How do I turn a PDF into an Anki deck?

Drop the PDF into AnkiForge, check the detected chapters, click Generate cards, review the cards, then Download .apkg. Double-click the file or use File → Import in Anki and the deck appears — typically under a minute end to end.

Is the exported file a real .apkg, not just a CSV?

Yes. AnkiForge builds the actual Anki package format in the browser: a zip containing a collection.anki2 SQLite database with proper note types (Basic and Cloze), your tags, and one card per cloze deletion. CSV and TSV exports are also available as a fallback.

Do I need an API key?

No. Without a key, a built-in generator creates cards from definition sentences, headings and bullet lists — instantly and offline. Add a free OpenRouter key and an LLM writes higher-quality cards with a proper Q/A, cloze and definition mix.

Are my notes uploaded anywhere?

No. PDF parsing, rules-based card generation, export and study mode all run locally in the browser. Only in AI mode is the selected text sent — directly to OpenRouter, under your own key. There is no AnkiForge server.

Can I study without installing Anki?

Yes. The built-in study mode uses SM-2 spaced repetition with again/hard/good/easy grading, interval previews, session stats and a daily streak. Decks persist in the browser on your device.

What card types are generated?

Three types: question/answer cards, definition cards, and cloze deletions, including enumeration clozes built from bullet lists. Every card is editable and taggable before export.

AnkiForge — AI Flashcard Generator: PDF to Anki Deck (.apkg) in 60 Seconds