Guide to FSRS4Anki Integration

FSRS4Anki is a machine learning-based upgrade to Anki's standard algorithm, designed to improve learning efficiency with smarter review scheduling. Here's what you need to know:

• Retention Rate: Achieve up to 90% retention using predictive forgetting curves.
• Reduced Workload: Custom intervals cut review time by 30-50%.
• Adaptive Scheduling: Automatically adjusts for card difficulty and user performance.

Quick Setup:

1. Requirements: Anki 23.10+, FSRS4Anki Helper add-on, and at least 200 reviews completed.
2. Enable FSRS: Go to Deck Options > Advanced (or FSRS in Anki 24.04) and toggle it on.
3. Optimize Parameters: Use the optimizer after 400+ reviews for personalized scheduling.

FSRS4Anki is ideal for students, language learners, and exam takers who want efficient and effective study sessions. Follow the guide for step-by-step installation, multi-device setup, and advanced customization.

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Setup Requirements

Before getting started with FSRS4Anki installation, make sure you meet the necessary conditions for a seamless setup.

System Requirements

Here's what you need:

• Anki Version: Version 23.10 or later, which includes native FSRS support.
• FSRS4Anki Helper: Ensure you have the latest version of this add-on installed.
• Platform Compatibility: FSRS works on desktop Anki (Windows, Mac, Linux), AnkiWeb, AnkiMobile (iOS), and AnkiDroid (Android) ^[2].

Deck Settings

To configure your decks:

• Go to Deck Options in Anki.
• Open the "Advanced" section (or "FSRS" section in Anki 24.04).
• Enable the FSRS toggle ^[2].

When FSRS is enabled, it automatically disables the following settings:

• Graduating interval
• Easy bonus
• Starting ease
• Interval modifier ^[3]

Review History Setup

FSRS4Anki relies on your review history for optimization:

• Minimum Reviews: At least 200 reviews are needed to start optimizing.
• Review Quality: Both reviews done before and after enabling FSRS contribute to your history. Make sure to provide honest answers during reviews for the best results ^[2].
• Learning Steps: Stick to the default learning and relearning steps. Avoid setting any step longer than one day, as FSRS manages longer intervals differently ^[3].

"FSRS only modifies the long-term scheduling aspect of Anki. The learning steps and relearning steps work as they do in the traditional Anki algorithm" ^[3].

Once you've checked off these requirements, you’re ready to move on to installing FSRS4Anki in the next section.

Installation Guide

To get started with FSRS4Anki Helper, follow these steps:

1. Open Anki and go to Tools > Add-ons.
2. Use the add-on code 759844606 to install FSRS4Anki Helper.
3. Restart Anki to activate the add-on ^[5].

Note: If you've previously used FSRS with custom scheduling, ensure you delete any existing FSRS code from the custom scheduling field before enabling the new toggle ^[1][2].

Scheduling Setup

Here's how to set up your scheduling:

1. Retention Settings
   Adjust the 'Desired retention' in Deck Options > FSRS parameters based on your needs:
   • Language learning: Aim for 90–95% retention.
   • Fact-heavy subjects: Set retention to 90% or higher.
   • Conceptual topics: Choose 85–90% retention ^[2][4].
2. Optimize Parameters
   • Click the Optimize button to fine-tune FSRS to your learning habits.
   • The system will personalize intervals using your review data automatically ^[2].

Multi-device Setup

If you use Anki across multiple devices, follow these steps:

• Desktop Setup
  Complete the installation and setup process as outlined above.
• Mobile Configuration
  • For AnkiDroid, update to version 2.17 or later and sync.
  • For AnkiMobile, sync after finishing the desktop setup ^[2].

Advanced Settings

Parameter Settings

FSRS4Anki includes detailed parameter controls to help you personalize your spaced repetition experience. One key parameter to focus on is:

Maximum Interval: Adjust this to set the longest interval between reviews. For more complex topics like technical subjects, shorter maximum intervals may be more effective compared to general knowledge ^[6].

These settings allow experienced users to refine how intervals are calculated, building on the basic optimization process covered earlier.

