Anki ↔ Excel Converter

https://jspann21.github.io/anki_excel_tool/

This tool simplifies the process of converting Anki decks to Excel-friendly formats and back again, without the hassle of manual encoding adjustments or dealing with Excel's Text Import Wizard. This lightweight web-based converter handles the hard work for you, processing files entirely locally in your browser. Your files are not uploaded, and no data is stored.

Features

• Convert Anki decks to Excel CSV
  Export your Anki decks into a CSV format that opens directly in Excel with proper UTF-8 encoding.

• Convert Excel files back to Anki format
  Save your edited Excel files as UTF-8 tab-delimited .txt files ready to import into Anki.

• Drag-and-Drop Simplicity
  Just drag and drop your files into the tool to convert instantly. No complex configurations or manual steps required.

• Supports Proper Filename Handling
  Automatically updates filenames, replacing -excel_ready with -anki_ready (and vice versa) for smooth workflows.

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How to Use

1. Export from Anki (for "Anki to Excel" mode):

   • In Anki, go to File > Export.
   • Select "Notes in Plain Text" as the export format.
   • Optionally include tags, HTML, or media references as needed.
   • Export the deck as a .txt file.

2. Convert Files:

   • Open this tool in your browser (hosted on GitHub Pages here).
   • Choose your mode:
     • Anki to Excel: Converts .txt files to UTF-8 CSV files that open directly in Excel.
     • Excel to Anki: Converts CSV files back into UTF-8 tab-delimited .txt files.
   • Drag and drop your file into the upload area, or click to select it.
   • Your file will be converted instantly, and a download prompt will appear.

3. Edit in Excel (optional):

   • Open the generated CSV directly in Excel by double-clicking it.
   • Make your edits. Each column corresponds to a field in your Anki note type.
   • Save changes using File > Save or Ctrl+S to retain UTF-8 encoding.

4. Import Back into Anki:

   • Drag and drop the edited CSV into the tool (set to Excel to Anki mode).
   • Download the newly generated .txt file.
   • Import it into Anki using File > Import.

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Example Workflow

1. Export your Anki deck as a .txt file.
2. Convert the .txt file to a UTF-8 CSV using the Anki to Excel mode.
3. Open the CSV in Excel, make changes, and save using Ctrl+S.
4. Convert the updated CSV back to a .txt file using Excel to Anki mode.
5. Import the .txt file back into Anki.

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Notes

• This tool assumes a modern version of Excel (e.g., Excel 2016 or later, or Microsoft 365) that preserves UTF-8 encoding when saving files with File > Save or Ctrl+S.
• Filenames are intelligently updated during conversion to prevent clutter:
  • Files ending with -excel_ready will have this replaced with -anki_ready when converting back to Anki format.
  • Otherwise, appropriate suffixes are appended.

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Limitations

• This tool is experimental—proceed with caution. If your Anki deck starts insisting on spelling everything backward, you’ve been warned!
• Always create backups of your Anki decks before using the tool.

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Contributing

Contributions, feedback, and bug reports are welcome! Feel free to submit an issue or open a pull request.

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Credits

• Adapted from the original process: Original Instructions Document
• Additional guidance: Anki Importing Guide

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