How do I import a .csv file correctly?

Brainscape understands how important it is for our users to be able to import flashcard information from other files for ease of creation.  Many times the information we want on our flashcards come from other sources.  We are happy to offer this functionality for free on our web platform, and now have introduced the ability to do so on mobile with some AI assistance if needed.  We plan on evolving these functionalities in the coming months so stay tuned.

ON THE WEB

Brainscape supports "importing" a .csv file for more rapid flashcard creation. These files are typically created in a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets or Numbers, where the creator clicks "Save As → CSV".

To import a .csv file, visit the Brainscape website, and navigate to your Class on the My Classes screen. Then click the Import button   at the top of the Decks list. You will be asked a few questions about the desired Deck's information, and you will be asked to upload a valid .csv file before submitting.  Additionally, you can click on the ellipsis at the top of the class screen and choose ‘Import CSV’ from the dropdown.  This advanced functionality is currently available for free with your regular subscription.

Tips for preparing your .csv file

To ensure your .csv file is valid, and not rejected by our system, please follow the guidelines below:

• Include only two columns -- Question and Answer -- with no headings row in it. 
  
• Ensure there are not more than 500 rows in the sheet you are importing.
• Make sure there are no "stray marks" in any additional columns or rows in the file, besides the rows and columns that you want for your flashcards. It may help to highlight all other rows and columns in your spreadsheet program, and delete them.
• Avoid copying and pasting content from a web browser or another program (such as Microsoft Word) directly into your spreadsheet. That often brings in funky formatting like "smart quotes" (i.e. curly quotation marks) which are not recognized by web technology. If you have already created content using such a copy/paste method, then try either "removing formatting" (in your spreadsheet program) and/or saving in a .txt file and then re-pasting back into your spreadsheet program.
• Go to “File → Save As → CSV”, and then they can import those files into Brainscape.

ON MOBILE

Overview

Our team is excited to offer the ability to import a file (not limited to .csv) on the mobile app when creating a new deck, with the introduction of some AI technology to help with a smoother import.

How it works

When creating a new deck or adding to an existing deck, you’ll have the option to either Import/Paste Cards or Type Flashcards or Delete Deck from the slider that pops up when choosing to 'Add Cards' at the deck level.

If you choose to Type Flashcards, then you will have access to the standard card editing screens with the user interface.  Read more here about creating flashcards in Brainscape.

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Fig. 1: When adding cards to a new deck, and adding cards, you'll get the sliding menu option you see on this second screen.  If you choose to Import/Paste your cards, follow the dialog on the final screen to either cut/paste

Import/Paste Cards

If you choose to Import/Paste Cards from the slider, you'll be taken to the below screen where you can determine if you'd like to:

a) Paste a list of existing Questions & Answers or Vocabulary words and Definitions (Copy/paste feature)

b) Upload a File: add a file from your file library

c) Upload an Image: add an image from your photo library

d) being able to use the Camera to take a picture of information that could be translated to cards

Fig 2: Import options: use the top section to paste a list, or choose one of the below options to upload an image or file.

Steps for Adding or Uploading Information

• If you choose to Paste your Q&A or Vocab words, you can do that by copying and pasting right into the field on the 'How would you like to import your flashcards' popup.
• If you choose to Upload an image, you can follow the steps on the screen.  For any files you want to upload, you'll want to make sure you've already saved those files.
• For the Camera option, you obviously need to have the file/book/worksheet available to be able to take the picture.
• Once you add the words/file/image/photo, you'll be able to review it and then analyze the data so that you can determine your next steps.  See Fig 3 for the next steps.  Clicking 'Analyze' allows you to get a Preview of this imported text in flashcard format.

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Fig 3: The above screens are similar regardless of whether you choose to upload a file, upload and image, or use your camera to take a picture of study material.

 Steps for reviewing the imported / uploaded information 

On the 'Do these look right to you' screen, you'll have the chance to review the information.  If you don't like the way it looks, you can 'Cancel' to exit out and try again with another file.

Otherwise, you have two choices:

1. You may, add the cads to your deck because you like the way it looks.
2. If you don't love the way the data is presented, you may choose to fix these information with AI.  This will take a few minutes and then when the operation is complete, you will be able to review the flashcards.

   

Fig 4: During preview mode, you can choose to accept the format or use our AI tool to fix your formatting.  

Can I add cards to an existing deck via this import feature?

Yes, using the existing functionality, you can select the deck you want to import into and then, click the ellipses to Import / Paste cards.  You will then follow the screens as explained above to add your content into an existing deck.

AI Details

For more information on how AI works on our platform, and the ins/outs of who can use this, read more here.

We appreciate your feedback and thoughts as we continue to evolve our UI and the technology.  Feel free to send a message to [e-mail].

If you'd love to vote for a new Brainscape feature, see what others are requesting, or get a sneak peek at features in our pipeline, please check out Brainscape User Feature Requests Forum!  Please choose to Sign in with Brainscape (if you are commenting/requesting a new feature) so any feedback is tied to your account.  Or you can even access the tool from our web/mobile menus which won't require you to login separately. 

And for more FREE study advice don't forget to check out the Brainscape Academy.