Readwise is a knowledge management tool that collects, organizes, and reinforces highlighted content from reading materials, helping readers retain and utilize key insights effectively.
Multi-Source Highlight Synchronization Across Platforms
Users connect Readwise to their reading platforms (Kindle, Instapaper, Safari, etc.) via authorized integration. Once linked, all highlighted text from these sources auto-syncs to Readwise, eliminating manual entry. This centralizes scattered highlights, ensuring no key insight is lost across devices.
Spaced Repetition Review for Long-Term Retention
Readwise uses spaced repetition to send daily review prompts. Users receive highlight-based cards, mark their familiarity (from “Forgot” to “Mastered”), and the tool adjusts revisit intervals. Consistent reviews strengthen memory, turning passive highlights into retained knowledge with minimal effort.
Tagging and Categorization for Targeted Organization
Within Readwise, users add custom tags (e.g., “productivity,” “psychology”) to each highlight. They can then filter highlights by tags to group related insights. This categorization lets users quickly retrieve content for writing, studying, or brainstorming, building structured knowledge libraries.
Readwise Reader Integration for Unified Reading
Readwise pairs with Readwise Reader, a companion tool for importing articles/books. Users read and highlight in Reader, and highlights auto-sync to Readwise’s main dashboard. This unifies reading and highlight management, streamlining the workflow from consumption to retention.
Export Functionality to Productivity Tools
Users export highlights from Readwise to tools like Notion, Obsidian, or Roam Research. They select export formats (CSV, Markdown) and set sync frequency. This ensures knowledge flows between Readwise and existing workflows, enhancing flexibility for different productivity systems.
Customizable Review Preferences for Personalized Use
In Readwise’s settings, users adjust daily review limits (5–50 cards) and time slots for prompts. They can also exclude specific highlights or sources from reviews. These customizations align Readwise with individual schedules and priorities, boosting consistent usage.
These features make Readwise a pivotal tool for turning reading into retained knowledge. Below are its key offerings:
Key Features
- Auto-sync highlights from Kindle, Instapaper, and other platforms
- Spaced repetition reviews to reinforce long-term retention
- Custom tagging and filtering for organized knowledge management
- Seamless integration with Readwise Reader for unified reading
- Export options to sync with Notion, Obsidian, and other tools