anki_url = "http://localhost:8765"
for item in root.findall('card'): note = "action": "addNote", "version": 6, "params": "note": "deckName": "MyXMLDeck", "modelName": "Basic", "fields": "Front": item.find('question').text, "Back": item.find('answer').text , "tags": ["xml_import"] requests.post(anki_url, data=json.dumps(note))
After execution, your cards appear instantly in Anki. You can then export as .apkg via the GUI.
genanki.Package(my_deck).write_to_file('output.apkg') print("Successfully created output.apkg")
Converting XML to APKG (Anki Deck Package) usually requires a middle-man format because Anki does not natively support generic XML imports. Anki Forums Option 1: Direct XML Import (SuperMemo) If your XML follows the SuperMemo XML format , Anki can import it directly without conversion: Open Anki and go to File > Import Select your Anki will automatically parse the content into cards. Option 2: Convert via CSV (Most Common)
If your XML is from another source (like Brainyoo or custom data), the most reliable path is converting it to a CSV or TXT file Anki Forums Extract Data : Use an online XML to CSV converter or a script to isolate your "Front" and "Back" card data. xml to apkg
: Ensure your CSV has clear columns (e.g., Column A for the question, Column B for the answer). Import to Anki File > Import
in Anki and select your CSV. Anki will then allow you to save the deck as an file by using File > Export Option 3: Specialized Software
For specific non-standard XML types, users often rely on niche tools or scripts: Whiterock Software : Offers a paid XML to Anki
converter specifically mentioned for Brainyoo card transfers. Python Scripts : For developers, using a library like allows you to programmatically parse XML and generate files directly. Anki Forums 24 Nov 2024 —
Here’s a feature specification for an xml to apkg converter — a tool that transforms structured XML data into Anki flashcard packages (.apkg files). anki_url = "http://localhost:8765"
for item in root
1. Define the Source XML (data.xml)
<dictionary>
<entry>
<word>Apple</word>
<definition>A round fruit with red or green skin.</definition>
<image>apple.jpg</image>
</entry>
<entry>
<word>Banana</word>
<definition>A long curved fruit with yellow skin.</definition>
<image>banana.jpg</image>
</entry>
</dictionary>
2. The Python Script
import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
import genanki
import random
import hashlib
# 1. Define the Note Model (The Template)
# We use a hardcoded ID so the model stays consistent across runs.
def get_model_id():
return 1607392319
my_model = genanki.Model(
get_model_id(),
'Simple XML Vocabulary Model',
fields=[
'name': 'Word',
'name': 'Definition',
'name': 'Image', # Field for media
],
templates=[
'name': 'Card 1',
'qfmt': 'Word<br>Image', # Front of card
'afmt': 'FrontSide<hr id="answer">Definition', # Back of card
,
],
css='.card font-family: arial; font-size: 20px; text-align: center; color: black; background-color: white; '
)
# 2. Define the Deck
def get_deck_id():
return random.randrange(1 << 30, 1 << 31)
my_deck = genanki.Deck(
get_deck_id(),
'XML Imported Vocabulary'
)
# 3. Parse the XML
def parse_xml_and_populate_deck(xml_file, deck, model):
tree = ET.parse(xml_file)
root = tree.getroot()
# List to hold media files for packaging later
media_files = []
for entry in root.findall('entry'):
word = entry.find('word').text
definition = entry.find('definition').text
image_filename = entry.find('image').text
# Anki requires specific formatting for images in fields
# We construct the HTML string
image_html = f'<img src="image_filename">'
# Add image path to media list (assuming images are in the local directory)
media_files.append(image_filename)
# Create the Note
# genanki handles GUIDs automatically, but manual creation ensures stability
note = genanki.Note(
model=model,
fields=[word, definition, image_html]
)
deck.add_note(note)
return media_files
# 4. Execute and Package
media_files = parse_xml_and_populate_deck('data.xml', my_deck, my_model)
# Create the package
# If you have media, you pass them in the media_files list
my_package = genanki.Package(my_deck, media_files=media_files)
# Write to file
my_package.write_to_file('output.apkg')
print("Successfully created output.apkg")
APKG supports media embedding. When converting from XML, your XML might contain <img src="..."> or <audio> tags.
my_model = genanki.Model( 1607392319, 'Simple Model', fields=['name': 'Question', 'name': 'Answer'], templates=[ 'name': 'Card 1', 'qfmt': 'Question', 'afmt': 'FrontSide<hr id="answer">Answer', ])
In the digital age of learning, Anki has become the gold standard for spaced repetition software (SRS). Its native file format, APKG (Anki Package), allows users to share, backup, and distribute decks of flashcards. However, creating hundreds or thousands of Anki cards manually is tedious and error-prone. After execution, your cards appear instantly in Anki
Most data—whether from dictionaries, textbooks, APIs, or corporate databases—exists in XML (Extensible Markup Language). Learning how to convert XML to APKG is a superpower for educators, medical students, language learners, and developers.
This article will walk you through the "why," "how," and "best practices" of transforming raw XML data into a polished, ready-to-study Anki deck.
with open('anki_import.csv', 'w', newline='', encoding='utf-8') as csvfile: writer = csv.writer(csvfile) # Write header (these become field names in Anki) writer.writerow(['Front', 'Back', 'Example', 'Tags'])
for entry in root.findall('entry'):
word = entry.find('word').text
definition = entry.find('def').text
example = entry.find('example').text if entry.find('example') is not None else ''
writer.writerow([word, definition, example, 'xml_import'])
Step 2: Import CSV into Anki Desktop.
pip install genanki