Anki
An MCP server that enables AI assistants to interact with the Anki flashcard application for studying, deck management, and note creation. It supports natural language interaction for reviewing cards, searching content, and managing media files acros
What is Anki?
Anki is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to mcp server that enables ai assistants to interact with the anki flashcard application for studying, deck management, and note creation. it supports natural language interaction for reviewing cards, se...
An MCP server that enables AI assistants to interact with the Anki flashcard application for studying, deck management, and note creation. It supports natural language interaction for reviewing cards, searching content, and managing media files acros
This server falls under the Knowledge & Memory category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- An MCP server that enables AI assistants to interact with th
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
NPM
npx -y @ankimcp/anki-mcp-serverManual Installation
npx -y @ankimcp/anki-mcp-serverConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Anki
The Anki MCP Server bridges AI assistants with your local Anki flashcard collection by communicating through the AnkiConnect plugin. It exposes 42 tools covering deck management, note creation and editing, card review workflows, media file handling, model templates, and GUI automation — letting Claude create study sessions, bulk-import vocabulary cards, or analyse review statistics without you leaving the chat window. It is particularly useful for language learners, medical students, and anyone building large structured flashcard libraries.
Prerequisites
- Anki desktop application installed and running
- AnkiConnect add-on installed in Anki (add-on code 2055492159 from AnkiWeb)
- Node.js 22.12.0 or later
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop
Install the AnkiConnect add-on
Open Anki, go to Tools → Add-ons → Get Add-ons, and enter the code 2055492159. Restart Anki. AnkiConnect will now listen on http://localhost:8765 by default.
Keep Anki running
The MCP server communicates with Anki in real time, so Anki must be open whenever you use the server. Sync your collection (File → Sync) before starting a session to ensure cards are up to date.
Add the server to your MCP client config
Open your Claude Desktop configuration file and add the Anki MCP server entry. The server runs via npx — no global install required.
{
"mcpServers": {
"anki-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@ankimcp/anki-mcp-server", "--stdio"],
"env": {
"ANKI_CONNECT_URL": "http://localhost:8765"
}
}
}
}Optional: set an AnkiConnect API key
If you have configured an API key inside AnkiConnect's settings for additional security, pass it via the environment variable.
{
"mcpServers": {
"anki-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@ankimcp/anki-mcp-server", "--stdio"],
"env": {
"ANKI_CONNECT_URL": "http://localhost:8765",
"ANKI_CONNECT_API_KEY": "your-anki-connect-key"
}
}
}
}Optional: enable read-only mode
Set READ_ONLY=true to prevent the AI from adding, modifying, or deleting any cards. Useful for exploratory or review-only sessions.
"env": { "ANKI_CONNECT_URL": "http://localhost:8765", "READ_ONLY": "true" }Restart Claude Desktop and start studying
Quit and relaunch Claude Desktop so it picks up the new MCP server. You can now ask Claude to review due cards, create decks, or import media files directly through conversation.
Anki Examples
Client configuration
Minimal Claude Desktop configuration for the Anki MCP server using stdio transport.
{
"mcpServers": {
"anki-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@ankimcp/anki-mcp-server", "--stdio"],
"env": {
"ANKI_CONNECT_URL": "http://localhost:8765"
}
}
}
}Prompts to try
Example prompts to use once the Anki MCP server is connected.
- "Show me my due cards for the Japanese Vocabulary deck and quiz me one at a time"
- "Create 10 Spanish verb conjugation flashcards for irregular verbs in the preterite tense"
- "What are my review statistics for the last 30 days across all decks?"
- "Add the tag 'needs-audio' to all notes in the French Pronunciation deck"
- "Create a new card model called 'Medical Term' with fields: Term, Definition, Example, Image"Troubleshooting Anki
Connection refused error — cannot reach AnkiConnect
Ensure Anki is open and the AnkiConnect add-on is installed and enabled. By default it listens on port 8765. Check Tools → Add-ons in Anki to confirm AnkiConnect is active, then restart Anki if needed.
Note update fails silently when editing a card
Anki's browser window locks notes for editing. Close the Anki card browser (the Browse window) before asking Claude to update note fields.
Media file import is rejected or fails
Check that MEDIA_ALLOWED_TYPES includes the MIME type of your file (e.g. image/jpeg, audio/mp3). If importing from a local path, set MEDIA_IMPORT_DIR to the directory containing your files so the server's path validation allows access.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anki
What is Anki?
Anki is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that mcp server that enables ai assistants to interact with the anki flashcard application for studying, deck management, and note creation. it supports natural language interaction for reviewing cards, searching content, and managing media files acros It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Anki?
Install via npm with the command: npx -y @ankimcp/anki-mcp-server. Then add the server configuration to your AI client's JSON config file (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json).
Which AI clients work with Anki?
Anki works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Anki free to use?
Yes, Anki is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Set Up Anki in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
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