Add audio and images to cards

Plain text covers a lot, but some cards need a picture or a sound. Swiftflip cards can hold images, recorded audio and lightly formatted text on each side. This guide covers all three. For audio-led study, see audio flashcards.

One rule to know up front: each side of a card holds either text or one piece of media. Adding an image or audio to a side replaces the text on that side, so put the prompt on one side and the media on the other.

Add an image

In the card editor, open the menu for the side you want and choose Add Image.

• On iPhone and iPad, pick a photo from your library.
• On Mac, choose a file or drag an image straight onto the card.

Images work on the front or the back, which is useful for picture prompts, maps or diagrams.

Add audio

The same menu has two audio options:

• Record Audio opens a recorder for up to 30 seconds. This is handy for pronunciation and listening practice.
• Add Audio File attaches an existing clip.

During practice, audio shows a play button on the card. Tap it to listen. Audio does not play on its own, so you stay in control of when you hear it.

Format card text

Card text supports bold, italic, underline and links. Use these to highlight the key word in a sentence or link out to a source.

• On Mac, use the format bar or the shortcuts Command B, Command I, Command U and Command K for a link.
• On iPhone and iPad, select text to bring up the formatting options.

How media works on Apple Watch

On Apple Watch, audio is off by default. While it is off, cards that are audio only are skipped, since there is nothing to read on them. To hear recorded audio during a watch session, open Swiftflip on your Apple Watch, go into Settings and turn on Include Audio Cards. Images have their own toggle in the same place.

Keep cards focused on one idea, even with media. A single clear image or clip per side beats a crowded card. See how Swiftflip helps you memorize and learn for more on writing cards that stick.