Introduction to Qsets
Qsets is a flashcard app built around two principles: spaced repetition and active recall. It does not require registration, works offline, and keeps the interface minimal so studying stays the focus.
This guide walks through the core features in the order you’re likely to need them.
Creating Your First Set
To create a new set, tap the pencil icon in the bottom navigation bar. Give the set a name, then open the Cards section to start adding content.
Each card has two sides: a front and a back. The front is typically the question or prompt; the back is the answer. Both sides are plain text — no formatting required.
Once you’ve added at least one card, you can begin studying immediately — you don’t need to complete the full set first.
Importing Cards
If you already have content in a spreadsheet or table, you can import it rather than entering cards manually. Format your content as two columns — one for the front of each card, one for the back — then copy and paste it directly into Qsets.
This works well when using AI to generate a first draft of your cards. A reliable approach is to prompt a language model to produce a two-column table with questions on one side and short answers on the other, then paste the output into the app. Review the imported cards before studying and trim any answers that are too long.
How Decks Work
When you create a set, Qsets automatically divides your cards into decks of five. You start with the first deck and work through it before the next one becomes available.
A deck unlocks once you reach roughly 80% mastery on the current one. This progression ensures you have a solid grasp of earlier material before new cards are introduced, rather than spreading attention across the entire set from the start.
Each deck has a visual indicator that reflects how well you know the cards in it. Over time, this indicator decays — signaling that a deck is due for review even if you mastered it previously. This is how Qsets implements spaced repetition: rather than asking you to rate each card manually, the app schedules reviews automatically based on your performance.
Study Methods
Qsets offers three ways to study a set: Flashcards, Multiple Choice, and Typing. These are configured per set in the create or edit form, so each set can have its own study method configuration depending on the material.
Flashcards show the front of the card and ask you to recall the answer before flipping. This is the most direct form of active recall and works well for most content.
Multiple Choice presents the front of a card alongside several answer options. This is useful when you’re still building familiarity with new material or when exact spelling isn’t the goal.
Typing requires you to type the answer from memory. This is the most demanding method and is particularly effective for language learning, where precise recall matters. Typing mode includes an Adaptive Typing option: when enabled, only one correct answer is required rather than all of them. Correct answers are separated by semicolons on the card, and any content within parentheses is ignored — you don’t need to type it to be marked correct.
Exam Mode
Exam mode tests you across all cards in a set in a single session, rather than deck by deck. It uses the same study methods configured in your set settings. Use it when you want to assess overall retention before an exam or at the end of a study cycle.
Text-to-Speech
Qsets includes a text-to-speech option that reads card content aloud. This is useful for language learners who need to hear pronunciation, or for anyone who prefers auditory review alongside reading. TTS is configured per set in set settings, alongside the other study options.
Activity Tracking
Qsets tracks your study activity over time. It records how much time you’ve spent studying and maintains a streak based on consistent daily practice. Over time, the app surfaces highlights from your activity — patterns and milestones from your study history.
This gives you a way to see progress that goes beyond individual deck scores — how regularly you’re showing up, and how that consistency builds over time.
Managing Your Sets
Sets are listed in the main folder view. Swipe left on a set to reveal actions. From there, you can remove it or move it to a different folder.
To access more options, open the set and tap the three-dot icon in the top navigation bar. From there you can edit the set’s name or cards, adjust settings, move it to a folder, or remove it.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- No account required. You can start using Qsets immediately without signing up.
- Offline use. The app works without an internet connection, so you can study anywhere.
- No ads. Core functionality is free. Nothing behind a paywall affects how you study.
What to Do Next
Create a set for something you’re currently studying, add ten to fifteen cards, and complete the first deck. That single session will give you a clear sense of how the progression and spacing work in practice.
If you have existing material in a spreadsheet, try the import feature to build your first study set in under a minute.