Provides tools to create and manage Anki flashcards, including single or batch card creation with tags, deck management (creating and listing), searching cards using Anki's query syntax, retrieving deck statistics, and triggering synchronization with AnkiWeb.
Click on "Install Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@anki-mcpCreate a flashcard about Python decorators in my coding deck"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
anki-mcp
An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that enables Claude Code to create and manage Anki flashcards. Create flashcards during your coding sessions and review them later on mobile via AnkiWeb sync.
Why
Learning happens during work, but knowledge fades without review. This tool lets you capture learnings as flashcards without leaving your terminal, then review them on your phone using Anki's spaced repetition system.
Features
Create single or batch flashcards with tags
Create and list decks (supports nested decks via
::syntax)Search cards using Anki's query syntax
Get deck statistics (new, due, total cards)
Sync to AnkiWeb for mobile access
Check AnkiConnect connection status
Prerequisites
macOS (tested on macOS 14+)
Python 3.12+
uv package manager
Claude Code CLI
Setup
1. Install Anki Desktop
2. Install AnkiConnect Add-on
Open Anki
Go to Tools > Add-ons > Get Add-ons...
Enter code:
2055492159Click OK
Restart Anki
3. Configure AnkiConnect Port (if needed)
AnkiConnect defaults to port 8765. If that port is in use, change it:
Go to Tools > Add-ons
Select AnkiConnect > Config
Change
"webBindPort": 8765to another port (e.g.,8766)Restart Anki
The config file is located at:
4. Clone and Install anki-mcp
5. Configure Claude Code
Add to your .mcp.json (project-level) or ~/.claude/settings.json (global):
Update the --directory path and ANKI_CONNECT_URL port to match your setup.
6. Restart Claude Code
The MCP server will be available after restart.
7. Configure AnkiWeb Sync (for mobile access)
Create an account at ankiweb.net
In Anki desktop: Tools > Preferences > Syncing
Sign in with your AnkiWeb credentials
Install AnkiMobile (iOS, paid) or AnkiDroid (Android, free)
Sign in to the mobile app with the same account
Usage
Once configured, you can use natural language in Claude Code:
Available Tools
Tool | Description |
| List all Anki decks |
| Create a new deck |
| Add a single flashcard |
| Add multiple flashcards in batch |
| Search using Anki query syntax |
| Get deck statistics |
| Trigger AnkiWeb sync |
| Check if AnkiConnect is responding |
Search Query Examples
Architecture
Requirements
Anki desktop must be running for the MCP server to work
AnkiConnect add-on must be installed and enabled
Sync is not automatic - use the
sync_ankitool or sync manually in Anki
Troubleshooting
"AnkiConnect not responding"
Ensure Anki desktop is running
Check that AnkiConnect is installed (Tools > Add-ons)
Verify the port in your config matches AnkiConnect's port
Port conflict
If port 8765 is in use:
Check what's using it:
lsof -i :8765Change AnkiConnect to a different port (see step 3 above)
Update
ANKI_CONNECT_URLin your MCP config
Sync fails with "auth not configured"
Sign in to AnkiWeb in Anki desktop (Tools > Preferences > Syncing).
License
MIT