{
  "id": 19319891,
  "title": "Anki text import: the header block that keeps fields from breaking",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/anki-text-import-the-header-block-that-keeps-fields-from-breaking",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-10T10:48:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/glenkit/anki-text-import-the-header-block-that-keeps-fields-from-breaking-39p8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The header block in Anki's text importer plays a crucial role in preventing field discrepancies and ensuring proper import of flashcards. By placing specific directives at the top of the file, users can control various aspects of the import process, such as the field separator, column names, note type, deck, and tags.\n\nOne key aspect of the header block is its ability to remove Anki's default guessing of field separators. This prevents issues like truncated cards or misplaced answers due to unexpected characters like commas. Additionally, by specifying column names and their corresponding field numbers, users can ensure that data is correctly mapped and avoid duplicate entries when re-importing a deck.\n\nTo build a file that avoids the five common pitfalls mentioned in the article, developers can use a 30-line Python script to generate the necessary header block and field formatting. This script takes into account issues such as tabs within fields, line breaks, HTML formatting, encoding, and duplicate matching. By carefully handling these aspects, users can create a robust file that imports smoothly and accurately into Anki, maintaining the integrity of their study materials.",
  "summary": "Every \"AI made me 500 flashcards\" workflow dies at the same place: the file imports, the toast says N notes added , and then you open the deck and find the answer sitting in the front field, half the cards truncated at the first comma, and accents turned into é . Anki's text importer is documented, but the docs are spread across a long page and the defaults are guesses. The fix is not a better…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}