> For AI agents: the complete documentation index is available at https://docs.flashnerd.com/llms.txt, the full documentation bundle is available at https://docs.flashnerd.com/llms-full.txt.

# Import Flashnerd files

There are two Flashnerd import workflows. Use **Import** from Home or SRS for an archive containing decks, sets, presets, or settings. Use **Add Card** inside a deck when you want to add or update cards against that deck's existing template.

To prepare a file yourself or with an AI tool, use the [Flashnerd file format](https://docs.flashnerd.com/reference/flashnerd-format/index.md) reference for archive structure, record definitions, field values, and validation rules. To generate cards for a deck you already have, use [Cards-only files](https://docs.flashnerd.com/reference/flashnerd-format/cards-only.md).

## Import an archive

1. Make the `.flashnerd` file available on your device.
2. From **Home** or **SRS**, open the create menu and choose **Import**.
3. Choose Flashnerd under **Import From**, then tap **Upload File**.
4. Decide whether to enable **Override existing**. Keep it off for an independent copy.
5. Tap **Next** and inspect **Import Preview**, including both Home and SRS content where present.
6. Turn on **Include study progress** when the file contains schedules/history you want to restore. The option starts off.
7. Review any warnings and tap **Import**.

A file can contain only settings or presets. In that case, the preview may say **Settings only** rather than showing decks.

## Choose copy or override

| Choice                    | Intended use                                                                                                           |
| ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Override existing** off | Import a separate copy with new identities. Useful for trying a shared deck without updating existing content.         |
| **Override existing** on  | Update records whose stored identities match records already in your collection, while adding records without a match. |

Matching is based on identities in the archive, not just names. Renaming a deck does not turn it into a new record. Importing as a copy repeatedly can create duplicates. Before overriding valuable content, [export a backup](https://docs.flashnerd.com/guide/import-export/backups.md).

For instruction presets, archives can restore both the preset catalog and a deck's selection if those were exported. Archives without selection information leave an existing deck selection unchanged.

## Add cards to an existing deck

1. Open the destination deck and tap **Add Card**.
2. Choose the Flashnerd file import option.
3. If you need a starting file, tap **Download Starter Template**. Fill its example card, duplicate the card line for additional cards, and keep the field IDs.
4. Select the `.flashnerd` file under **Flashnerd File**.
5. Set **Override existing** deliberately. With it enabled, matching cards already in this deck are updated and keep their study progress; unmatched cards are added.
6. Tap **Next**, inspect the review cards, and make any required corrections.
7. Tap **Import Cards** with the displayed count.

This workflow accepts a cards-only file using the destination's field IDs, or an ordinary archive containing cards from one source deck with a compatible template. Cards-only files omit deck records and every card's `deckId`; start with this deck's downloaded starter. The app rejects duplicate card IDs, extra or missing template fields, incompatible field types/sides, and updates targeting cards from another deck. Individual card values may be omitted to leave fields blank. Turning off override permits an independent copy rather than updating a foreign card.

If the template changes during preparation, select the file again so the import can be checked against the new template. A destination deck cannot grow beyond 20,000 cards.

For moving an entire collection, follow [Back up and restore](https://docs.flashnerd.com/guide/import-export/backups.md). For transferring a deck to someone else, see [Export and share](https://docs.flashnerd.com/guide/import-export/sharing.md).