Import From Anki

Use Anki import when you already have a useful .apkg package and do not want to rebuild it manually.

What Cardary Imports

Cardary can import:

• deck information from the package;
• note and card data from the Anki database;
• fields that can be rendered into Cardary card content;
• common image references;
• common audio references;
• media files included in the package.

Imported decks may use Simple or Universal structure depending on the source and import choice.

What May Need Review

Anki packages can contain complex templates and add-on behavior. Some behavior may not carry over exactly.

Review these items after import:

• custom template logic;
• cloze cards;
• conditional fields;
• custom CSS;
• JavaScript-dependent cards;
• LaTeX or formula markup;
• audio tags;
• image references;
• tags and categories.

Before Importing

• Back up important Anki packages.
• Remove test notes, duplicates, and outdated cards if possible.
• Start with a smaller package when testing.
• Confirm that the .apkg contains the media you expect.
• Plan extra time for large media-heavy packages.

After Importing

Open a representative sample:

• simple front/back cards;
• cloze or fill-in cards;
• image cards;
• audio cards;
• cards with long HTML;
• cards from each source note type.

Then run a short review. If the card depends on Anki-specific behavior that does not convert cleanly, simplify the card inside Cardary or adjust the Anki source and import again.

Media Troubleshooting

If media is missing:

1. Confirm the media existed in the original .apkg.
2. Check whether the imported card still references the media filename.
3. Verify that sync/resource download has finished.
4. Re-import a smaller sample to isolate the broken note type.

When to Rebuild Instead of Import

Rebuild manually or with spreadsheet import when:

• the Anki deck is mostly obsolete;
• cards depend heavily on add-ons;
• the template creates several answers from one overloaded note;
• the deck needs a new category/tag structure;
• you want to convert notes into a different Cardary deck type.

Related: Import Cards and Make Cards.