Ali Abdaal Anki Skillshare: 7 Takeaways You Can Steal Today (And a Faster Way With Flashrecall)
ali abdaal anki skillshare course broken down in plain English: active recall, spaced repetition, simple cards, and why Flashrecall can feel way better than...
How Flashrecall app helps you remember faster. It's free
So… What’s The Deal With Ali Abdaal Anki Skillshare?
Alright, let’s talk about ali abdaal anki skillshare: it’s basically Ali teaching how he uses Anki and spaced repetition to study way more efficiently, especially for med school and exams. He walks through how to make good cards, how often to review, and how to avoid wasting time on bad flashcards. The whole point is learning smarter, not just grinding longer hours. You can totally use those ideas with any flashcard app — and honestly, apps like Flashrecall) make it way easier and less clunky than classic Anki.
Let’s break down what Ali teaches, how to copy his system, and how to do it with something that actually feels modern and fast.
1. What Ali Abdaal Actually Teaches About Anki
Ali’s whole Anki thing on Skillshare boils down to a few key ideas:
- Don’t just read and highlight — use active recall
- Use spaced repetition so you see cards right before you’d forget them
- Make simple, focused cards, not giant paragraphs
- Be consistent with daily reviews
That’s it. The magic isn’t Anki itself — it’s the method.
And this is exactly why you don’t need Anki specifically. You need:
- A flashcard app with spaced repetition
- A way to make cards quickly
- A system you’ll actually stick to
This is where Flashrecall) fits in really nicely: it does all the spaced repetition stuff automatically, but in a cleaner, less “1998 software” kind of way.
2. Active Recall: The Core Idea Behind Ali’s System
Ali talks a lot about active recall — basically forcing your brain to pull information out instead of just re-reading it.
Examples:
- Instead of re-reading a textbook page on heart anatomy, you test yourself:
“Name the four chambers of the heart”
- Instead of re-watching a lecture, you create questions from it and quiz yourself later
Flashcards are perfect for this. You see the question, try to answer from memory, then flip.
How Flashrecall Helps With Active Recall
Flashrecall is built around this idea:
- Every card is a mini question-answer test
- You rate how well you remembered it
- The app handles when to show it again
Plus, if you’re unsure about something on a card, you can literally chat with the flashcard in Flashrecall to get clarification or extra explanation. It’s like having a tiny tutor inside your deck.
Download it here if you want to play with it while reading:
👉 Flashrecall on the App Store)
3. Spaced Repetition: What Anki Does (And Flashrecall Does Too)
Ali’s Anki system is powered by spaced repetition:
- You review new stuff soon
- Then a bit later
- Then further apart each time
- So it sticks in long-term memory
Anki uses a spaced repetition algorithm for this. Flashrecall does too — but automatically, with study reminders so you don’t have to remember to open the app every day.
Why Spaced Repetition Matters
Without it:
- You cram
- You forget most of it in a week
- You panic before exams
With it:
- You review at the exact moment your brain is about to forget
- You need fewer total reviews
- You remember stuff for months (or years)
Flashrecall has built-in spaced repetition with auto reminders, so you don’t have to mess with settings or custom intervals. You just:
1. Make cards
2. Study
3. Tap how easy/hard they were
4. Let the app handle the schedule
4. Card Design: How Ali Designs His Anki Cards (And How To Copy That)
Flashrecall automatically keeps track and reminds you of the cards you don't remember well so you remember faster. Like this :
Ali is big on good card design. A few of his typical rules:
- One question per card
- Keep it short and specific
- Use images where helpful
- Avoid full sentences when a keyword is enough
- Don’t paste entire lecture slides
You can copy that exactly in Flashrecall.
