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Import from CSV or plain text (YAML)

Updated on August 5, 2026

In addition to .eon files, EON supports two import modes designed for people who already have content in other tools: CSV (compatible with NotebookLM) and plain text in YAML format.

Import from CSV (NotebookLM)

If you use NotebookLM, you can export your flashcards as a CSV file and load them directly into EON.

To import them:

  1. Open the Import Cards modal (available from a deck view).
  2. Under Import Type, choose Import CSV File (NotebookLM).
  3. Select a target deck or create a new one.
  4. Drag the .csv file onto the drop area, or click to browse.
  5. Verify the number of detected cards and click Import.

The CSV format EON expects has two columns per row: the first is the card front (question) and the second is the back (answer). Each row is one card. If a field contains commas, it must be quoted.

CSV mode only imports individual cards — it does not create subdecks. To import a nested deck structure, use YAML mode.

Import from plain text (YAML)

This mode is designed for loading cards generated by an AI model using the recommended prompt that the app itself displays. You can create decks with subdecks in a single operation.

To import:

  1. Open the Import Cards modal.
  2. Under Import Type, choose Import from Plain Text (YAML).
  3. Paste your text into the field at the bottom of the modal.
  4. The app shows in real time how many cards and subdecks it detected.
  5. Click Import to confirm.

The YAML format the app expects follows this structure:

decks:
  - name: "Deck name"
    cards:
      - front: "Question"
        back: "Answer"
    subdecks:
      - name: "Subdeck name"
        cards:
          - front: "Nested question"
            back: "Nested answer"

The app includes a recommended prompt you can copy with the Copy button and paste into any AI model. The result can be pasted directly into the text field.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my CSV has more than two columns? EON uses only the first two columns (front and back) and ignores the rest.

Can I paste YAML for multiple decks at once? Yes. The YAML block can contain a list of decks under the decks key, each with its own cards and subdecks.

Will my imported cards start as new? Yes. CSV and YAML modes do not include review history; all cards are created with a new state.

What do I do if the parser detects no cards? Check that the format is valid: correct quoting in YAML, no unexpected blank lines, and that every card has both front and back defined.

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