FlashLoom and linked sources
Create flashcards from highlighted PDF text without retyping, with each card connected to the passage that supplied its context.
BrainLoom
BrainLoom is a local-first learning and knowledge workspace that combines PDF annotation, source-linked flashcards, FSRS v6 spaced repetition, notes, and visual canvases. It is designed for students, researchers, and independent learners who want to study and organize knowledge while retaining links to original source material.
A local-first workspace for source-based learning
BrainLoom is a local-first learning and knowledge workspace for turning source material into connected notes and recall practice. It combines PDF and document annotation, flashcards, FSRS v6 spaced repetition, project organization, and an infinite canvas in one application.
Its central workflow preserves the relationship between a flashcard and the material behind it: a highlighted PDF passage can become a card, and later review can return to the original paragraph. The product is positioned for people who study, research, or build a personal knowledge system and want review activity to retain its source context. AI features include local-model and BYOK options, visual flashcard generation, and vault-aware retrieval on eligible plans.
Core features
Spaced repetition and recall tracking
Review cards with the FSRS v6 algorithm, swipe left or right to grade recall, and view forgetting-curve, retention-forecast, and streak information.
Infinite spatial canvas
Place flashcard decks, notes, and other nodes on an infinite canvas, then connect ideas or annotate them with freehand and stylus input.
Visual flashcards
Use AI to detect labels on anatomy charts and maps and generate visual flashcards through image occlusion.
Project and mastery organization
Organize work into workspaces and projects, with a mastery lifecycle that tracks topics from Idea through In Progress to Mastered.
Local AI and vault-aware search
Use local AI options including Ollama and LM Studio or a bring-your-own-key setup; Pro and Lifetime plans also list vault-aware retrieval-augmented generation and semantic search capabilities.
Practical use cases
Studying from textbooks and PDFs
Highlight important passages in study PDFs, convert them into flashcards, and use FSRS v6 reviews to build a recurring recall routine without losing the original context.
Memorizing diagrams and visual material
Use image occlusion to turn labeled anatomy charts or maps into visual recall exercises, then review the resulting cards alongside related notes.
Building a visual research system
Arrange cards, notes, and connected concepts on the infinite canvas to map relationships while researching a subject or developing a personal knowledge base.
Maintaining long-term learning projects
Keep work or hobby learning in projects, use mastery stages to identify what is still in progress, and return to source passages when a later review exposes a gap.
AI-assisted private study
Work with local AI through Ollama or LM Studio, or connect a preferred model through BYOK, for workspace actions and—on eligible plans—vault-aware retrieval.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Links flashcards to their original PDF source, making it possible to revisit context during review.
- Combines FSRS v6 spaced repetition with recall grading, retention information, and mastery-stage tracking.
- Provides an infinite canvas for arranging decks, notes, and connected ideas spatially.
- Supports local-first use and lists macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android builds.
- Includes local AI or BYOK options and AI-assisted visual flashcard creation.
Cons
- The Free plan has limits on workspaces, projects, canvases, PDFs, device use, and AI workspace actions.
- Encrypted cloud sync is available on Pro but is not included with the Free or Lifetime plans.
- The collected product pages do not establish specific import, export, or third-party integration compatibility beyond the documented local AI options.
FAQ
What is BrainLoom?
BrainLoom is a local-first learning and knowledge workspace that combines PDF and document annotation, notes, flashcards, spaced repetition, and visual canvases. Its linked-source workflow connects a flashcard to the passage from which it was created.
How does the linked-source flashcard workflow work?
FlashLoom turns a highlighted passage in a PDF into a flashcard, while Linked Source lets you return to the original source paragraph when reviewing it. The site describes this as a way to preserve context around recalled information.
Can BrainLoom be used offline?
Yes. The Free plan includes FSRS v6 spaced repetition, local AI chat using a bring-your-own-key setup, and limited AI workspace actions. The pricing page also lists Ollama and LM Studio as supported local model options.
What are the main plan differences?
The Free plan is limited to one workspace, three projects, five canvases, and five PDFs. Pro removes those workspace, project, canvas, and PDF limits and adds encrypted cloud sync; the Lifetime license includes unlimited workspaces, canvases, and PDFs but does not include cloud sync.
Which platforms and devices does BrainLoom support?
The pricing page lists native builds for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. The Lifetime license is valid on up to three personal devices, while the Free plan is listed for one device and Pro for three devices.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Learning software, knowledge management, and spaced repetition
- Storage model
- Local-first; encrypted cloud sync is available on Pro
- Platforms
- macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Core input
- PDF and document highlights, notes, and visual source material
- AI options
- Ollama, LM Studio, or bring your own key
- Plans
- Free tier, Pro subscription, and Lifetime license
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