# Anki text file vs APKG: which NotebookLM flashcard export?

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/anki-tsv-vs-apkg  
Section: Compare  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free + Pro

Both put NotebookLM flashcards into Anki. The tab-separated text file is free and imports through File, Import, where you confirm which column is the front and which is the back. The .apkg package is a finished deck that opens with a double-click and needs no mapping; it requires Ultra Exporter Pro.

## Side by side

|  | Anki text (.txt, tab-separated) | Anki package (.apkg) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plan | Free, no daily quota | Pro |
| Import steps | File, Import, check field mapping | Double-click the file |
| Deck name and note type | Chosen during import | Included in the package |
| Editing before import | Easy in any text editor or spreadsheet | Edit inside Anki after import |
| Mobile | Import on desktop, then sync | Opens directly in the mobile apps |

## Which to choose

- Choose **Anki text (.txt, tab-separated)** if you are comfortable with the Anki import dialog, or want to edit the cards in a spreadsheet first.
- Choose **Anki package (.apkg)** if you want the fastest route, share decks with classmates, or import on a phone.

## Frequently asked questions

### Anki text (.txt, tab-separated) or Anki package (.apkg): which is better?

Neither in general. Choose Anki text (.txt, tab-separated) if you are comfortable with the Anki import dialog, or want to edit the cards in a spreadsheet first. Choose Anki package (.apkg) if you want the fastest route, share decks with classmates, or import on a phone.

### Do both keep the same cards?

Yes. The question and answer text is identical; only the container differs.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM flashcards to Anki](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/flashcards-to-anki)
- [Export NotebookLM flashcards to an Anki deck](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/flashcards-to-anki-apkg)
- [NotebookLM to Anki: flashcards and quizzes as decks](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/integrations/notebooklm-to-anki)
- [Moodle GIFT vs Moodle XML for NotebookLM quizzes](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/moodle-gift-vs-moodle-xml)
- [Anki vs Quizlet for NotebookLM flashcards](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/anki-vs-quizlet)
- [Image PowerPoint vs editable PowerPoint from NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/image-pptx-vs-editable-pptx)