optional and requires an account and internet connectivity. Sync uploads collection information and media to that service; review the service's privacy terms before storing sensitive material. Anki is a study client, not a paid course or a guarantee that shared decks are accurate.

When Anki requests a full upload or download, choose the authoritative collection carefully: a full transfer can replace the other copy. Synchronization is not a substitute for independent backups. Keep backups and use collection exports with the appropriate media and scheduling options before important changes. Built-in collection backups and media exports have different coverage; verify that the backup includes what you need. Do not place Anki's live data folder in Dropbox or another file synchronization service: the manual warns that this can corrupt the database. Use AnkiWeb's supported synchronization instead.

Add-ons, permissions and security

Desktop add-ons are executable extensions that can modify arbitrary parts of Anki's codebase. Install only add-ons you trust, review their source and requested behavior, and expect compatibility to change after upgrades. They are not equivalent to sandboxed card templates. Anki's Python add-on environment is included in the desktop application; this does not mean you need a separate Python installation for ordinary use.

Anki needs access to the local collection and media files you choose to import or export. Audio recording may require macOS microphone permission when used. The publisher does not establish blanket Accessibility, Screen Recording or Full Disk Access as prerequisites for ordinary flashcard study. Shared notes and decks can contain active content; keep Anki updated. The 26.09 release fixes local-file access through editor notes and unsafe file-opening behavior, and 26.09.2 addresses a deck-description link issue.

Cost and license

The desktop program is free and licensed under GNU AGPL version 3 or later, with contributed and bundled components carrying the notices listed in the repository. AnkiWeb synchronization is free. The official AnkiMobile app for iPhone and iPad is a separate paid App Store purchase that supports development; its price is not a desktop license fee. AnkiDroid is a separate free Android project maintained by contributors. Similarly named third-party applications are not automatically official Anki products.

The catalog's Apple Silicon 26.09.3 DMG is 226,530,103 bytes according to the official download's HTTP metadata. Installed storage grows with the collection, media, backups and add-ons; Intel download size may differ.

Sources: Official downloads and product information, Mac installation, Synchronization, Files and backups, Add-ons, License, Official releases.