anki

Launch the GUI

$ anki

$ anki [[-p|--profile]] [profile_name]

$ anki [[-l|--lang]] [language]

$ anki [[-b|--base]] [path/to/directory]

anki [options] [deck]

-v, --version
    Print version information and exit

-p PROFILE, --profile=PROFILE
    Load specific user profile

--base=PATH
    Override config and media directory location

--db=PATH
    Override collection database location

-s, --sync
    Synchronize with AnkiWeb server

--export=FORMAT
    Export current deck in specified format (apkg, etc.)

--import=FILENAME
    Import file into current deck

--console
    Run in console/text mode instead of GUI

Anki is a powerful, intelligent flashcard program that uses spaced repetition algorithms to optimize long-term retention. It supports multimedia cards with text, images, audio, video, and LaTeX equations. Cards are organized into decks, which can be shared via AnkiWeb for synchronization across devices.

The anki command launches the graphical user interface (GUI) on Linux systems, where users create, study, and manage decks. It leverages Qt for the interface and Python for scripting extensibility. Anki is cross-platform, free, and open-source, with a large add-on ecosystem for customization.

Ideal for language learning, medical studies, or any memorization task, Anki schedules reviews based on user performance, minimizing study time while maximizing recall.

Requires Python and Qt libraries; GUI mode needs X11/Wayland display. Console mode limited compared to GUI. Large collections may consume significant disk space and RAM.

In --console, use commands like add, review, sync for non-GUI operation; see anki --console --help.

Optional deck loads specific deck on startup; supports subdecks via :: separator.

Developed by Damien Elmes since 2006, initially as a desktop app. Linux support via PyQt from early versions. Now at version 24.x, with ongoing enhancements to sync and mobile integration.

qt6-qtbase(1), python3(1)