Making Ali-Style Cards In Flashrecall
Flashrecall actually makes this easier than Anki because you can create cards from almost anything:
- Images: Take a photo of your notes, textbook, whiteboard, whatever → Flashrecall can instantly turn it into flashcards
- Text: Paste notes or lecture summaries → auto-generate cards
- PDFs: Upload a PDF and pull cards from it
- YouTube links: Turn key info from a video into flashcards
- Audio: Great for language learning and pronunciation
- Or just manual cards if you like full control
So instead of spending 2 hours hand-typing every single card like in Anki, you can generate a bunch in minutes and then just tweak them.
5. Anki vs Flashrecall: Same System, Different Vibe
Since the keyword is ali abdaal anki skillshare, let’s be real about the comparison.
Where Anki Is Great
- Super powerful
- Tons of add-ons (if you’re on desktop)
- Huge community decks
Where Anki Is… Annoying
- Clunky UI
- Syncing between devices can be weird
- Making cards on mobile is slow
- Steeper learning curve
Where Flashrecall Shines
Flashrecall is built to feel like a modern iOS app, not old-school software:
- Fast and easy to use: Clean interface, no complicated menus
- Works offline: Study anywhere — train, plane, bad Wi‑Fi, whatever
- Automatic spaced repetition: No manual setup
- Study reminders: Gentle nudges so you stay consistent
- On iPhone and iPad: Seamless on both
- Free to start: Try it without committing
And again, you can:
- Make cards from text, images, PDFs, audio, YouTube, or manually
- Chat with your flashcards if you’re confused about something
You still get the Ali Abdaal method (active recall + spaced repetition), just in a smoother package.
Grab it here if you want to test it against Anki:
👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashrecall-study-flashcards/id6746757085
6. How To Recreate The “Ali Abdaal Anki Skillshare” System In Flashrecall
If you like Ali’s approach but don’t want to live inside Anki, here’s a simple way to copy his method using Flashrecall:
Step 1: Pick Your Topic
- Med school content
- School subjects
- Languages
- Business stuff
- Exam prep (MCAT, USMLE, bar, CFA, etc.)
Flashrecall works for basically anything that needs memory.
Step 2: Turn Your Material Into Cards (Fast)
Options:
- Snap photos of your handwritten notes or textbook pages → auto cards
- Paste chunks of lecture notes or slides → auto cards
- Import a PDF → pull key info into cards
- Drop in a YouTube link from a lecture → generate questions
- Or just type cards manually if you prefer full control
Then quickly:
- Clean up the questions
- Make sure each card asks one thing
- Add images where helpful (diagrams, charts, anatomy, etc.)
Step 3: Use Active Recall Properly
When you study:
- Look at the front of the card
- Answer in your head (or out loud) first
- Then flip and check
- Rate how well you knew it
Don’t just flip instantly — that kills the whole point.
Step 4: Let Spaced Repetition Do Its Thing
Flashrecall will:
- Schedule your next reviews automatically
- Send you study reminders so you don’t fall off
- Space your cards out intelligently so you see them right before forgetting
You don’t have to touch any interval settings. Just show up, tap through, and be honest about how well you remembered.
7. Using Ali’s Method For Different Goals
The cool part is Ali’s approach isn’t just for med students. With Flashrecall, you can use the same system for:
Languages
- Vocabulary cards with audio
- Example sentences
- Grammar rules
- You can even use audio-based cards to test listening
Exams & School
- Definitions
- Formulas
- Diagrams (bio, anatomy, physics)
- Case questions for law, business, or medicine
Work & Business
- Frameworks
- Processes
- Product knowledge
- Sales scripts or pitch structures
Flashrecall works offline, so you can run through a few cards while commuting, waiting in line, or sitting in a boring meeting.
8. Do You Still Need To Watch The Skillshare Course?
If you’re searching ali abdaal anki skillshare, you’re probably wondering:
“Do I actually need the full course, or can I just grab the main ideas?”
The honest answer:
- The course is nice if you want Ali walking through everything step-by-step
- But the core ideas are simple:
- Use active recall
- Use spaced repetition
- Make good, focused cards
- Be consistent
You can absolutely apply all of that right now with Flashrecall without setting up complex Anki decks or learning the interface.
