Frequently Asked Questions

What is Complement?

We built Complement to make studying more effective. It pairs the proven method of spaced repetition with intelligent support from large language models, allowing you to move through material faster, deepen understanding, and retain knowledge more reliably.

How is Complement different from other flashcard apps?

Complement integrates AI-powered features to enhance the learning experience:

• AI Tutor: Get AI-generated explanations for difficult concepts and ask questions to deepen your understanding
• Question Generation: Automatically create practice questions and new flashcards
• Board-Style Questions: Apply your knowledge with medical board exam-style questions
• Card Augmentation: Memorize concepts–not cards
• Advanced Analytics: Track your learning progress with detailed insights

What is FSRS?

FSRS (Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler) is a modern, open-source spaced repetition algorithm that optimizes your review schedule based on your performance. It's designed to maximize memory retention and minimize review time.

How does FSRS work?

FSRS uses several key principles:

• Forgetting Curve: Models how quickly you forget information
• Optimal Intervals: Calculates the best time to review each card
• Difficulty Adjustment: Adapts to how well you know each card
• Stability Tracking: Measures how well information is retained in memory

What are the benefits of FSRS over traditional algorithms?

• More Accurate: Better predicts when you'll forget information
• Personalized: Adapts to your individual learning patterns
• Efficient: Minimizes unnecessary reviews while maintaining retention
• Scientific: Based on cognitive science research

What happens when I rate a card as "Again"?

When you rate a card as "Again":

• The card will reappear in the same study session after 15 minutes
• It enters a relearning phase with shorter intervals
• The card's difficulty increases slightly
• This helps reinforce challenging material

What are Auto-Board Style Questions?

This feature automatically generates medical board exam-style questions:

• Enable in Study Settings with a probability (e.g., 10%)
• Questions appear for review cards based on your settings
• Correct answers rate the original card as "Good"
• Incorrect answers rate the original card as "Again"

What is Card Augmentation?

Card augmentation uses AI to rephrase card content:

• Set a probability in Study Settings
• AI generates alternative phrasings of card fronts
• Helps you learn concepts from different angles
• You can toggle between original and augmented versions

How do I use the AI Chat feature?

• Click the chat icon while studying or browsing cards
• Ask questions about the current card or general topics
• The AI can explain concepts, provide examples, or clarify confusion
• Chat history is saved and can be associated with specific cards

What analytics are available?

Complement provides comprehensive analytics to help you identify your challenge areas and learn more effectively:

• Review Timeline: Visual history of your reviews
• Due Cards Forecast: See upcoming review schedule
• Performance Metrics: Track accuracy by card type
• Study Time: Monitor daily study duration
• Streak Tracking: Build and maintain study streaks
• Difficulty Distribution: Understand your card difficulty spread

How can I track my board question performance?

Navigate to the Questions page (/questions) to see:

• Total questions attempted and accuracy
• Current and longest streaks
• Performance by difficulty level
• Time spent per question
• Detailed history with explanations

What do the different card states mean?

• New: Cards you haven't studied yet
• Learning: Cards in early learning stages
• Review: Cards in long-term review cycle
• Relearning: Cards you've forgotten and are relearning

What browsers are supported?

Complement works best on modern browsers:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari

Can I use Complement offline?

Currently, Complement requires an internet connection for:

• Syncing data with Supabase
• AI features (chat, explanations, question generation)

Is my data secure?

Yes, Complement uses:

• Supabase for secure authentication and data storage
• Row-level security to protect your data
• Encrypted connections for all data transfers
• No local storage of sensitive information

Cards aren't appearing in my study session

Check the following:

• Ensure cards are due for review (check Analytics)
• Verify the correct deck is selected
• Check if cards are suspended (yellow highlight in browser)

Sync with Anki isn't working

Ensure:

• AnkiConnect add-on is installed in Anki
• Anki is running during sync
• Complement Connector is properly configured

If you are still having issues, please contact us via the feedback form

FSRS parameters showing "NaNy"

If you see "NaNy" for your FSRS card parameters, correct using the following steps:

1. 1Navigate to the "Settings" icon on the top right of your Complement Dashboard
2. 2Scroll down to "Advanced Scheduling"
3. 3Scroll down to "FSRS Data Maintenance"
4. 4Click the button indicating "Fix Missing Card States"

How do I create cloze deletion cards?

• Type your content with {{c1::text to hide}}
• Multiple clozes: {{c1::first}}, {{c2::second}}
• The system automatically generates cards for each cloze

Can I customize FSRS parameters?

Users can adjust FSRS weights in settings:

• Access Study Settings
• Find FSRS Parameters section
• Modify weights (use with caution)
• Default values are optimized for most users