Anki deck download: how .apkg files work, where to get decks and how to import them

Updated September 7, 2026 · DeckLearn Editorial Team · United States edition

Anki decks are commonly distributed as .apkg deck packages. A package can contain notes, cards and media such as audio. The important part is not just finding a download link: you should understand what you are importing, verify the source, preview the deck and avoid adding thousands of cards you do not actually need.

Where can you download Anki decks?

The official AnkiWeb Shared Decks library is the best-known source for free community decks. You can also download documented decks directly from publishers. Avoid anonymous mirror pages that provide little information about file contents or deck authorship.

What is an .apkg file?

An .apkg file is an Anki deck package used to distribute deck content. According to the Anki manual, exported packages can contain notes, cards, deck configuration and media depending on export settings. That is different from a full collection backup, which is designed to carry a broader collection state.

For most learners downloading a language deck, .apkg is the format you will commonly see for a transferable deck package.

Deck package vs collection package

How to import an .apkg deck on desktop

1. Download the .apkg file from a source you trust.
2. Open Anki on your computer.
3. Use the import option or open the package directly.
4. Confirm the imported deck, notes/cards and media.
5. Preview several cards before enabling a large new-card limit.
6. Sync only after you are satisfied with the import.

How to import an .apkg deck on Android

AnkiDroid can work with standard Anki deck packages. Open the downloaded package with AnkiDroid or use its import workflow, then verify that cards and media such as audio appear correctly. See our AnkiDroid decks guide for the Android workflow.

What should you check before downloading?

• who published the deck;
• what level or topic it covers;
• card or note count;
• whether audio or images are included;
• example card quality;
• last update when maintenance matters;
• whether you already have an overlapping deck;
• whether the file is actually an Anki package rather than an unrelated executable.

Free Anki deck downloads for language learners

DeckLearn publishes small U.S. starter decks on AnkiWeb so learners can test the format before considering a complete system.

• Spanish A1 — 100-card audio starter; Spanish A1 guide.
• German A1 — public audio starter; German deck guide.
• Japanese N5 — public N5 audio starter; Japanese N5 guide.
• Korean A1 — 100-card audio starter; Korean deck guide.

Free shared decks vs ready-made complete decks

Shared decks can be excellent for testing Anki, narrow topics and exam-specific vocabulary. A structured deck is more useful when you want one consistent format, audio and progression across several levels. The best choice depends on your goal rather than whether a deck is free or paid.

Download language Anki decks

DeckLearn USA focuses on four complete systems:

• Spanish A1–C1 Anki deck
• German A1–C1 Anki deck
• Japanese N5–N1 Anki deck
• Korean A1–C1 Anki deck

Should you download a giant Anki deck?

A large deck is not automatically a problem if you introduce cards gradually. The mistake is enabling thousands of new cards at once. A large structured deck should be treated as a long-term library, not as a one-week checklist.

Is it safe to download Anki decks?

Use reputable sources and understand what you are importing. A normal shared Anki deck download is generally a package or collection file, not a random executable installer. When in doubt, prefer AnkiWeb or a publisher page that documents the deck clearly.

What happens when you import an updated deck?

Updates can interact with existing notes and cards depending on how the package was created and whether matching identifiers are present. If you care about preserving your own edits or scheduling, read the publisher's update instructions before importing a newer package over an existing deck.

Where can I find more Anki deck downloads?

Use the Anki Shared Decks search guide to find community decks by topic, language, level or exam. For verified DeckLearn free starters, use the free language Anki decks page.

See our editorial standards and deck comparison methodology for how we evaluate public deck claims and trade-offs.