9. Quick Start Plan (If You Want To Try This Today)
If you want to start using Ali’s system in the next 10 minutes:
1. Download Flashrecall
👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashrecall-study-flashcards/id6746757085
2. Pick one topic you’re struggling with (don’t start with everything)
3. Import or create 20–30 cards
- Photo of notes
- Text from a summary
- Or manual cards
4. Do one review session today
- Really try to recall each answer
- Rate honestly
5. Come back when you get a reminder tomorrow
- That’s spaced repetition in action
- Watch how much you still remember
Stick with that for a week and you’ll basically be living the “Ali Abdaal Anki Skillshare” method — just with an app that feels nicer to actually use.
If you like Ali’s way of learning but hate fiddling with clunky tools, Flashrecall gives you the same brain benefits with way less friction. Try it, run a deck for a few days, and see how it stacks up against Anki in real life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anki good for studying?
Anki is powerful but requires manual card creation and has a steep learning curve. Flashrecall offers AI-powered card generation from your notes, images, PDFs, and videos, making it faster and easier to create effective flashcards.
What's the fastest way to create flashcards?
Manually typing cards works but takes time. Many students now use AI generators that turn notes into flashcards instantly. Flashrecall does this automatically from text, images, or PDFs.
How do I start spaced repetition?
You can manually schedule your reviews, but most people use apps that automate this. Flashrecall uses built-in spaced repetition so you review cards at the perfect time.
What is active recall and how does it work?
Active recall is the process of actively retrieving information from memory rather than passively reviewing it. Flashrecall forces proper active recall by making you think before revealing answers, then uses spaced repetition to optimize your review schedule.
How can I study more effectively for this test?
Effective exam prep combines active recall, spaced repetition, and regular practice. Flashrecall helps by automatically generating flashcards from your study materials and using spaced repetition to ensure you remember everything when exam day arrives.
Related Articles
- Ali Abdaal Anki Method: 7 Powerful Study Secrets (And a Better iOS Alternative) – Learn how to use Ali’s Anki-style system on a faster, more modern flashcard app.
- Starbucks Drink Flashcards: The Fun, Ultimate Way To Finally Remember Your Go-To Order (And Everyone Else’s Too) – Stop holding up the line and memorize every custom drink like a pro with this simple flashcard system.
- Advanced Browser Anki: Powerful Alternatives, Pro Tips, And A Smarter Way To Study Faster – Stop Wasting Time Clicking Through Decks And Let Your Flashcards Work For You
Research References
The information in this article is based on peer-reviewed research and established studies in cognitive psychology and learning science.
Cepeda, N. J., Pashler, H., Vul, E., Wixted, J. T., & Rohrer, D. (2006). Distributed practice in verbal recall tasks: A review and quantitative synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 132(3), 354-380
Meta-analysis showing spaced repetition significantly improves long-term retention compared to massed practice
Carpenter, S. K., Cepeda, N. J., Rohrer, D., Kang, S. H., & Pashler, H. (2012). Using spacing to enhance diverse forms of learning: Review of recent research and implications for instruction. Educational Psychology Review, 24(3), 369-378
Review showing spacing effects work across different types of learning materials and contexts
Kang, S. H. (2016). Spaced repetition promotes efficient and effective learning: Policy implications for instruction. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(1), 12-19
Policy review advocating for spaced repetition in educational settings based on extensive research evidence
Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger, H. L. (2008). The critical importance of retrieval for learning. Science, 319(5865), 966-968
Research demonstrating that active recall (retrieval practice) is more effective than re-reading for long-term learning
Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(1), 20-27
Review of research showing retrieval practice (active recall) as one of the most effective learning strategies
Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students' learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4-58
Comprehensive review ranking learning techniques, with practice testing and distributed practice rated as highly effective

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