Study Modes Explained: Smart, Free, Weak Topics & Exam

Foxxy Flashcards offers four distinct study modes, each designed for a different learning situation. Whether you are doing your daily review, cramming for an exam, or targeting weak spots, there is a mode that fits. This guide explains how each one works and when to use it.

Smart Mode

Best for: Daily study sessions and long-term retention.

Smart Mode is Foxxy’s default and most powerful study mode. It uses the spaced repetition algorithm to show you exactly the right cards at exactly the right time.

How It Works

1. Foxxy checks which cards are due for review based on their individual schedules.
2. Due cards are presented first, ordered by urgency (most overdue cards appear earliest).
3. After all due cards are reviewed, Foxxy introduces a set number of new cards based on your daily limit.
4. You rate each card (Again, Hard, Good, Easy) and the algorithm updates the schedule accordingly.

Tips for Smart Mode

• Use this mode every day for best results. Consistency is the key to spaced repetition.
• Complete all due reviews before doing anything else. Skipping due cards undermines the algorithm.
• Adjust your daily new-card limit in Settings if you feel overwhelmed or want more cards.

Free Mode

Best for: Casual browsing, pre-exam warm-ups, or reviewing without affecting your schedule.

Free Mode gives you unrestricted access to all cards in a deck — no algorithm, no scheduling, no pressure.

How It Works

1. Select a deck and choose Free Mode.
2. All cards in the deck are available, regardless of their review status.
3. Browse through cards at your own pace.
4. Your ratings in Free Mode do not affect the spaced repetition schedule.

Tips for Free Mode

• Use Free Mode to preview a deck before studying it with Smart Mode.
• It is great for a quick refresher right before a lecture or meeting.
• Since progress is not tracked, do not rely on Free Mode as your primary study method.

Weak Topics Mode

Best for: Targeting problem areas and strengthening shaky knowledge.

Weak Topics Mode focuses exclusively on cards you have been struggling with, giving you extra practice where it matters most.

How It Works

1. Foxxy identifies cards with low performance — those you have recently rated as “Again” or “Hard”.
2. Only these weak cards are presented during the session.
3. You review and rate them as usual.
4. Ratings in Weak Topics Mode do affect your spaced repetition schedule, helping those cards recover.

Tips for Weak Topics Mode

• Use this mode between regular Smart Mode sessions when you want targeted practice.
• If no cards qualify as weak, that is a good sign — it means you are retaining well.
• Pair Weak Topics Mode with the extended card view to review your notes and sources for struggling cards.

Exam Mode

Best for: Test simulation, timed practice, and exam preparation.

Exam Mode creates a test-like environment to help you prepare for real assessments. It adds time pressure and limits the number of cards, simulating actual exam conditions.

How It Works

1. Open a deck and select Exam Mode.
2. Configure your exam settings:
   • Number of cards — Choose how many cards to include (e.g., 20, 50, or all).
   • Time limit — Set a countdown timer for the session.
   • Card selection — Choose random cards or focus on specific tags.
3. The exam begins. Answer each card within the time limit.
4. At the end, Foxxy shows your results summary: total correct, accuracy percentage, and time taken.

Tips for Exam Mode

• Start with a generous time limit and reduce it as you improve.
• Use tag-based selection to simulate exams that cover specific chapters or topics.
• Review your results carefully — cards you got wrong in Exam Mode are strong candidates for extra review.
• Run an Exam Mode session one day before a real exam to identify last-minute weak spots.

For detailed setup instructions, visit the Exam Setup guide.

Choosing the Right Mode

Here is a quick reference to help you decide:

Situation	Recommended Mode
Daily study routine	Smart Mode
Browsing a new deck	Free Mode
Struggling with certain cards	Weak Topics Mode
Preparing for an exam	Exam Mode
Quick review before class	Free Mode
Intensive review of problem areas	Weak Topics Mode

You can switch between modes at any time. Most students find that Smart Mode for daily reviews combined with Weak Topics Mode for targeted practice gives the best results. Add Exam Mode when a test is approaching, and use Free Mode for quick, low-pressure browsing.

Related Articles

• Understanding Spaced Repetition in Foxxy
• Getting Started with Foxxy Flashcards
• Creating and Managing Decks