Why is text on cards aligned to center by default? I think the default value for alignment should be start, which is left for most languages and right for RTL languages. Most typography experts recommend left-aligned text because it’s more comfortable to read, because the eye knows exactly where to…

That research considers full text pages, while primary function of Anki cards is to display short bits of information. Even if left were the preferred alignment on mobile for this purpose too (which I, personally, doubt it is), it would make a bad default because of how it would display on desktop. …

I already changed the alignment long ago to start, but recently I started questioning why is center the default anyway. I feel more comfortable reading left (or right) aligned text. [image] Eltaurus: That research considers full text pages, while primary function of Anki cards is to display sho…

When they offer you something like this, I agree with them: [image] In programming, too, it’s good to have monospaced text and clearly know where the block you need is. However, if we take a long line, 60-100 characters, not everyone can see the words next to each other. People typically see no …

Physical flashcards traditionally have centered text. I’m guessing that the centered text makes it easier/quicker to view the text because you’re always looking at the center of the card. Centered text also probably helps to prevent fingers from obscuring the text as physical cards are handled. I’m…

This was discussed before: [image] Modernize default card template for readability and simplicity Suggestions The default card template’s design isn’t just outdated—it’s unreadable. It makes studying harder and could turn off potential users. But we can fix t…

Also this: [image] Make Prettify templates the default templates Suggestions These templates should replace Anki’s default templates; as it’s hard to read centrally aligned text imo, makes Anki look much more outdated than it is, copy-pasting images leads to ov…

Either version (left-aligned or centered) will look good for some card types and weird for others. If you use the Twenty Rules of Formulating Knowledge (which the Anki documentation links to and encourages people to read), rule 4 tells you to keep your cards short and simple. For short simple card…

What about this option? [image] FRONT: <div class="parent"> <div class="child"> {{Front}} </div> </div> CSS: .card { font-family: arial; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.5; text-align: center; color: black; background-color: white; } .parent{ text-ali…

Anyone who wants to change their own templates is free to, but the default templates are simple for a reason. [image] Make Prettify templates the default templates Suggestions Anki’s default templates are deliberately simple. It makes them less daunting to cust…

Why is text aligned to center by default?

Anki Card Design

Danika_Dakika June 1, 2026, 6:27am 11

Anyone who wants to change their own templates is free to, but the default templates are simple for a reason.

Topic		Replies	Views
Card layout: Center block of left-aligned text Card Design	7	23292	December 8, 2022
Modernize default card template for readability and simplicity Suggestions	29	1315	January 21, 2025
Modernize default card templates for readability: revised proposal and technical details Suggestions	25	1957	February 4, 2025
Native option to vertically center cards in Anki Desktop Suggestions	5	319	June 13, 2026
Make Prettify templates the default templates Suggestions	17	8633	December 18, 2024

Why is text aligned to center by default?

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