Getting Started

Use this guide to build a reliable study loop before importing a large library. Cardary works best when you start with a small deck, verify the card structure, then scale.

What Cardary Is For

Cardary is a memory workspace. It helps you collect learning material, turn it into cards, review with spaced repetition, sync across devices, and use AI or OCR when those tools save time.

The core workflow is:

1. Create or download a deck.
2. Add a small set of cards.
3. Review the sample.
4. Adjust fields, media, tags, and schedule settings.
5. Import or create the rest of the material.
6. Sync before switching devices.

1. Choose a Deck Type

Start with one clear learning objective. Good first decks are small, specific, and easy to judge.

Goal	Recommended deck type
Mixed facts, diagrams, definitions, or flexible prompts	Universal
Lightweight front/back cards	Simple
Language terms, pronunciation, meanings, and examples	Vocabulary
Notes, excerpts, and source-based study	Notebook
Choice, judgement, typing, or reading questions	Quiz Set

If you are unsure, choose Universal. Use a more specific type when the material has a stable format.

2. Add a Small Sample

Add 10 to 30 cards before creating or importing hundreds. A sample lets you check:

• whether the card type matches the material;
• whether fields are clear enough to answer;
• whether images, audio, formulas, and files display correctly;
• whether categories and tags are useful;
• whether the review screen is easy to grade.

For spreadsheet or Anki imports, import a small file first. Fix the source file before importing the full library.

3. Configure the Study Plan

Start with a conservative daily new-card count. The first week is for learning your real pace, not maximizing volume.

Useful defaults:

• keep new cards low until reviews stabilize;
• finish due reviews before adding more material;
• reduce new cards after a missed day;
• avoid resetting the deck unless you intentionally want to restart;
• split overloaded cards instead of forcing them through review.

4. Review Honestly

Cardary uses answer grades to schedule the next review:

• Missed: you did not recall it; the card should return soon.
• Hard: you recalled it with effort; the interval should remain cautious.
• Good: normal successful recall.
• Easy: strong recall; the card can move farther out.

Some quick study flows use only correct/incorrect. In those flows, incorrect answers are treated conservatively so cards return sooner.

5. Use AI, OCR, and Media Carefully

AI can explain a card or draft new cards. OCR can recognize text, questions, formulas, and basic card sides from images. These features are creation aids, not final answers.

Before saving or publishing generated content:

• check factual accuracy;
• fix broken fields and formatting;
• remove private or copyrighted material you cannot share;
• crop images so OCR receives only the useful area;
• keep prompts short and specific.

More detail: Make Cards and AI & OCR.

6. Sync and Protect Your Work

Sign in before relying on long-term decks. Let sync finish after major edits, imports, media changes, review sessions, or account changes.

Good sync habits:

• sync before switching devices;
• avoid editing the same deck on two devices while both are offline;
• retry on a stable network if sync fails;
• wait for resource upload/download after media-heavy imports;
• export important material before destructive cleanup.

More detail: Account & Sync.

First-Week Checklist

• Create one focused deck.
• Add 10 to 30 cards.
• Review the sample on the same day.
• Fix confusing prompts before adding more cards.
• Turn on sync before using another device.
• Read Learning & Review when the queue behavior is unclear.