Quick vs Standard: Pick Your Review Style
Flica offers two review modes: Quick (2 buttons) and Standard (4 buttons). Both use the exact same FSRS algorithm under the hood. The only difference? How many options you see when rating a card. No complex setup—just pick what works for you.
TL;DR
- Quick mode: 2 buttons (Again / Easy) — fast, simple, less thinking
- Standard mode: 4 buttons (Again / Hard / Good / Easy) — precise, Anki-style
- Same algorithm: Your learning data works identically in both modes
Quick Mode: For Speed
Quick mode is designed for learners who want to move fast. You see the answer, and you make a binary choice:
Didn't know it. Show again soon.
Knew it well. See it later.
Who should use Quick mode?
- Beginners who don't want to overthink ratings
- Learners with large daily review queues (50+ cards)
- Anyone who finds 4-button decisions exhausting
- Mobile users who want faster thumb taps
Standard Mode: For Precision
Standard mode gives you the full 4-button experience for more nuanced difficulty feedback.
Completely forgot
Struggled but got it
Normal effort
Too easy
Who should use Standard mode?
- Experienced learners who prefer granular control
- Learners studying complex material (medicine, law, languages)
- Anyone who wants precise difficulty feedback
- Users who review fewer cards per day but want accuracy
Same FSRS, Different UI
Here's the important part: both modes use the identical FSRS algorithm. The difference is purely in how your input is mapped. Curious about FSRS? Check out our 'Why Your Brain Needs FSRS' guide.
| Mode | Buttons | FSRS Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Quick | Again, Easy | 1, 4 |
| Standard | Again, Hard, Good, Easy | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
In Quick mode, you're essentially choosing between "I failed" (Again = 1) and "I nailed it" (Easy = 4). The middle ground (Hard, Good) is skipped, making decisions faster but less nuanced.
Switching Modes? No Problem.
You can switch between Quick and Standard mode anytime in Settings. Your learning data is 100% preserved. The FSRS parameters (Stability, Difficulty, Retrievability) stay the same.
Switching modes doesn't reset your progress. It only changes how many buttons you see during reviews.
Our Recommendation
Start with Quick mode. It's simpler, faster, and reduces decision fatigue. If you later feel you need more control over your ratings, switch to Standard.
Start with Quick if...
You're new to spaced repetition, have many cards to review, or just want a simpler experience.
Use Standard if...
You're an experienced learner, study specialized content, or want precise control over review intervals.
FAQ
Q: Does Quick mode make me learn slower?
A: Not necessarily. Some research suggests that binary ratings (pass/fail) can be just as effective as graded ratings. What matters most is consistency in your reviews.
Q: Will my intervals be different in each mode?
A: In Quick mode, pressing "Easy" gives the same interval as "Easy" in Standard mode. The difference is you can't choose "Hard" or "Good"—so you jump directly from failure to success.
Q: Can I use different modes for different decks?
A: Currently, the mode setting applies to all your reviews. Per-deck mode settings may be added in a future update.
Q: What's the difference between reviews and AI quizzes?
A: Reviews are self-assessment (flip and rate). Quizzes are multiple-choice tests that objectively measure your knowledge. Check out our 'Reviews and Quizzes' guide for details.