Testing and Adjustment

FSRS4Anki comes with simulation tools to help you fine-tune your settings. Powered by the Difficulty, Stability, Retrievability (DSR) memory model, these tools offer more precise scheduling compared to standard spaced repetition systems ^[4].

To keep your system running smoothly:

• Perform weekly optimizations after the initial setup, using your review data to adjust intervals.
• Use the built-in analytics to track and improve your performance.

For additional flexibility, Python-based simulation tools included with FSRS4Anki let you test different scenarios before applying changes to your study decks.

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Additional Study Tools

Once you've fine-tuned FSRS4Anki's advanced settings, you might want to pair it with tools like QuizCat AI to elevate your learning experience.

QuizCat AI

QuizCat AI brings AI-driven content creation and diverse learning methods to the table, making it a great companion for FSRS4Anki. It can generate Anki-ready flashcards from your uploaded materials and design quizzes that highlight areas where you're struggling, helping you create focused cards based on those gaps ^[7].

Why Use QuizCat AI?

• AI-generated quizzes pinpoint weak areas, making it easier to create targeted FSRS4Anki cards.
• Includes a podcast feature for on-the-go auditory learning, perfect for filling time between review sessions.

Common Problems

While FSRS4Anki works well when set up correctly, some common issues can arise. Here's how to address them:

Scheduling Problems

If you're noticing unexpected card intervals or optimization errors, the issue likely lies in the parameter optimization process.

• Review History Requirements: Make sure you have enough review data before running the optimizer. With Anki 24.04, at least 400 reviews are needed (previously 1,000) ^[2].
• Parameter Adjustments: If card intervals seem off, double-check your FSRS settings in the deck options. The "stability" parameter should generally range between 0.5 and 5 ^[2].
• Optimization Errors: If the optimizer isn't working, it's often due to a lack of review data. Try resetting the parameters to default, continue reviewing as usual, and reattempt optimization after gathering more data ^[2].

Device Sync Issues

Using FSRS4Anki across multiple devices can sometimes lead to syncing issues. To keep everything running smoothly:

• Resolve Sync Conflicts:
  • Use Tools > Check Database on the desktop version of Anki.
  • Perform a full sync from your most updated device.
  • Use the deck options' "share" feature to ensure parameter consistency across devices ^[1].
• Keep Parameters Consistent: The "share" feature in deck options helps apply the same settings across all devices ^[1].

If problems persist, reach out to the FSRS4Anki GitHub community. Share details about your setup to get tailored advice from experienced users.

Summary

Key Points

FSRS4Anki improves spaced repetition by using machine learning. Its predictions become more precise with regular usage and enough review data.

To get started, follow these steps:

• Initial Setup: Activate FSRS in Deck Options.
• Configuration: Begin with the default settings.
• Optimization: Optimize after completing 400+ reviews.
• Maintenance: Keep parameters synced across all devices.

Getting Started

Enhance FSRS scheduling by pairing it with QuizCat AI-generated content (refer to Additional Tools). Consistent use and accurate review ratings are crucial for achieving the best outcomes with FSRS4Anki. Honest ratings play a key role in fine-tuning the system effectively.

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about these solutions:

How to enable FSRS on Anki mobile?

First, enable FSRS on the desktop version of Anki. After that, sync your changes to the mobile app. For AnkiDroid 2.17+, you may need to perform a force sync if FSRS was previously activated ^[2].

What is FSRS Anki?

FSRS (Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler) is a tool that enhances Anki's default algorithm. It uses machine learning to adjust review schedules based on your memory patterns ^[5]. This approach helps create personalized intervals for reviewing cards, improving memory retention and learning efficiency ^[8].

How do I install FSRS in Anki?

For Anki 23.10 or later:

• Open the Deck Options menu.
• Go to the "Advanced" section (labeled "FSRS" in Anki 24.04).
• Turn FSRS on.

Keep in mind that traditional settings will automatically be turned off ^[2]. It's recommended to complete at least 400 reviews before fine-tuning FSRS settings ^[2]. For a step-by-step guide, refer back to the Setup Requirements section.