Source-linked flashcards
FlashLoom converts a PDF highlight into a flashcard and keeps the card linked to its original source. A later review can jump back to the exact paragraph that supplied the card.
BrainLoom
Freemium
BrainLoom is a local-first learning workspace that combines PDF annotation, linked flashcards, FSRS v6 spaced repetition, notes, and visual canvases. It is designed for learners and researchers who want to capture source context, review material, and organize connected ideas in one application.
What is BrainLoom?
BrainLoom is a local-first learning workspace and second brain for reading, note-taking, active recall, and visual knowledge organization. It combines PDF and document annotation, source-linked flashcards, FSRS v6 spaced repetition, notes, and an infinite canvas in one application.
The product's central workflow is preserving context while studying: users can highlight text in a PDF, turn the highlight into a flashcard, and later return directly to the original paragraph. Review tools include swipe-based memory grading, retention forecasts, forgetting-curve views, daily streaks, and 14 study and recall charts.
BrainLoom also supports spatial organization. Flashcard decks, notes, and nodes can be arranged on an infinite canvas, connected, or annotated with freehand and stylus input. A Mastery Lifecycle tracks topics from Idea through In Progress to Mastered. Storage is local-first, while encrypted cloud sync is available in plans that include it.
What can BrainLoom do?
FSRS v6 spaced repetition
The review system uses the FSRS v6 algorithm and swipe-based memory grading to schedule recall practice. Retention forecasts, forgetting-curve views, streaks, and 14 study and recall charts help users monitor review activity.
Infinite spatial canvas
Users can place flashcard decks, notes, and nodes on an open canvas, connect ideas, and annotate with freehand drawing or a stylus. The canvas is intended for arranging related material spatially rather than only in a linear note structure.
AI-assisted visual cards
BrainLoom can detect labels on anatomy charts and maps to help generate image-occlusion flashcards. The pricing information also lists local AI options through Ollama, LM Studio, or a bring-your-own-key setup.
Mastery and learning progress views
The Mastery Lifecycle presents topics through stages such as Idea, In Progress, and Mastered, while the included analytics charts provide additional views of study and recall progress.
Local-first workspace and sync options
The application is designed for local-first, offline use. Encrypted cloud sync is offered on Pro and is described as syncing changes across supported devices when a connection is available.
Use Cases
“Study from PDFs and books”
Highlight important passages while reading, create recall cards from those highlights, and return to the original text when a question needs more context.
“Build a visual knowledge map”
Arrange notes, flashcard decks, and idea nodes on the infinite canvas to see relationships between topics, then connect or annotate them with a stylus or freehand marks.
“Maintain a spaced-repetition routine”
Use FSRS v6 scheduling and swipe-based grading for recurring review, with retention forecasts, forgetting-curve views, streaks, and study charts to inspect progress.
“Review diagrams and labeled visuals”
Use AI-assisted label detection and image-occlusion cards to practice anatomy charts, maps, and other visual material where recall depends on identifying parts of an image.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does BrainLoom preserve the context of a flashcard?
A flashcard created from a PDF highlight remains linked to that source. When reviewing it later, users can navigate back to the original highlighted paragraph.
Can BrainLoom be used offline?
Yes. BrainLoom is described as local-first and supports offline use. Cloud synchronization is a separate capability available with the Pro plan; changes sync when the device reconnects.
Which spaced-repetition system does BrainLoom use?
BrainLoom uses the FSRS v6 spaced-repetition algorithm. Its review interface includes swipe-based memory grading and study and recall analytics.
What AI model options are supported?
The pricing page lists Ollama, LM Studio, and bring-your-own-key (BYOK) model access. Local AI chat is included in the free plan, with AI workspace actions and vault-aware retrieval varying by plan.
What platforms does BrainLoom support?
The site lists native applications for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. The free plan specifically lists native macOS, Windows, and Linux builds, while cross-device cloud sync is available on the Pro plan.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Learning workspace and second-brain app
- Core workflow
- PDF highlight to source-linked flashcard
- Spaced repetition
- FSRS v6
- Storage model
- Local-first with optional encrypted cloud sync
- Platforms
- macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android
- AI access
- Ollama, LM Studio, or BYOK
BrainLoom Traffic Analysis
Traffic data is for reference only.
- Domain Rating
- 3
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