How to Import Existing Anki Decks into GemReader

Jumping between a book reader and an external flashcard application can fragment your attention. If you are learning a foreign language or studying for specialized licensing exams, reviewing vocabulary and concepts right alongside the books where you encounter them creates a cohesive daily routine.

GemReader allows you to import Anki packages (.apkg, .colpkg) and text exports directly into its local study engine. Both standard two-sided cards and cloze deletions transition smoothly, taking full advantage of GemReader's clean typography and modern FSRS-5 spaced repetition scheduler.

Before importing an external deck, ensure you have:

• Platforms: GemReader installed on your device (Android or iOS).
• Prerequisites: An Anki deck file (.apkg, .colpkg, or .txt/.csv/.tsv export) saved on your device.
• Connection: 100% offline (the import runs entirely on your phone).

1. 1
   Open GemReader and tap the Study icon in the bottom navigation bar.
2. 2
   Tap the options menu in the study header and select Import Anki deck.
3. 3
   Your device's file picker will open. Browse to your files and select your .apkg, .colpkg, or text export file.
4. 4
   GemReader inspects and extracts the cards on device, deduplicating any entries that already exist in your deck.
5. 5
   Once complete, a confirmation reports Deck imported with the count of added cards.
6. 6
   The imported cards appear on your Study screen immediately, scheduled and ready for review.

• Supported File Formats: GemReader supports .apkg, .colpkg, and Anki plain-text (.txt, .csv, .tsv) exports. If an .apkg was generated by a very new Anki build and fails to read, exporting as plain text or an older deck format ensures compatibility.
• Preserved Cloze Syntax: Cloze blanks and deletion fields are preserved during import, allowing you to review fill-in-the-blank cards seamlessly.
• Duplicate Protection: If you re-import an updated version of a shared deck, GemReader automatically skips duplicate cards to protect your review history.