Anki How To – A Simple Guide (And an Easier Alternative With Flashrecall)

If you’re searching for “Anki how to,” you’re probably trying to figure out how to actually use Anki without getting overwhelmed. Anki is powerful — but let’s be honest, it’s not the easiest app to learn.

If you want the same benefits of active recall + spaced repetition without the complicated setup, Flashrecall is a much faster and beginner-friendly option. But first, here’s the simple guide you’re looking for.

🧠 What Anki Actually Does

Anki helps you memorise by using:

• Active recall → thinking before checking
• Spaced repetition → showing cards right before you forget

The system works incredibly well if you set it up correctly and stick with it.

⚙️ How To Use Anki (Step-by-Step)

✔ 1. Install Anki

Download Anki for desktop (free).

The iPhone version is paid.

The Android version is free.

✔ 2. Create Your First Deck

A deck is like a folder for flashcards.

Name it something simple like:

• “Japanese N5”
• “Biology Chapter 2”
• “Medical Terms”
• “CFA Level 1 Ethics”

Don’t overthink it.

✔ 3. Add Cards

Each flashcard has a front and back:

The simpler the card, the better the memory.

✔ 4. Study Using Active Recall

Anki’s strength is forcing you to think before flipping.

Proper method:

1. Look at the question

2. Pause

3. Try to recall

4. Flip

5. Mark Easy / Good / Hard

This is what builds real memory.

✔ 5. Review Every Day (Non-Negotiable)

Anki works best when you:

• show up daily
• clear your due cards
• keep adding new cards slowly

Skipping days makes reviews pile up.

✔ 6. Keep Cards SIMPLE

One mistake per card.

One idea per card.

Example of a bad card:

“All causes of inflation + definitions + formulas.”

Example of a good card:

“What is inflation?”

“What causes inflation?”

“What is demand-pull inflation?”

Simple = faster progress.

✔ 7. Avoid Too Many Add-Ons (Beginner Mistake)

Add-ons are powerful, but they can also make things confusing.

Start with the basics first.

⚠️ Why Many Beginners Struggle With Anki

Common frustrations:

• card creation is slow
• iPhone app is paid
• syncing feels old
• interface is outdated
• setting up SRS intervals is confusing
• huge decks feel overwhelming

That’s why many people switch to something simpler.

🚀 The Easier Alternative: Flashrecall

If you want Anki’s power but without the headaches, Flashrecall is designed to solve everything Anki struggles with.

✔ Auto-create flashcards from ANYTHING

Flashrecall can generate flashcards instantly from:

• images
• PDFs
• lecture slides
• screenshots
• YouTube videos
• audio
• text
• typed prompts

Anki requires you to type everything manually.

Flashrecall does it in seconds.

✔ Built-in active recall (done properly)

Flashrecall forces you to think → answer → reveal → rate.

No passive flipping.

✔ Automatic spaced repetition (no setup)

No settings.

No add-ons.

No interval tweaking.

Flashrecall schedules everything perfectly for you.

✔ Modern, clean, easy to use

Fast tapping.

Simple navigation.

Great for 5-minute study sessions.

✔ Free to use

Unlike Anki on iPhone, Flashrecall doesn’t cost anything to start.

🎯 Final Takeaway

If you want to learn “how to use Anki,” the steps above will help you master the basics. Anki is powerful, but it takes effort, setup, and discipline.

If you want the same science but with:

• no setup
• no manual card creation
• no paid app
• no confusing features
• instant card generation

…then Flashrecall is the much easier way to start.

Both work — but one saves you hours.

Related Articles

• Anki – What It Is and How Flashrecall Anki Helps You Learn Faster With Flashcards and Spaced Repetition
• Master Active Recall with Anki and FlashRecall: Study Smarter
• Master Anatomy with 100 Key Concepts: Study Tips Using Anki
• Anki Examples – Simple Flashcard Examples And Why Flashrecall Makes It Even Easier
• Anki How To – The Ultimate Guide To Getting Started Easily With Anki So You Can Crush Your Study Goals- Anki Guides Hub

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.