Anki YAML Sync

A Python CLI tool for bi-directional syncing of Anki notes as YAML files for easy editing and version control.

Inspired by visserle/DeckOps.

Features

• Bi-Directional Syncing: Import notes from Anki to YAML and export YAML back to Anki
• Human-Readable Format: Notes are stored as YAML files for easy editing
• Flexible: Update existing notes or create new notes (based on ID field)
• Deck-Aware Storage: Notes are stored in folders that mirror deck nesting

Requirements

• Anki: Running instance of Anki desktop
• AnkiConnect: Must be installed and running on localhost:8765 (default)

To set up AnkiConnect (https://ankiweb.net/shared/info/2055492159):

1. Open Anki > Menu Bar > Tools > Add-ons > Get Add-ons
2. Enter the code 2055492159 and click "OK" to install AnkiConnect
3. Restart Anki

Installation

Run the following command to install globally: pipx install anki-yaml-sync

Usage

Import Notes from Anki

Fetch all notes from Anki and save them as YAML files:

anki-yaml-sync import [--output-dir OUTPUT]

Aliases: get-from-anki, fetch, gfa, f

Options:

• --output-dir, -o: Directory to save YAML files (default: notes)

Example:

anki-yaml-sync import --output-dir ./my-notes

Export Notes to Anki

Sync YAML files back to Anki:

anki-yaml-sync export [--input-dir INPUT] [--deck DECK]

Aliases: send-to-anki, push, sta, p

Options:

• --input-dir, -i: Directory containing YAML files (default: notes)
• --deck: Deck to add new notes to (default: Default)

Example:

anki-yaml-sync export --input-dir ./my-notes --deck "My Deck"

Verbose Output

Add -v or --verbose flag to any command for detailed logging:

anki-yaml-sync -v import
anki-yaml-sync -v export

YAML Format

Each note is stored as a separate YAML file. Example:

id: 1234567890
type: Basic
deck: Languages::French
tags:
  - french
  - vocabulary
fields:
  Front: Bonjour
  Back: Hello

Fields:

• id: Anki note ID (required for updates)
• type: Note type name (e.g., "Basic", "Cloze")
• deck: Full deck name using :: (e.g., Parent::Child)
• tags: List of tags to apply
• fields: Dictionary of field names to field values

Deck Folder Structure

Deck nesting is reflected in folders. For example, a note in deck Languages::French is stored as:

notes/Languages/French/<note>.yaml

Workflow

1. Initial Import: Run anki-yaml-sync import to create YAML files from your Anki collection
2. Edit: Open and edit the YAML files with your text editor or IDE
3. Sync Back: Run anki-yaml-sync export to sync your changes back to Anki

Updating Existing Notes

If a YAML file has an id field that matches an existing Anki note, the export will update that note. Fields are completely replaced (not merged).

If the YAML deck differs from the current deck, the note's cards will be moved to the YAML deck.

Creating New Notes

To create a new note:

1. Create a new YAML file with a temporary or missing id (e.g., 0 or null)
2. Run anki-yaml-sync export
3. The YAML file will be automatically updated with the assigned note ID

Note: If the ID is that of an existing note, the existing note may be overwritten with the YAML file instead of creating a new note in Anki.

Contributing

See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines on contributing to this project and setting up development environment on your device.