Updates the HTML templates (e.g., front and back) for the cards of a note type.
AI agents use update_note_type_templates to create or update resources in Anki MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Anki MCP Server environment.
This tool modifies card templates reversibly - templates can be changed back to previous versions. It does not delete data (would be Destructive) or execute arbitrary code (would be Execute).
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Updates the HTML templates (e.g., front and back) for the cards of a note type.' The verb 'Updates' indicates modification of existing data. The scope affects card presentation templates across a note type, impacting multiple cards.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access update_note_type_templates gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Anki MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for update_note_type_templates:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"update_note_type_templates": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "update_note_type_templates_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}update_note_type_templates stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
Free to start. No card required.
Updates the HTML templates (e.g., front and back) for the cards of a note type. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Anki MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Anki MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_note_type_templates: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Anki MCP Server. Nothing to install.
update_note_type_templates is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_note_type_templates rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update_note_type_templates. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
update_note_type_templates is provided by the Anki MCP Server MCP server (nietus/anki-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 22 Anki MCP Server tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
22 Anki MCP Server tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.