Anki MCP Server - Documentation

# Anki MCP Server

Selectively commit what you learn in conversation with an LLM to memory using a rigorous and proven learning framework

Python 3.10+ MCP 1.21+ MIT License
GitHub Features MCP Tools Installation

## Features

🎯

### Core Anki Operations

Full CRUD operations on flashcards and collections, with powerful search capabilities using Anki's native query syntax.

⚡

### Zero Dependencies

Works directly with Anki's stable pylib. No additional dependencies to manage or worry about.

🔒

### Thread-Safe

Safe concurrent access to Anki collections with proper locking mechanisms.

📡

### Stdio Transport

Simple stdio-based communication - no HTTP ports or network configuration needed.

🔌

### Anki Addon

Can be installed as a native Anki addon for direct integration with your Anki installation.

📚

### Well Documented

Comprehensive documentation with examples for all features and use cases.

## MCP Tools

Loading tools...

## Installation

### Prerequisites

- Python 3.10 or higher
- UV package manager
- Anki 2.1.50+ installed (to create collections)
- Note: Anki application must be closed when using the MCP server

### Step 1: Clone and Install

    git clone https://github.com/listfold/ankimcp.git
    cd ankimcp
    uv sync

    # Test the installation
    uv run python test_server.py

### Step 2: Configure Claude Code

Add the MCP server with user scope (available globally):

    claude mcp add --transport stdio --scope user anki -- \
      uv --directory /absolute/path/to/ankimcp run python -m ankimcp.mcp.stdio_server

Replace `/absolute/path/to/ankimcp` with the actual path.

Flags explained:

- `--transport stdio`: Specifies stdio communication
- `--scope user`: Makes server available in all Claude Code sessions
- `--`: Separates Claude Code flags from server command

Verify configuration: `claude mcp list`

### Step 3: Configure Claude Desktop (Optional)

Edit your Claude Desktop configuration file:

- macOS: `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
- Windows: `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`
- Linux: `~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`

    {
      "mcpServers": {
        "anki": {
          "command": "uv",
          "args": [
            "run",
            "python",
            "-m",
            "ankimcp.mcp.stdio_server"
          ],
          "cwd": "/absolute/path/to/ankimcp"
        }
      }
    }

Restart Claude Desktop after saving.