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Anki MCP Server

by ethangillani

The Anki MCP Server enables LLMs to interact with Anki flashcard software through the AnkiConnect API. It allows for creating decks, adding notes, searching, and managing Anki content programmatically.

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Anki MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables LLMs to interact with Anki flashcard software through the AnkiConnect API.

Features

  • Create new decks in Anki
  • Add notes to existing decks
  • List available decks and note models
  • Search for notes using Anki's search syntax
  • Get detailed information about note models and their fields
  • Bulk add multiple notes at once

Prerequisites

  • Node.js (v14 or later)
  • Anki with the AnkiConnect add-on installed
  • A Model Context Protocol compatible client (such as Claude with Anthropic MCP support)

Installation

  1. Make sure you have Anki installed with the AnkiConnect add-on

    • Install AnkiConnect by going to Tools > Add-ons > Get Add-ons and entering code: 2055492159
  2. Clone this repository:

    git clone https://github.com/yourusername/anki-mcp-server.git
    cd anki-mcp-server
    
  3. Install dependencies:

    npm install
    
  4. Build the project:

    npm run build
    

Usage

  1. Make sure Anki is running on your computer with AnkiConnect enabled

  2. Start the MCP server:

    npm start
    
  3. Connect your MCP client (e.g., Claude) to this server

Available Tools

The server provides the following tools to MCP clients:

  • listDecks: Get a list of all decks in Anki
  • listModels: Get a list of all note models/types in Anki
  • createDeck: Create a new deck in Anki
  • getModel: Get details about a specific note model/type
  • addNote: Add a single note to a deck
  • addNotes: Add multiple notes at once
  • searchNotes: Search for notes using Anki's search syntax

Examples

Create a New Deck

{
  "name": "createDeck",
  "arguments": {
    "name": "My New Deck"
  }
}

Add a Note

{
  "name": "addNote",
  "arguments": {
    "deckName": "My New Deck",
    "modelName": "Basic",
    "fields": {
      "Front": "What is the capital of France?",
      "Back": "Paris"
    },
    "tags": ["geography", "europe"]
  }
}

Search Notes

{
  "name": "searchNotes",
  "arguments": {
    "query": "deck:\"My New Deck\" tag:geography"
  }
}

Configuration

The server configuration is in the config object in src/index.ts. You can modify:

  • ankiConnectUrl: URL for the AnkiConnect API (default: http://localhost:8765)
  • apiVersion: API version for AnkiConnect (default: 6)
  • defaultDeckName: Default deck to use if none specified (default: Default)

Troubleshooting

  1. Cannot connect to Anki

    • Make sure Anki is running
    • Check that AnkiConnect add-on is installed and working
    • Verify that the AnkiConnect URL is correct (default: http://localhost:8765)
  2. Permission issues with AnkiConnect

    • AnkiConnect may prompt for permission when the server tries to add cards. Look for a popup in Anki.

License

MIT License