Why Switch from Anki to Mayinab on Mac?
Anki has been the go-to spaced repetition tool for years. It's powerful and open-source. But its interface feels like it was designed in 2006 and never updated. On macOS, it looks especially out of place next to apps like Bear, Craft, or Notion.
Mayinab uses the same SM-2 algorithm as Anki, but with a modern, polished interface that Mac users actually enjoy using.
Notes + Flashcards in One App
Anki is flashcard-only. If you want to take notes, you need a separate app — Apple Notes, Notion, Bear. Then you create flashcards separately in Anki. That's two apps, two workflows, constant context switching.
In Mayinab, you take notes and create flashcards in the same chat timeline. Type /flashcard right where you're studying. When it's time to review, SM-2 serves your cards. One app, one flow.
7 Note Types, Not Just Flashcards
Mayinab gives you text notes, flashcards, checklists, images, audio, video, and file attachments. Organized by Subject → Topic with a sidebar that feels like browsing channels in Discord. Your entire study life in one app.
Built for Mac Desktop
Mayinab isn't a mobile app ported to Mac. The macOS version features:
- Resizable split-view with draggable dividers
- Sidebar topic tree (Discord-style channel navigation)
- Command palette (⌘K) for instant search
- Keyboard shortcuts: ⌘F, ⌘⇧E, and 10+ more
- Drag & drop file upload from Finder
- Retina display optimized rendering
Seamless Apple Ecosystem Sync
Study on your Mac at home, review flashcards on your iPhone on the train. Mayinab runs on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Linux, and Android. Free encrypted cloud backup keeps everything in sync across all your devices.
Import Your Anki Decks
Already invested in Anki? Export your decks as CSV and import them directly into Mayinab. Your cards and scheduling data are preserved.
Who Should Stay with Anki?
- Power users who rely on complex note types, cloze deletions, and community add-ons
- People who already have massive Anki libraries with thousands of cards
- Users who need AnkiWeb shared decks from the community
For everyone else — especially Mac users who value design, simplicity, and a modern study experience — Mayinab is the better choice.
Mayinab vs Anki on Mac
| Feature | Mayinab | Anki |
|---|---|---|
| Spaced Repetition | SM-2 built-in | SM-2 built-in |
| Notes | 7 types (text, flashcard, etc.) | Flashcards only |
| UI Design | Modern, Mac-quality | Dated, Qt-based |
| Setup Required | None (instant start) | Note types, fields, templates |
| Markdown + LaTeX | Full support | LaTeX only (image-based) |
| Organization | Subject → Topic tree | Decks only |
| Desktop Features | Split-view, ⌘K, sidebar | Basic window |
| Cross-Platform | Mac/iOS/Win/Linux/Android | Via separate apps ($25 on iOS) |
| Offline | 100% | 100% |
| Price | Free | Free (Mac), $24.99 (iOS) |
🍵 Mayinab at a Glance
- ✓ Spaced repetition with SM-2 algorithm
- ✓ Modern, polished UI: designed for Mac
- ✓ Notes + flashcards in the same app
- ✓ 7 note types in a chat interface
- ✓ Markdown + LaTeX rendering
- ✓ Split-view, ⌘K, sidebar on desktop
- ✓ 100% offline, no account, no ads
- ✓ Free on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Linux & Android
- ✓ Anki CSV import: bring your decks